Deer are creatures of habit and whether they will target a particular plant or plants depends largely on previous feeding habits as well as the availability of alternative food sources. Generally damage from browsing is most severe in times of snow cover and extreme cold as well as in early Spring when succelent new growth is beginning. At this time food is in short supply and well tended ornamentals are highly attractive.

Our many years of experience in landscaping has led us to believe there are certain plants that the deer do not favor. We do not consider these plants to be 'deer proof' only 'deer resistant'.

We stock the following plants that we consider  'deer resistant' for our area :

 'Shamrock' holly, 'Carissa' holly, 'Rotunda' holly, 'Green Giant' arborvitae, Loropetalum, Boxwood, some Nandina, Ligustrum, Southern Magnolia, Japanese Plum Yew, Lavender, Barberry, Sarcoccoca, Yaupon Holly, Daphne, most Spiraea, Potentilla, 'Savannah' holly, 'Gold mop' chamaeocyparis, Japanese maple , Cryptomeria, Illicium, Pieris Japonica, Serviceberry, Birch Trees, Caryopteris, Mahonia, Yucca, Ginkgo, Leucothoe, Mums, Mugho Pine, Buddleia, Peony, 'Foster' holly, Microbiota, Heather, Spruce, and Eleagnus.

While the above mentioned plants are not favorite food of deer ~ it has been noted that a hungry deer will eat most ANYTHING . Also they  will occassionally do damage while rubbing their antlers on the bark of trees, shrubs and evergreens. Deer browsing depends on certain issues and conditions using 'deer resistant' plants in your landscape is one means of control.

Although deer will not eat certain plants they will occassionally do damage while rubbing their antlers on the bark of trees and evergreens.