Deer Bark Stripping on Young Maples: Wound Care and Exclusion

Deer rubbing antlers can **girdle** (remove bark full circumference) young maples, severing the vascular cambium and killing the tree. Partial stripping (vertical) allows survival but reduces vigor on that side.

Wound Care: Do No Harm

• **Trim loose bark** cleanly to firm attachment (vertical ellipse shape).
• **NO wound paint/dressing**—traps moisture, slows callus formation.
• **Let the tree compartmentalize naturally.**

Exclusion: The Only Reliable Protection

1. **Fencing (best):** 6–8 ft tall woven wire, angled 30° outward, or 8-ft vertical with overhang. Enclose individual trees or entire area.
2. **Tree guards:** Plastic mesh tubes/spirals (arbortubes), chicken wire cages, or corrugated pipe. Must be **ventilated, loose, and tall enough** (4–5 ft). Remove/adjust as trunk expands.
3. **Repellents (supplemental):** Area odor repellents (putrescent egg solids, blood meal) or contact repellents (thiram, capsaicin). Reapply after rain. **Not 100% effective.**

Study Reference

Deer repellent efficacy trial: walnutcouncil.org

**Act now.** Deer return to same rubs annually. Physical exclusion is mandatory for valuable trees.