There is no surefire way to free your garden of the possibility of a deer snack bar .

As the eve falls , the four - legged rats – * ahem , coughing , coughing * – gallant creatures go forth their shelters and search for food , and many times your garden or landscape looks like a drive - through fast food joint to them .

There are many repellent out there , or home remedies , but many times they do n’t make for or do n’t work well .

A buck deer eating the leaves of a mature tree.

While there are n’t many sincerely deer - resistant plants out there , there are a few varieties that they would rather not eat on .

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Deer have favorites when it add up to the botany on which they wish to browse . And they choose tender new growth and foliage . Young landscape trees that are well fertilized will generally have lots of new , juicy development , making them a tantalizing butt .

A collage of photos showing deer browsing on different trees and landscaping.

Having say that , consider protecting any new saplings or transplants with irregular fencing material to keep odd nibble wildlife at embayment – comfortably safe than sorry !

This is n’t a complete listing by any means , but it ’s a good offset if you are take care for specimen pieces for your landscape painting and would rather not see them trampled to decease or foraged on mid - time of year .

cervid dislike the taste and smell of evergreen . It ’s a combination of flavor and the sharp , unpleasant sensation of devil needles on their tongues that keep them off .

A young deer doe strolls through a cottage garden.

Other time , the pungent scent of sure plants seduce cervid recall twice before chomping down . In general , if a tree or shrub feel or smells unpleasant to us , it ’s in two ways offensive to deer .

So , what’snoton the menu ? Time to find the perfect choice for yourUSDA Hardiness Zone . On to the list !

The 15 Best Deer-Resistant Landscape Trees

1. White Spruce (Picea Glaucus) – Zones 2-6

My first job as an grownup was to plant 2,000 blanched spruce at a baby’s room in Pennsylvania . I ’ll never forget these stiff - needle tree diagram because of it . I ’ve always enjoy the relatively open and airy habitthe white sprucedevelops as it grows .

White Spruce , available from Nature Hills

As long as it ’s in a well - drained spot , the blank spruce can grow quickly to heights of up to about 45 feet .

Vertical image of a red Japanese maple in the fall, growing along a stream with rocks, brown mulch, and a white-tailed deer foraging in the earth.

The needles have an unpleasant aroma when crushed – so do n’t squelch the needles !

The whitened spruce has a comparatively narrow-minded growing range , but it ’s an exceptional tree diagram that folks in warmer clime will never be able to grow . So leap on it and grow forth if you ’re located in the correct zone !

2. Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens) – Zones 2-7

A classic increase to the landscape painting , theColorado blue spruceprovides beautiful and unique coniferous tree colors , a indulgent and coolheaded blue . A stately height of up to nearly 80 feet and hardiness to most diseases and pesterer makes the Colorado blue the tree for you .

Colorado Blue Spruceavailable from FastGrowingTrees.com

Unlike many other spruces , the Colorado blue is liberal of wind . It is somewhat tolerant to drouth and periods of prolonged moisture but is less stalwart than other members of thePiceagenus .

White spruce tree with more trees of various types in the background, growing in a green lawn.

you could occasionally find engraft Colorado blue devil at glasshouse if you desire a squat and unique conifer shape in your garden . It can do well in a kind of soil types , just be sure to embed it in a gay location .

3. Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) – Zones 3-9

A favorite of mine from a level of fascination , the ginkgois a striking grower in the right setting . These tree diagram are incredibly patient of of pollution and produce just plain cool - look leaves unlike what you ’ll see on any other tree out there .

Ginkgo biloba , available from Nature Hills

In the fall , the foliage turn to a golden - xanthous and litter the land with carpets of amber .

A close up square image of a Colorado blue spruce tree growing in the garden.

These can be planted in almost any term and flourish . They are even broad of road salt , and line at least a few metropolis street in Philadelphia .

Just make indisputable you only purchase male person tree diagram ; the female person bring forth a foul - reek fruit that would make you rue the day you constitute them .

Theyprefer full sunand grow to a peak of about 60 groundwork . Sandy grime is near , and wherever you institute , it must be well - drained . There ’s a tremendous amount of pursuit in these trees and they ’re guaranteed to be a conversation starter in your chiliad .

Fan-shaped ginkgo leaves on a branch, turning from green to yellow in the fall.

show more about like for ginkgo trees here .

4. Red Maple (Acer Rubrum) – Zones 3-9

The red mapleis a beautiful cosmetic deciduous tree . It grows to be 30 to 90 ft tall at maturity , and up to 40 feet in diam .

Red Maple , available from FastGrowingTrees.com

Flowering from March to May , it also has wonderful scarlet spring and fall vividness . This tree takes substantially to full sun but will put up fond shade . Just be sure to plant true red cultivar such as ‘ Autumn Blaze ’ or Red Sunset ™ if red autumn farewell are what you ’re after – some variety will actually turn yellow come September or October .

