Stop Deer Destruction—These Shrubs They Completely Ignore

Thu, 07 May 2026 02:24:27 +0000

Stop Deer Destruction—Why These Shrubs Are Irresistible and What We Can Do Deer damage to gardens, forests, and agricultural lands has become a growing concern nationwide. From prized shrubs to young saplings, many common garden plants are surprisingly ignored by deer—leaving landscapers, homeowners, and conservationists searching for effective solutions. Understanding which shrubs deer completely avoid could be the key to preserving your green spaces while reducing conflict with wildlife. Why Do Deer Ignore Certain Shrubs? Deer have selective feeding behaviors shaped by taste, smell, texture, and nutritional value. While deer don’t follow rigid rules, they tend to steer clear of shrubs with strong odors, tough textures, or naturally bitter compounds. This natural avoidance isn’t just luck—it’s biology at work. Shrubs like boxwood (Buxus), yew (Taxus), and agent Philip Ceratostigma are known deer-resistant due to their dense foliage, strong scents, or mild toxicity.