Do you have a sweet gum tree in your yard that you want to protect from deer? Or do you want to plant a sweet gum tree but are concerned that deer will eat it? Deer can be a huge problem for tree owners, so it’s important to know which trees are deer resistant.
In this article, we’ll answer the question “Are sweet gum trees deer resistant?” by looking at what makes a tree deer resistant, how deer react to sweet gum trees, the pros and cons of sweet gum trees, and other trees that are more deer resistant.
We’ll also discuss strategies for protecting sweet gum trees from deer and what to do if sweet gum trees are damaged by deer.
Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
No, sweet gum trees are not deer resistant.
Deer will eat the leaves of sweet gum trees if they are in an area with limited food sources.
Additionally, deer will also eat the fruits of sweet gum trees.
To protect sweet gum trees from deer, it is recommended to use fencing or other deterrents to keep deer away from the trees.
What is a Sweet Gum Tree?
A sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a deciduous tree native to North America.
It is well-known for its hardiness and resilience to extreme weather conditions, which makes it a popular choice for those looking for a tree with a long lifespan.
Sweet gum trees are also known for their stunning fall foliage, with leaves changing from green to hues of yellow, red, orange, and purple.
Its bark is furrowed and gray in color, and its fruit is a spiky green and brown ball, often referred to as a gumball.
Sweet gum trees can reach heights of up to 100 feet and can even live up to 200 years! It is also a popular choice for landscaping and urban beautification.
What Makes a Tree Deer Resistant?
When it comes to deer resistance, not all trees are created equal.
Trees with tough bark, sharp needles, bitter tasting bark, and/or spiny leaves tend to be more deer resistant.
Sweet gum trees, or Liquidambar styraciflua, fall into the latter category with their spiny leaves.
Although the spiny leaves may deter some browsing, deer have been known to browse on sweet gum trees when other food sources are scarce.
Sweet gum trees are also known for their hardiness and resilience to extreme weather conditions.
This hardiness may be a contributing factor to their resistance to browsing deer.
Sweet gum trees have thick bark which can help protect them from the deers sharp antlers.
Additionally, the sweet gum trees height can be a deterrent to browsing deer as deer typically browse on foliage that is low to the ground.
Unfortunately, these features are not enough to guarantee that a sweet gum tree is deer resistant.
If you are looking for a tree that is more deer resistant, consider other species such as oak, maple, or cherry trees.
These trees have particularly thick bark that is more difficult for deer to penetrate.
Additionally, many of the species in these genera have bitter tasting bark and leaves that further deter deer from browsing.
How Deer React to Sweet Gum Trees
When it comes to sweet gum trees and deer, the jury is still out on whether or not they are deer resistant.
While the trees spiny leaves may deter deer from browsing on its foliage, deer have been known to browse on sweet gum trees when other food sources are scarce.
This is because deer are adaptable creatures that have been known to feed on the foliage and buds of a wide variety of trees and plants when they are desperate for food.
In addition, the sweet gum trees height and narrow crown can make it difficult for deer to reach the leaves, making it less susceptible to browsing.
The sweet gums bark is also thick and rough, making it difficult for deer to strip away and feed on.
While these characteristics may make the tree less attractive to deer, they may not necessarily deter them from feeding on the sweet gum completely.
In the end, it is important to remember that deer are opportunistic creatures and will feed on whatever is available to them, so it is important to take proper precautions if you want to protect your sweet gum tree from deer browsing.
Fencing off the tree or using repellents may help to deter deer from feeding on your sweet gum tree.
The Pros and Cons of a Sweet Gum Tree
When it comes to choosing the right tree for your garden, there are a few key factors to consider.
One of these is deer resistance.
Sweet gum trees are popular for many reasons, including their hardiness and resilience to extreme weather conditions.
However, they are not necessarily deer resistant.
While the sweet gum tree’s spiny leaves may deter deer from browsing on its foliage, deer have been known to browse on sweet gum trees when other food sources are scarce.
On the plus side, sweet gum trees are relatively low-maintenance and often require little to no pruning or care.
They are also known for their unique star-shaped leaves and beautiful fall foliage.
Sweet gum trees are also incredibly long-lived, often living up to 200 years.
On the downside, sweet gum trees are known for their spiny fruits that often drop on driveways and walkways, creating an unpleasant and dangerous walking surface.