A square image of a red maple tree pictured in evening sunshine.

blood-red maple prefers a moist , acidic stain that is well drained , and it will grow in various type of soil including Baroness Dudevant and Henry Clay .

Commonly used for pulpwood by the saw timber manufacture , ink and various dyes were once made from the barque as well .

Care should be engage when mop and removing green goddess around the red maple , as it has flimsy bark that is susceptible to scathe from the blade .

A yard full of red maples with a brilliant display of their autumn colors.

incur steer on growing reddened maple here .

5. River Birch (Betla Nigra) – Zones 3-9

With its paper - alike bark , the river birchwill grow up to 100 feet tall . It is resilient to photoflood damage , rise well in moist to wet locations , and is upright in tough mud grease .

River Birch , usable from Nature Hills

Acidic filth is preferable over something that is indifferent or more alkaline . Intolerant to shade , remember to give this one a sunny location .

Large river birch tree growing in front of a building with a street lamp in the foreground, growing in green grass on a sunny day with blue sky in the background.

This is a beautiful tree specimen in the yard with its unique newspaper publisher bark . Game birds also love the birch ’s cum .

6. Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) – Zones 4-8

A tight - growing deciduous coniferous tree ( you read that right ! ) , thedawn redwood is the idealistic choiceif you ’ve got way for it .

Dawn Redwood , available from FastGrowingTrees.com

While it enjoys moist and fertile soils , it does not love standing water as much as its cypress cousins .

A square image of a dawn redwood growing in a central reservation of a road pictured on a blue sky background.

The dawn sequoia is a stupendous choice for any emplacement that has room for a 100 - metrical foot - tall tree with gorgeous bark , and the good shade of green this side of an emerald .

7. Black Tupelo (Nyssa Sylvatica) – Zones 4-9

Ah , ol’ Tupelo . That bang-up Van Morrison song “ Tupelo Honey ” always jams through my head when I look up to thefall color of the blackgum …

pitch-black tupelo tree can grow in most soils that are n’t heavy and impenetrable , such as those mostly consisting of clay .

Black Tupelo , available from Nature Hills Nursery

A close up square image of the canopy of an American black gum tree pictured on a blue sky background.

I love Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that offer up surprises , and the black gum ’s seemingly random outgrowth rate is on the nose the variety of surprise I like . It will finally reach a height up to about 50 substructure , but its growth pace ranges from less than a foot to more than 24 inches a year .

This autumn - time header turner will nab your attention as the summer cools off , but its graduated table - similar barque provides year - round interest to the discerning gardener .

8. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipifera) – Zones 4-9

The tulip poplar tree is a fast - grow nicety tree that cervid lean to ignore . study planting one of these beauties if you ’ve gravel the room for it to really show off . Capable of reaching heights of 100 foot and more , tulip poplar tree develop at a potential charge per unit of two feet or more a year .

Tulip Poplar , usable from Nature Hills

They provide shadowiness and extend but are prostrate to drop diminished limbs and branches . They can digest a variety of ground types but are not so safe with befoulment .

Closeup of yellow green tulip poplar leaves growing on a branch.

An interesting leaf build is play along by prolific flowering in the saltation . you may also check out more of our favourite fast - arise trees to make shadein this article .

Get steer on rise tulip poplar tree here .

9. American Holly (Ilex Opaca) – Zones 5-9

The American holly can reach superlative up to 70 feet , and its prickly leaves are an awful cervid check . These trees choose acidic soils and raise at a moderate charge per unit , 12 in a year at most .

American Holly , available from Nature Hills Nursery

Holly prefers stain with good drainage , so plopping it into a wet smirch is a no - no .

Three American holly bushes trimmed to a conical shape, growing in red mulch with taller trees in the background.

shuttlecock and other wildlife have sex the berries , though deer see every bit of this industrial plant unpleasant . For the enterprising gardener with a love forhomemade Christmas arrangements , the fruiting Berry of a holly can serve as excellent material for a homemade design .

regain more information about growing American holly here .

10. American Persimmon (Diospyros Virginiana) – Zones 5-9

hold back a bit , a cervid - insubordinate tree that also supply yield ? What is this , witchery ? !

American Persimmon Trees , useable from FastGrowingTrees

No , it ’s justthe persimmon . I ’m not a fan of the small , astringent fruit , but plenty of family line enjoy the preference and it ’s great for making jelly once it ripens full and sweetens up . Better yet , it ’s an attractive option that offers food and tax shelter for more desirable wildlife .

A square image of an American persimmon tree growing in the garden.

Keep in mind that you ’ll need both a female and a manful tree planted in close proximity in gild to pollenate the flowers and set fruit .

Plus , though it opt moist , sandlike dirt , it will produce in just about anything , and is tolerant of drought as well .

Even if you do n’t want the fruit , this is a beautiful tree worthy of the coveted “ decorative ” status while still producing comestible yield . carry it to reach heights of up to 50 feet .

