Deer-Proofing Evergreens in December: How to Protect Your Landscape All Winter Long

Deer-Proofing Evergreens in December: How to Protect Your Landscape All Winter Long

When winter arrives in Rhode Island, food sources become scarce, and hungry deer start eyeing residential landscapes as an easy buffet. Unfortunately, evergreens are among their favorite winter snacks. From arborvitae and yews to hemlock and cedar, one night of grazing can undo years of growth.

December is the perfect time to get ahead of the damage.

At 4everGreen, we help homeowners protect their landscapes year-round, and winter deer control is one of the most important steps. Here’s what you should know (and what you can do) to keep deer away before real damage begins.

Why Deer Love Evergreens in Winter

As temperatures drop, most plants go dormant and lose foliage. Evergreens, however, stay lush and green — offering both food and shelter when deer need it most.

Deer damage typically shows up as:

  • Ragged, torn branch tips

  • Stripped bark on younger trees

  • Missing foliage up to 6–8 feet from the ground (“browse line”)

  • Misshapen or thinned plants in spring

Because browsing happens repeatedly through winter, small amounts of damage can compound quickly.

That’s why December prevention matters more than spring repair.

Best Ways to Deer-Proof Evergreens in December

Below are the strategies we recommend, starting with the most effective.

1. Apply Professional Deer Repellents

Repellents create a scent and taste barrier that make evergreens unappealing, without harming wildlife, pets, or plants.

There are two main categories:

  • Scent-based (smells unpleasant to deer)

  • Taste-based (bitter when bitten)

For winter protection, we recommend rotating products and reapplying as directed, especially after heavy rain or thaw cycles.

Tip: DIY sprays can help short-term, but professional-grade repellents last longer and are designed for cold-weather durability. 4everGreen offers seasonal deer treatments that protect landscape plants through winter, and we time applications to maximize effectiveness.

2. Install Physical Barriers (Where Needed)

In high-pressure areas, barriers can make the difference between mild nibbling and major destruction.

Options include:

  • Temporary winter fencing

  • Burlap wraps

  • Snow fencing

  • Wire cages around young trees

If you wrap evergreens, make sure material is breathable and loosely secured. Wrapping too tightly traps moisture and can encourage disease.

3. Choose Deer-Resistant Varieties (When Planting)

No plant is 100% deer-proof, but some are far less appealing.

If you’re adding evergreens to your property, consider:

  • Boxwood

  • Spruce (many varieties)

  • Juniper

  • Pine (certain species)

Meanwhile, deer especially love:

  • Arborvitae (a favorite winter snack)

  • Yew

  • Hemlock

  • Cedar

If you already have deer-favorites, pairing them with repellents and barriers is critical through winter.

4. Avoid Feeding Deer (Even Accidentally)

Bird seed, fallen fruit, and intentional feeding attract deer to your yard, and once they discover your landscape, they’ll return repeatedly.

Clean up food sources and avoid anything that trains deer to associate your property with easy meals.

Why December Is the Critical Month

By December, deer feeding routines are established, and they remember where they find food.

Putting protection in place now:

✔ Prevents browsing before it becomes a habit
✔ Reduces long-term plant stress
✔ Keeps evergreens fuller and healthier into spring
✔ Saves money on replacement and corrective pruning

Once deer strip branches, the recovery process can take years, and some plants never regain their natural shape.

How 4everGreen Can Help

Our winter deer-protection services are designed specifically for New England landscapes and changing winter conditions.

We can:

  • Inspect your property for vulnerable plants

  • Recommend the right combination of repellents and barriers

  • Apply professional-grade treatments that last through harsh weather

  • Set up a seasonal program so protection continues year after year

If you’ve noticed deer activity, or want to get ahead of it, December is the time to act.

Protect Your Evergreens Before It’s Too Late

Your landscape is an investment. With the right winter protection, it will come through the season healthy, full, and ready to thrive in spring.

If you’d like help deer-proofing your evergreens, we’re here to make it easy.

Contact 4everGreen today to schedule a winter deer protection visit.