Do Deer Eat Plum Trees

If you’re growing fruit trees, you’ve probably asked: do deer eat plum trees? The short answer is yes, and they can cause significant damage. Deer find the tender leaves, new shoots, and especially the fruit of plum trees very appealing. This common concern can turn a promising harvest into a frustrating battle. But don’t worry. With the right knowledge and strategies, you can protect your orchard and enjoy your plums.

Deer are opportunistic browsers. This means they’ll eat a wide variety of plants based on whats available and tasty to them. Plum trees, particularly young ones, are like a buffet. The bark, leaves, buds, and fruit are all on the menu. In winter, when food is scarce, deer will even strip bark, which can girdle and kill a tree. Understanding this behavior is the first step to effective protection.

What Parts of the Plum Tree Are Most at Risk?

Deer don’t just nibble on one part. They target different areas throughout the year:

New Growth & Leaves: In spring, the soft, succulent new leaves and shoots are a major attractant. This can stunt a tree’s growth.
Fruit: This is the biggest draw in summer. Deer will wait for plums to ripen and can clean off every fruit from lower branches.
Bark: In harsh winters, deer use their lower incisors to scrape and tear bark. This exposes the tree to disease and can be fatal.
Buds: Flower buds and leaf buds in late winter and early spring provide crucial nutrition for deer coming out of lean months.

Signs Deer Are Visiting Your Plum Trees

Before you see a deer, you’ll see evidence. Look for these telltale signs:

Ragged, torn leaves or missing shoots (unlike the clean cuts from insects).
Hoof prints in soft soil around the tree base.
Deer droppings (small, pellet-like clusters).
Bark stripped from the trunk, usually from the ground up to about 3 feet high.
Missing fruit, often with clean bite marks or whole branches broken from weight.

How to Protect Your Plum Trees from Deer

A single method rarely works forever. Deer are smart and adapt. The most succesful approach is to use a combination of tactics, changing them up occasionally. Your strategy will depend on your budget, the size of your garden, and local deer pressure.

Physical Barriers: The Most Reliable Method

Fences are the gold standard. They provide a physical block between the deer and your trees.

Individual Tree Guards: For young trees, use cylindrical wire mesh or plastic guards. Make sure they are tall enough (at least 4-5 feet) and staked securely.
Woven-Wire Fencing: A permanent 8-foot tall fence is very effective. Slanted fences or double fences can also work if a tall fence isn’t allowed or desired.
Electric Fencing: A two or three-strand electric fence around the orchard perimeter can be a strong deterrent. It must be maintained and kept clear of vegetation.
Netting: Bird netting can sometimes help with fruit, but determined deer will rip through it. It’s better for birds and squirrels.

Deer Repellents: A Temporary Solution

Repellents work by taste or smell. They need frequent reapplication, especially after rain.

Homemade Sprays: Mixtures using eggs, garlic, or hot pepper can be sprayed directly on the trees. Reapply every few weeks and after weather events.
Commercial Repellents: Look for products with putrescent egg solids or capsaicin. Rotate between different types so deer don’t get used to one smell.
Bar Soap or Human Hair: Placing strongly scented soap bars or bags of hair in mesh bags on branches can sometimes work, but results are very inconsistent.

Strategic Planting and Garden Management

Make your garden less inviting. This involves thinking about what you plant and where.

Deer-Resistant Borders: Plant strong-smelling, deer-resistant plants like lavender, sage, or ornamental onions around the perimeter of your orchard. This won’t stop hungry deer but might deter casual browsing.
Location: If possible, plant plum trees closer to your house. Deer are more wary of human activity.
Remove Attractants: Keep fallen fruit picked up from the ground. Don’t leave other desirable plants unprotected nearby.

Scare Tactics and Motion-Activated Devices

These can startle deer and make them feel unsafe. The key is unpredictability.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Devices like the ScareCrow spray a sudden burst of water. They are highly effective but need a water source.
Lights and Noise: Motion-activated lights or radios can work for a short time, but deer often habituate to them if they pose no real threat.
Scarecrows and Reflective Tape: Move scarecrows regularly. Hang flash tape or old CDs in trees to create movement and reflection. These are usually short-term solutions.

Long-Term Care for Damaged Plum Trees

If a deer has already gotten to your tree, act quickly to help it recover.

Assess the Damage: For bark stripping, check how much of the trunk’s circumference is damaged. If more than 50% is girdled, the tree may not survive.
Clean the Wound: Use a sharp, clean knife to smooth the ragged edges of torn bark. This helps the tree callus over faster. Do not use wound paint or tar.
Water and Fertilize: Give the tree extra care. Deep watering during dry periods and a balanced fertilizer in spring can support recovery.
Prune Broken Branches: Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar to remove any limbs broken by deer. This prevents disease entry and encourages proper healing.

Choosing Less Palatable Varieties (A Note of Caution)

No plum tree is truly deer-proof. A starving deer will eat anything. However, some gardeners report that trees with very tart fruit or certain textures might be browsed less often. This should not be your primary defense. Focus on protection methods first, and consider variety selection a minor bonus if you’re in a low-pressure area.

FAQs: Common Questions About Deer and Plum Trees

Will a dog keep deer away from my plum trees?

A dog that roams the property can be an excellent deterrent. Deer learn to avoid areas with regular canine presence. The scent alone can help. However, the dog must be outside frequently for this to work consistently.

What time of day are deer most likely to eat my plum trees?

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. However, in areas with low human activity or high pressure, they may feed at any time, even during the day. Nighttime damage is also very common.

Do deer eat the plum pits?

No, deer do not eat the hard pits. They will eat the fleshy fruit and spit out or drop the pit. You’ll often find pits on the ground beneath the tree after a deer visit.

Are young plum trees more at risk?

Absolutely. Young trees are more tender and their bark is easier to damage. A deer can destroy a sapling in one visit. Protecting young trees with physical guards is essential for their survival.

What other fruit trees do deer eat?

Deer enjoy apple, pear, cherry, and persimmon trees, among others. They generally prefer fruit trees over many other types of plants, making orchards a prime target.

Protecting your plum trees from deer requires persistence and a layered plan. Start with the most reliable method you can manage, like a good fence or tree guard. Combine it with other tactics like repellents or scare devices. Observe the deer activity in your area and adapt your strategy. With consistent effort, you can significantly reduce the damage and look forward to a harvest you actually get to enjoy. Remember, the goal is to make your garden less convenient and more risky for deer than the surrounding area.