What Pine Trees Are Deer Resistant

Pine trees are a popular choice for landscaping and gardening, but not all varieties are equally resistant to deer browsing. Deer can cause significant damage to pine trees, especially young saplings, by feeding on the foliage, bark, and branches. Understanding which pine tree varieties are more deer-resistant can help gardeners and landscapers make informed decisions when planning their outdoor spaces.

List of Deer-Resistant Pine Tree Varieties

Here is a comprehensive list of pine tree varieties that are considered deer-resistant, along with their key characteristics:

1. Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergiana)
2. Height: 20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
3. Width: 10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
4. Growth Rate: Medium to Fast

5. Deer Resistance: High (Rating: A)

6. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)

7. Height: 30-60 feet (9-18 meters)
8. Width: 20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
9. Growth Rate: Medium

10. Deer Resistance: High (Rating: A)

11. Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

12. Height: 50-80 feet (15-24 meters)
13. Width: 20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
14. Growth Rate: Medium

15. Deer Resistance: High (Rating: A)

16. Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)

17. Height: 10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
18. Width: 10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
19. Growth Rate: Slow to Medium
20. Deer Resistance: Medium (Rating: B)

Why Are Some Pine Trees More Deer-Resistant Than Others?

Pine trees that are native to local geographic areas tend to be less preferred by deer. Deer are more likely to graze on non-native pine species. Deer also prefer to eat pine trees when other food sources are scarce, especially during winter when other plants are less available.

How to Use Deer-Resistant Pine Trees in Landscaping

1. Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergiana)
2. Aesthetic Qualities: Dense, dark green foliage, and a compact, irregular shape.
3. Maintenance Requirements: Regular pruning to maintain shape.

4. Deer Behavior: Deer tend to avoid Japanese Black Pine due to its dense foliage and strong scent.

5. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)

6. Aesthetic Qualities: Twisted, irregular shape, and reddish-brown bark.
7. Maintenance Requirements: Occasional pruning to maintain shape.

8. Deer Behavior: Deer are less likely to browse Pitch Pine due to its twisted branches and strong scent.

9. Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)

10. Aesthetic Qualities: Tall, columnar shape, and reddish-brown bark.
11. Maintenance Requirements: Regular pruning to maintain shape.
12. Deer Behavior: Deer tend to avoid Red Pine due to its tall stature and strong scent.

What Does the Research Say About Deer-Resistant Pine Trees?

• Average deer browsing rates for pine trees vary depending on the species and local deer populations. However, studies suggest that deer tend to browse less on pine trees with strong scents, prickly leaves, or thick latex or sap.
• Resistance levels for pine trees can be rated on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being highly susceptible to deer damage and 10 being highly resistant. Japanese Black Pine, Pitch Pine, and Red Pine are generally rated as 8-10, while Mugo Pine is rated around 5-6.
• Research findings suggest that deer are more likely to damage pine trees during winter when other food sources are scarce. Protecting young pine trees with mesh wiring and using deer fencing can help prevent damage.

Conclusion

When it comes to creating a deer-resistant landscape, choosing the right pine tree varieties can be a valuable strategy. Japanese Black Pine, Pitch Pine, and Red Pine are among the most deer-resistant pine tree options, while Mugo Pine offers moderate resistance. By understanding the characteristics and research behind deer-resistant pine trees, gardeners and landscapers can make informed decisions to protect their outdoor spaces from deer damage.

Reference:

1. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. (2018). Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance. Retrieved from https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deer-resistant-plants/?search=Pinus&submit=Search
2. Plant Addicts. (2023). Are Pine Trees Deer Resistant? Retrieved from https://plantaddicts.com/are-pine-trees-deer-resistant/
3. Gardeners Path. (2023). 15 Best Deer-Resistant Landscape Trees for Your Yard. Retrieved from https://gardenerspath.com/plants/landscape-trees/for-your-yard-that-are-deer-tolerant/.