Deer-Resistant Arborvitae

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) is an evergreen tree or shrub found mostly in the United States and Canada throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 8. The cypress family member comes in many shapes and sizes and is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or wind block. Arborvitae is prized among humans as a hardy evergreen but also prized by deer as a favorite food source.

Deer prefer the tender tips of branches where there is new growth. This can be extremely harmful to arborvitae and other plants, because it stunts the plant's development for an entire growing season. If deer eat only the tips of a branch, it will likely grow back the next year. However, if they strip it so that no foliage is left, it will probably never regrow. Once deer know there's food to be found in your yard, they're likely to return and munch on the same plants, or anything else available.

The majority of arborvitae varieties are not deer-resistant. However, a few have emerged through breeding and experimentation that seem to fare well against deer. These include the "Green Giant", trademarked Spring Grove and "Zebrina" varieties of the western or giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata), flourishing in USDA zones 5 to 8. "Green Giant" attains up to 50 feet in height, with very little spread in width. Holmstrup (Thuja occidentalis), another deer-resistant option in USDA zones 3 to 8, may attain heights of 10 to 15 feet, spreading 3 to 5 feet; Spring Grove and Zebrina grow to between 30 and 40 feet with an 8-to-12-foot spread.

Arborvitae come in many shapes, sizes and colors, but they cannot be grown in universal conditions. Most arborvitae do best in colder climates; they thrive in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Most would not survive in warmer, more humid climates. Of deer-resistant varieties, the one with most heat tolerance is the Zebrina, which can be planted in Zone 8a (as far south as Texas and as far west as California).

All varieties of arborvitae can be made partially deer-resistant with the application of preventive measures. Fencing and cages are the simplest methods of prevention but may not be aesthetically pleasing. For a natural preventive measure, make a solution of hot peppers, water, vegetable oil, Elmer's glue and dish soap. Puree three peppers and strain through cheesecloth, then add a squirt of oil, glue and soap and mix with 10 parts water to one part solution before spraying on plants. Reapply after rain or when new growth appears.

Hungry deer that are unable to eat your arborvitae may head for your garden or other greenery. This can be particularly dangerous in early spring, when food supplies are low and deer begin stripping tender young shoots. If you want to fully protect your garden and landscaping, or if you live in an area with a high deer population, you might need to put up a tall fence.