deer versus cherry tree

[Beap52 1,400]

The cherry tree that I started from a cutting some three years ago, was doing fine until I discovered the ends of it's branches had been bitten off.  I'm guessing by deer.  

 

I don't know of a remedy so I took some tie wire and ran it alongside the branches and made a hoop at the end.  I'm hoping biting into a wire will discourage these pests. 

 

The tree leaved out really nicely this spring.  I've been told by a greenhouse owner and extensionists that leaf drop  is normal for the unusually wet year we've had. (Not to mention the blasted deer.)

[edgcooper 12]

I use wire fencing around my apple trees to protect them from the deer. The deer will eat the apples as soon as they appear on the trees.

[953 nut 59,790]

I have given up all forms of gardening. We built out house in the forest and the deer population is so large that anything you grow becomes their buffet. This is the view from my kitchen window

[Handy Don 13,984]

1 hour ago, Beap52 said:

 

If the leaves weren’t under it, they are likely in a deer or raccoon’s tummy.

At that stage of growth, the only real defense is full fencing. Google your local Agricultural extension--they’ll have a lot of info on options. 

[Treepep 681]

33 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

I have given up all forms of gardening. We built out house in the forest and the deer population is so large that anything you grow becomes their buffet. This is the view from my kitchen window

 

 

 

Delicious.  Some processing and... 

[JoeM 8,294]

My 8 tomato plants are guarded by an electric fence strong enough to knock a steer down. (I have it on a timer and runs at night because of the grand kids)

My wife told me that those 8 plants are so expensive, "we could have imported tomatoes from Italy!" It is not about money it is personal! The deer would take a bit out of every green tomato and spit it out on the ground. 

[SylvanLakeWH 28,339]

10 hours ago, Handy Don said:

the only real defense is full fencing.

Well... there us a much tastier option...

 

[midpack 1,006]

Watching me have my coffee this morning 

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,243]

If any of you guys are having deer issues, I offer free deer removal services that just involve a treestand and archery equipment  All venison goes in the freezer or turns into very tasty sweet bologna!

[edgcooper 12]

Amen to that solution !

[rmaynard 16,291]

BOBBEX!!!!!

Bobbex deer repellent really works. I have been using it for years. Deer used to eat all my Hostas, Azaleas, Tulips, ornamental fruit trees, etc. We spray all year long about once a month.

[Handy Don 13,984]

On 7/18/2025 at 8:40 AM, Mike'sHorseBarn said:

If any of you guys are having deer issues, I offer free deer removal services that just involve a treestand and archery equipment  All venison goes in the freezer or turns into very tasty sweet bologna!

Hmmm. I’m going to do some research on what’s permitted here by way of harvesting. I know my neighbors would also like to see some population reduction!

[953 nut 59,790]

I chose to build our home in the forest which was the natural habitat of the deer. Their property rights were granted by GOD and I am the interloper so I have to respect the deers" rights to the land, besides, wed love seeing them.

[Wayne0 1,173]

9 hours ago, 953 nut said:

I chose to build our home in the forest which was the natural habitat of the deer. Their property rights were granted by GOD and I am the interloper so I have to respect the deers" rights to the land, besides, wed love seeing them.

I'm in the same boat (Forrest), but would just as soon put them in the freezer.

[Beap52 1,400]

Thanks to all for the advice as well as the humor given.  I've not had any more issues with the deer.  We certainly don't have the population of them we had before the subdivision filled up.  I think I may try the deer repellent suggested because fencing isn't going to work in my situation.  I joked saying that I could put a dab of Vaseline on the tips of the branches.