Additionally, the roots of the tree can be quite invasive and can cause problems for nearby structures and pathways.
Overall, sweet gum trees may not be the best choice for those looking for a deer-resistant tree.
If you are looking for a tree that is more deer resistant, consider other species such as oak, maple, or cherry trees.
Other Trees That Are More Deer Resistant
If sweet gum trees are not as deer resistant as youd like, there are several other tree species that are more likely to be overlooked by deer.
Oaks, maples, and cherries are all trees that are naturally more deer resistant than sweet gum trees.
Oak trees have a dense, coarse foliage which makes it difficult for deer to eat and their bark is thick and rough, making it difficult for deer to climb and browse on the leaves.
Maples have a wide range of colors and sizes, and their foliage is usually too tough for deer to eat.
Cherry trees are known for their sweet-smelling blossoms and their leaves are usually too tough for deer to nibble on.
Additionally, cherry tree bark is often too slippery for deer to climb.
For an extra layer of protection, you can also use deer repellents and deterrents on your trees.
Deer repellents are chemical or physical products that discourage deer from eating your plants.
Repellents come in the form of sprays, granules, or pellets that contain a variety of ingredients like putrescent egg, garlic, and capsaicin.
Deer deterrents are physical devices like netting or fences that make it difficult or impossible for deer to access your trees.
No matter which tree species you choose, its important to remember that deer are always looking for food sources and they can often be quite persistent.
Therefore, it is wise to be proactive in monitoring your trees and using some form of deer deterrence or protection.
By doing this, you can ensure that your sweet gum trees remain safe from browsing deer.
Strategies For Protecting Sweet Gum Trees from Deer
When it comes to protecting sweet gum trees from deer, there are a few strategies that can be employed to minimize damage caused by these animals.
First, it is important to note that the spiny leaves of sweet gum trees alone are not enough to deter deer from browsing on them, as they have been known to browse on these trees when other food sources are scarce.
This means that additional measures must be taken in order to ensure the health of your sweet gum trees.
One way to protect sweet gum trees from deer is to create a physical barrier around the tree.
This could be accomplished by installing a fence around the tree, or by using netting or other materials to create an enclosed space.
This will help to keep the deer away from the tree, as well as providing additional protection from the elements.
Another strategy for protecting sweet gum trees from deer is to apply repellents to the foliage or trunk of the tree.
Repellents are available in different forms, such as sprays, granules, and even bars.
These repellents should be applied every few weeks to ensure that the repellents effects are maintained.
Repellents are most effective when applied in the late fall or early winter, when deer are most active.
Finally, planting other trees that are more deer resistant can also help to protect sweet gum trees from deer.
This could involve planting trees such as oak, maple, or cherry trees, which are known to be more deer resistant.
Planting these trees around the sweet gum trees can help to serve as a natural deterrent, as the deer will be less likely to browse on the sweet gum trees if there are other food sources nearby.
By following these strategies and taking the appropriate measures, you can help to ensure the health and longevity of your sweet gum trees.
While sweet gum trees are not necessarily deer resistant, taking the necessary steps can help to minimize damage caused by these animals.
What to Do if Sweet Gum Trees Are Damaged by Deer
If your sweet gum tree has been damaged by browsing deer, there are steps you can take to help protect your tree.
First, you should assess the damage to the tree and identify what type of deer may have caused it.
If possible, try to implement a deterrent such as fencing or a deer repellent to keep the deer away.
If fencing is not an option, you can also try planting shrubs or other plants around the tree to act as a barrier and keep the deer away.
If the damage is extensive, you may need to prune the affected areas of the tree.
Pruning is especially important if the tree has been stripped of its bark, as this can leave the tree vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Make sure to use sharp, clean pruning tools and sterilize them between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
Finally, you may want to consider applying a tree sealer to the damaged areas of the tree.
This can help protect the tree from further damage by creating a protective barrier against the elements.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully and choose a sealer that is designed for use on sweet gum trees.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your sweet gum tree from further damage and ensure that it is able to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Gum trees are a hardy and resilient species, but unfortunately, they may not be as deer resistant as some other species.
If you are concerned about deer browsing on your sweet gum trees, there are several strategies you can take to protect them.
Additionally, if you are looking for a tree that is more deer resistant, consider other species such as oak, maple, or cherry trees.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure that your sweet gum trees remain healthy and deer-free.