DAMAGE/SYMPTOMS Bark scraping and shredded bark are evidence of antler rubbing by deer. Bucks rub or scrape the velvet from their antlers on trees. Deer may also feed on trees. Mule deer and white-tailed deer lack upper incisors. Because of this, they leave no teeth marks. They often leave a jagged or torn surface on twigs or stems that they feed on.

OCCURRENCE In the fall and early winter, male deer will rub on trees to remove velvet and to mark trees. Deer will feed on trees throughout the year, but less in the summer due to abundant food sources.

SUSCEPTIBILITY/TOLERANCE Deer prefer to rub on immature trees with smooth bark and no limbs.

MANAGEMENT Install trunk guards/tree protectors to susceptible trees. Plant native trees and shrubs that are more tolerant of browsing or deer-resistant plants. Use fencing to exclude deer from certain areas. There are also repellents available to deter deer.

 

A Damage to trunk by deer rubbing. B Deer prefer smooth-barked trees, like aspen, for rubbing.

 

Tree trunks missing bark in a hardwood forest. Leaf litter covers the ground.

Three tree trunks with bark missing from two of them in an urban landscape.