Potential New Method for Protecting Tree Damage from Deer

Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ serves as an outdoor laboratory for landscape studies, including investigations into ways to deter white-tailed deer from damaging trees.

The Duke Foundation, which owns the estate, is opening the grounds to outside research in efforts to learn more about the property’s natural and man-made ecologies. Duke Farms has problems with deer overpopulation and invasive weeds, as do many large properties, and they are investigating nonlethal ways to manage the deer population. Property managers noticed that the deer were using some old split-rail cedar fencing to rub the velvet covering off their antlers. Tree damage from “buck rub” during the deer rut season is a common problem seen in orchards, nurseries, and other areas where trees are valued. Duke Farms staff decided to try erecting different kinds of posts at strategic points around the property in efforts to provide the deer with an option for rubbing other than live trees. Preliminary results indicate that this management strategy may be viable. The deer seem to prefer cedar posts, although further research will be necessary to determine the best way to utilize this management technique.

New Jersey Star-Ledger, February 17, 2004