A close up square image of the foliage of American sweet gum.

show more about growing American persimmon here .

11. American Sweetgum (Liquidambar Styracifula) – Zones 5-9

American sweetgumgrows to be 50 to 150 feet tall and is a proficient long - live accession to most any garden . The leaves are star - shaped with five lobes .

American Sweetgum , available from Nature Hills Nursery

This tree is tint intolerant and can survive in most any grease .

Closeup of the leaves and seedpods of the American Sweetgum or Sweet Gum tree.

bloom bloom from March to May and fruits mature from September to November . For twilight leafage , its show of red and yellow is breathtaking .

Sweetgum Natalie Wood is often used for lumber and plyboard , though it can crack easily .

Also known as American storax , hazel true pine , or alligatorwood ( among other name ) , sap from this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and its Asian relatives was sometimes used in ancient medicine . The resin that cry from cut of meat made in the barque is also referred to as “ liquid amber ” or “ copalm balsam , ” and it has a pleasant aroma .

Closeup of rose-colored flowering dogwood blooms with yellow-green centers, with green springtime trees, a blue sky, and a green lawn in soft focus in the background.

12. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida) – Zones 5-9

The flowering dogwood tree is a gorgeous native tree known for its splashy display of pinkish or white blooming in April and May , small-scale crimson yield , and leave that turn dark glasses of orange red in the gloaming . It maxes out at height of 20 to 40 feet with a short automobile trunk and ramify pennant .

‘ Cherokee Chief ’ Red Flowering Dogwood , available from Nature Hills

cornel enjoy full sun but they can also do well in partial specter , and they ’ll offer the tally bonus of attracting birds andpollinators like butterfliesto your thou .

Two light green narrow pyramid-shaped pond cypress trees, growing along a path in a green lawn, with more trees of a different type in the background, against a white sky.

Tolerant of clay soils , this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is also noteworthy for its resistance toblack walnut juglone toxicity .

Find tips on care for flowering dogwoods here .

13. Pond Cypress (Taxodium Ascendens) – Zones 5-11

Another tight - develop Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , the pond cypressoffers a vivacious unripe leaf that changes to a copper color in the fall , and a pleasing narrow Pyramids of Egypt form .

hand 45 to 60 feet at maturity with a feast of 15 to 20 feet , it originate naturally along the edge of belittled bodies of weewee or in boggy locations and swamps .

Pond Cypress , available from Nature Hills Nursery

Closeup of shiny green magnolia leaves.

As its name paint a picture , it does well in wet country of the landscape , though it can adjust to dry areas as well . Full sun or partial shade is recommended , and pool cypress tree will thrive in a variety of land types . Any dead branch should of course be get rid of , but they in the main need no pruning .

14. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora) – Zones 7-9

One of the considerably - known trees in the south , the southern magnolia is a tight - grow evergreen that will mature at around 60 - 90 feet .

Magnolia Grandiflora ‘ Green Giant,’available from Nature Hills

It has bombastic disc - comparable white flowers that are classically fragrant . Blooms look from April to June .

Closeup of a white Southern magnolia blossom.

magnolia grow bestin rich moist soils and will tolerate some shade . implant this for a glossy , classic addition to your garden .

Letting the leave-taking fall without rake provide instinctive footing mulch for the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

Learn more about southern magnolias here .

Two deodar cedar trees growing in a lawn, with a bare sapling of a different species in the foreground, and a blue sky with clouds in the background.

15. Deodar Cedar (Cedrus Deodara) – Zones 7-11

My travel in the Southwest allowed me to encounter and interact withthe deodar cedar . A true cedarwood , these are also of course resistant to insects .

Deodar Cedar , usable from Nature Hills

It will turn over heights of about 50 feet and develops a conical shape . They have a similar habit as the white spruce refer above , so if you live in the quick region of the United States , you could show off your deodar cedar while us northern folk are tending our blanched spruce .

It is n’t a fast - acquire tree diagram , but wildlife loves it and will regale you with regular visit while it fill up out and mold up . Deodar cedars opt moist stain that is well drained , and they have good drought tolerance .

That’s All For Now – So Get Growing!

We ’ve catch a nice assortment of cervid - tolerant trees here for you to consider in your cubic yard . Ready to make your selections ?

If you ’re looking for cervid - resistant flush , try perennialslike the irisandcalamint , or plantmarigolds(one of my favorites ) as a sunny yearly .

We ’re happy to hear your thoughts and suggestion , so leave us a comment and check back in before long at Gardener ’s course !

And if you need moretips on stand off cervid and their relatives , be sure to check out some of our other guides :

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right field RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . earlier published January 4th , 2016 . Last updated April 21st , 2023 . Product photograph via FastGrowingTrees.com and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited picture : Shutterstock . With additional writing and redaction by Allison Sidhu .

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Matt Suwak