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Frugal Gardening
Frugal Gardening
Amanda Blankenship

How to Keep Deer From Browsing Shrubs Through Winter

How to keep deer from eating shrubs
Hungry deer can severely damage ornamental shrubs during winter, especially when natural food becomes scarce. Wire cages, properly applied repellents, and regular inspections can help protect valuable landscaping from browsing damage. Eric Buermeyer/Shutterstock

You spent spring planting new shrubs, summer keeping them watered, and fall making sure they’re ready for colder weather. Then, one winter morning, you look outside and discover that deer have eaten half the branches off your favorite plants. Unfortunately, winter browsing can undo months or even years of gardening work in a surprisingly short time.

As natural food becomes harder to find, deer may turn to ornamental shrubs, young trees, and evergreen landscaping for nourishment. According to the University of Minnesota, deer feed on the terminal and side branches of trees and shrubs, sometimes causing serious damage. Learning how to keep deer from eating shrubs before winter arrives can help protect your landscaping investment without spending a fortune on complicated deterrent systems.

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