Deer-Damaged Tiger Eye Sumac: Coppice and Cutting Rescue

Tiger Eye sumac (Rhus typhina 'Laciniata') in pot, planted out. Deer ate top, stripped bark off two main branches. Questions: (a) cut to 2–3″ + cage → regrow? (b) rescued foliage in vase → cuttings?

Expert Assessment

• Bark stripped = those branches DEAD. No cambium = no transport.
• Coppice attempt: Cut low, cage, hope for basal sprouts. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Cutting Rescue (From Vase Foliage)

1. 3–4″ tip cuttings, cut below leaf node, keep top 2 leaves.
2. Dip in rooting hormone; pot in 50/50 compost/sharp sand.
3. 3–4 cuttings per 4″ pot, leaves not touching.
4. Cold frame or cool frost-free light place (porch).
5. Root by spring (new growth at tips = roots).
6. Pot up, grow on, plant out WITH DEER PROTECTION.

Deer got the plant; cuttings are insurance. Cage essential for any regrowth.