Question
We have deer in our yard most of the year. We just purchased A few Golden Biota--unaware that they were in the arborvitae family.
The web seems to indicate they are tolerant to deer  but I am concerned. Shoulde I plant them?

Answer
Hello Stuart

Unfortunately deer will have a go at anything growing and they do love arborvitae, so the Golden Biota, being in the same family, will also be at risk.

A full grown plant may indeed tolerate some browsing, but if your new plants are young and small you would need to put up a protective fence around each plant, at least for the first year or so.

The fencing could be made of wire mesh attached to stout posts, about 6 feet high and 2-3 feet from the plant.  Also, planting close to the house or in an area which is well lighted at night (e.g by a side-walk or near automatic security lights), might discourage night browsing.

Whether or not you plant your Golden Biota depends, ultimately, on how much you want them in your garden!

Gill