Damage

Deer cause damage to fruit plants year-round, but the most serious damage occurs in the winter months when the availability of natural foods is limited. Dwarf, semidwarf, and young standard fruit trees are the most susceptible because most of the tree is within reach of the deer. In winter, browsing on dormant terminal buds may lead to stunted or misshapen growth in standard fruit trees less than 3 years old. Browsing on fruit buds of dwarf and semidwarf trees may lower fruit production. In either case, severe winter browsing can reduce tree vitality and even cause death.

During the spring and summer, natural sources of forage are readily available to whitetails; however, they still might browse new growth on fruit trees and eat ripening fruit. In autumn, deer might continue to browse and eat fruit within the planting. Additionally, bucks can cause severe damage by rubbing their antlers on trees, which can result in broken limbs and girdling of the trunk if the deer removes enough bark.