Deer Damage Prevention: How to Keep Your Landscape Safe This Winter

When winter hits Minnesota, food becomes scarce for wildlife, and your landscape quickly becomes a buffet. Evergreens, shrubs, and ornamental trees that stay green through the cold months are irresistible to hungry deer.

While a few bites might seem harmless, consistent deer feeding can cause lasting damage, stripping bark, stunting growth, or even killing young trees and shrubs. The good news? With the right preventive care, you can protect your Minneapolis, St. Paul, and suburban landscapes before the snow piles up.

Why Deer Damage Is Worse in Winter

As temperatures drop and snow covers natural food sources, deer turn to whatever greenery they can find, often right in your Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Wayzata, and Minnetonka yards. From Thanksgiving through early spring, they’ll feed on:

  • Evergreens like arborvitae, cedar, and yew

  • Shrubs such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and burning bush

  • Young trees and saplings, especially those planted in the last few years

What starts as nibbling can quickly escalate into stripped branches and chewed bark, damage that trees can’t easily recover from once the growing season returns.

How Deer Repellent Works

Unlike physical barriers or fencing, which deer can easily jump, professional-grade repellents create a protective coating that deters feeding and browsing.

At Birch Tree Care, we use a long-lasting, effective repellent that’s proven to work even in Minnesota’s freezing temperatures. Unlike store-bought sprays that wash off or lose strength, our repellent provides season-long protection with a single fall application.

Benefits of Deer Repellent Treatment:

  • Long-lasting through snow, ice, and wind

  • Safe for plants, pets, and people

  • Prevents costly damage and regrowth delays

  • Applied by ISA-Certified arborists for even coverage and protection

Learn more about our Deer Repellent Services

Other Ways to Prevent Deer Damage

While repellent is your strongest line of defense, there are a few other ways to minimize risk:

  • Choose deer-resistant plants like spruce, juniper, and boxwood when landscaping.

  • Wrap young trees with tree guards or mesh to protect bark from rubbing and feeding.

  • Schedule a fall inspection with a certified arborist to identify vulnerable plants before deer season peaks.

By combining preventive treatments with smart landscaping choices, you’ll give your yard the best chance to survive the winter unscathed.

Why Choose Birch Tree Care

At Birch Tree Care, we’re passionate about helping Twin Cities homeowners protect their landscapes from seasonal damage, whether it’s deer feeding, winter burn, or storm breakage. 

Our team of ISA-Certified arborists applies years of experience to every property, using products that actually last through Minnesota winters.

We treat your property like our own, with care, attention, and expertise you can count on. When you hire Birch Tree Care, you’re not just getting a repellent, you’re getting peace of mind.

Protect Your Landscape Before It’s Too Late

Deer season peaks just as winter begins. Once the damage starts, it’s too late to reverse it. Take action now to keep your evergreens and shrubs healthy until spring.

Call Birch Tree Care at 651-401-7633 or request your free quote today. Protect your yard and your peace of mind this winter.