Your yard: Buck Rub and protecting small trees from deer
Posted By RichC on November 22, 2025
Once again this year, we’re having problem with young buck deer damaging our young trees and breaking branches on decorative plantings. I should have shrouded them with corrugated pipes as in the past, but didn’t get a jump on it until it was too late. ☹️
Here’s some AI-powered assisted information I worked up for those who might stumble on this post:
Buck rub occurs when male deer (bucks) scrape their antlers against tree trunks to remove velvet or mark territory, often stripping bark and exposing the cambium layer on young trees with thin trunks.
Protecting Young Trees from Buck Rub
The most effective protection involves physical barriers to prevent deer access, as repellents alone are less reliable. Install these in early fall before rutting season peaks.
- Tree guards or tubes: Use corrugated plastic drainage tubing (about 4 inches in diameter) slit lengthwise and slipped around the trunk, extending at least 4-5 feet high to cover the rub zone. This is a cheap, DIY option that allows air circulation while blocking antlers.
Protect Trees From Deer Rut Damage | Trunk Shields | joe gardener®
- Wire or mesh fencing: Surround the trunk with chicken wire, welded wire, or heavy plastic mesh, secured with stakes and leaving 1-2 inches of space from the bark to avoid girdling as the tree grows. Make it at least 5-6 feet tall for better deterrence.
- Full enclosure fencing: For multiple trees or high deer pressure, erect a 6-8 foot tall deer fence around the area using posts and wire. This is more costly but provides broad protection.
Remove guards in spring to prevent moisture buildup, and monitor for any constriction as the tree expands.
Helping Trees After Buck Rub Damage
If damage has occurred, focus on cleaning the wound to promote natural healing—trees can recover from significant bark loss if the cambium isn’t completely girdled.
- Clean the wound: Use a sharp, sterilized knife (like a box cutter or grafting knife) to trim away loose, shredded, or jagged bark edges, creating a smooth, oval-shaped wound that tapers at the top and bottom. This helps the tree form callus tissue more efficiently.
Repair Tree Bark from Buck Rub Damage
- Avoid sealants or dressings: Do not apply wound paint, tar, tape, sprays, or any coverings—these can trap moisture and encourage rot or infection. Let the exposed area dry and heal on its own.
- Support recovery: Water deeply during dry spells, mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk), and fertilize lightly in spring if needed to boost vigor. Monitor for a year; if the tree shows new growth and the wound starts closing, it’s likely to survive. Severe girdling (over 50% circumference damaged) may require professional assessment or removal.
If the tree is very young or the damage extensive, protect it immediately after repair to prevent further rubbing.
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