If you’ve ever stepped outside in late winter to find your once-beautiful shrubs stripped bare, you’re not alone. In eastern Pennsylvania, deer become especially destructive in winter when natural food sources are limited. Tender bark, buds, evergreen foliage, and young branches suddenly look like a buffet — and your landscape is often the main course.
The good news? With a little planning and the right products, you can protect your garden and prevent costly damage before spring arrives.
Why Deer Damage Gets Worse in Winter
During the growing season, deer have plenty of natural food options. But once cold weather sets in and vegetation dies back, deer turn to ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees for nourishment. They’ll browse twigs and buds, strip bark, and graze evergreen foliage — often causing permanent damage or even plant loss.
This is why winter is the most important season for deer prevention.
Common Plants Deer Love to Eat
If you have any of the following in your landscape, they’re likely on the deer’s winter menu:
Perennials
- Daylilies
- Hostas
- Tulips
Shrubs
- Yews
- Arborvitae
- Hydrangea
- Rhododendron and Azalea
Trees
- Dogwood
- Maple
- Apple and Crabapple
- Cherry
- Young Evergreen Trees
If these plants sound familiar, proactive protection is essential. You can find a comprehensive list of local plants and their resistance to deer damage HERE through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Simple Ways to Prevent Winter Deer Damage
1. Apply a Proven Deer Repellent
One of the easiest and most effective solutions is applying a deer repellent regularly throughout winter. Repellents create an unpleasant taste and scent that deter deer from browsing — without harming your plants.
We recommend Deer Scram, available at Gasper Home & Garden Center in Richboro, PA, and online at ShopGasper.net.
Deer Scram is:
- All-natural and biodegradable
- Safe for pets and people
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting through winter weather
Applying Deer Scram now helps keep deer away before they form feeding habits in your yard.
2. Protect Vulnerable Plants Physically
For young trees and prized shrubs:
- Wrap trunks with tree guards to prevent bark stripping
- Use burlap or protective netting around shrubs
- Install temporary fencing around garden beds
3. Choose Deer-Resistant Plants Going Forward
When planning future plantings, incorporate more deer-resistant varieties such as:
- Lavender
- Salvia
- Daffodils
- Russian Sage
A balanced landscape reduces temptation. You can browse Gasper’s wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs here at ShoptGasper.net
Visit Gasper for Winter Deer Protection
Whether you’re looking to save existing plants or plan a deer-smart landscape for spring, our team is here to help.
Stop by Gasper Home & Garden Center in Richboro, PA, to pick up Deer Scram and other winter plant protection supplies — or shop anytime online at ShopGasper.net.
Your garden deserves to wake up in spring exactly as you planted it.
To learn more from the Gasper Experts on how to protect your yard and garden in the winter time, check out this Gasper Blog Post.
