Newly planted seedlings are vulnerable to damage from wildlife, particularly deer and rabbits. Both can cause significant harm that reduces tree growth, deforms trunks, or kills seedlings entirely. The following information outlines how to recognize and prevent damage from these common culprits.
Deer Damage
Deer browsing and rubbing can severely impact young trees and seedlings. When deer browse buds and shoots, they slow tree growth and can create multiple stems. Bucks rubbing their antlers against trunks may strip bark or completely kill trees.
Prevention Methods
The most effective method to prevent deer damage is to exclude them entirely.
A well-constructed fence—at least 8 feet tall—can prevent deer access but may be costly and requires maintenance to ensure deer cannot jump over or crawl under.
Five-foot polyethylene tree tubes protect seedlings from deer browsing and rubbing while allowing sufficient light for growth.
These shelters also prevent mechanical injury from mowers or trimmers.
Not recommended for shrubs or evergreen seedlings.
Commercial tubes made of mesh or rigid plastic should be at least 4–5 feet tall for adequate deer protection.
Individual cages made from welded wire or heavy screen can protect trees effectively.
Ensure cages are tall enough to prevent deer from reaching over and are wide enough to avoid constricting the tree as it grows.
Cages must eventually be removed to prevent girdling.
Odor- or taste-based repellents (such as commercial sprays, human hair, bars of soap, or hot sauce) can deter deer but require regular reapplication.
Scare devices like lights, dogs, or noise deterrents may work temporarily, though deer often become accustomed to them.
Rabbit Damage
Rabbits damage seedlings and young trees by clipping stems, buds, and branches or by girdling bark—especially in fall and winter when other food sources are scarce. Young trees are most at risk until bark thickens with age. Preferred species include apple, cherry, plum, pine, maple, and certain ornamentals. Juniper and redcedar are less susceptible but not immune.
Prevention Methods
A 2-foot-tall, 1-inch-mesh galvanized poultry wire fence can exclude cottontail rabbits.
Bury or secure the bottom edge to prevent rabbits from digging underneath.
Plastic, wire, or mesh tree protectors are an effective long-term option.
They should extend 12–18 inches above expected snow depth.
The rabbit protective tubes available through the Kansas Conservation Tree Planting Program are 18-inch-tall rigid mesh cylinders supported by bamboo stakes. They allow side branches to grow through and last about three years without needing removal.
Tin foil, paper wraps, or plastic spirals can be used around trunks for small trees; however, these are less durable and may not deter jackrabbits.
Reduce rabbit populations naturally by removing brush piles, tall weeds, and debris that provide cover.
Mowing between tree rows creates open areas that make rabbits more vulnerable to predators.
Where permitted, hunting or live-trapping can help reduce populations.
Live traps should be placed near cover and baited with apples, carrots, or alfalfa.
Captured rabbits should be released several miles away from planting areas.