Deer Deterrent Management - Tree Service Experts

Deer Deterrent & Management

“Annual estimates of deer damage are reported to exceed $2 billion nationwide, including… more than $250 million in damage to metropolitan households.”

Wondering how to keep deer away and out of your yard or garden? Fortunately, we provide a Deer Deterrent & Management Program that can protect you and your landscape from deer.

Deer damage can be costly, unsightly, and even deadly. In some cases this damage can have long term effects and disfigure your landscape. Annually deer damage exceeds $2 billion nationwide. If that wasn’t bad enough, deer also bring deadly disease carrying travelers into your yard threatening the safety of your loved ones.

WHAT SHRUB AND TREE SPECIES DO DEER LIKE TO EAT?

In the Northern Virginia, DC Metropolitan area, the #1 plant food that deer like most are Euonymus shrubs. Our arborists estimate that in our area, 1 out of every 3 homes has some type of Euonymus in their yards.

Although not as “tasty,” the food deer in our area also like going after are:

Hosta (Host sp.)
Candy Lily (Pardancanda x norrisii)
Roses
Yews (Taxus sp.)
American Arborviate (Thuja occidentalis)
Evergreen Azaleas & Rhododendron (Rhododendron sp).

Read here to learn more about the plants that attract deer and what plants deer hate.

HOW DO DEER DAMAGE YOUR LANDSCAPE?

Deer browsing: Damage to trees and shrubs can be extensive, affecting plant shape and exposing bare wood to disease and insects.

Mating “rut”: From early September through November male deer are looking to clean their antlers of summer velvet, while at the same time marking territory during the breeding season. In addition to rubbing antlers against trees to remove velvet, buck deer assert themselves by thrashing and battering the tree for noise effect.

Tree Damage: Tree damage involves shredding of bark from a foot or so above the ground, to three to four feet up, exposing underlying wood. If rubbed all the way around, the trunk can be effectively girdled.

If small trees are bent over by the deer, main leaders and smaller limbs can be broken off. Usually the damage is done over a 24 hour period. Because this is also a territorial action, the buck may revisit trees they like in subsequent years.

Read here to learn how to keep deer away from your plants.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY ISSUES RELATED TO DEER?

Accidents: Over population of deer in neighborhoods can also cause car damage and accidents when they run out into the streets.

Attacks: Always keep in mind a buck in rut is an unpredictable animal. It has an agitated and angry appearance, and will often stand its ground and not be afraid. With its sharp antlers it is a clear danger, and challenging it or attempting to scare it away may result in an attack.

Ticks: When deer enter your yard they bring ticks that can endanger your family. These ticks often carry Lyme diseases, Babesiosis, or other diseases that can lead to great illness or even death.

Read here to learn more about deer-related safety and damage issues.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY AND FAMILY FROM DEER?

RTEC Treecare offers a safe deterrent that will protect your plants and family from deer damage or safety issues.

Our Deer Deterrent & Management Program applied by a Certified, Professional Arborist will:

Deter the deer from your property.
Protect plants from browsing deer.
Protect your family from ticks transmitted by deer.
Save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on spring landscaping aimed at repairing deer damage.

Charles T

April 2, 2024.

I connected with RTEC through a neighbor who was interviewing RTEC for tree work on her yard. Ben was very thorough looking at the trees that I thought needed work. He understood my desire to keep the trees healthy and reduce falling limbs. The price my small job seemed reasonable. The crew came on Friday for the contract I signed on Monday. I was able to speak with the crew leader and give him my perspective on the work needed before I had to leave for another engagement. When I returned, the work was done just as Ben and I had discussed and I discussed with Pedro. The yard was cleared of debris. I was pleased with the result and there was honestly nothing to criticize.

Mandy Neuman

March 28, 2024.

I have used RTEC Treecare both at my home and for a commercial job and I have been very happy with them. They are professional, knowledgable, and great to work with. Communication was a breeze! I highly recommend them!

Nancy Rodgers

March 28, 2024.

RTEC treated my crape myrtles and saved them from disease. My yard looks great since I started using RTEC last year! They are so knowledgeable and helpful!

Todd Friedlander

March 25, 2024.

We had a large (4’) diameter maple tree at the end of our driveway (and neighbor’s driveway) that needed to come down. We worked with RTEC on a removal strategy that wouldn’t impact our neighbors. When we came home that evening the tree and the cleanup was so thorough I joked with my wife that “someone had stolen our tree!” RTEC is masterful in their work, true skilled professionals!

Janet Frank

March 19, 2024.

RTEC Tree has been taking care of our front Zelkova with biostimulant treatments for several years now. We had extensive front hard and landscape construction completed around the Zelkova, and the tree came through beautifully with no shock whatsoever. They recently pruned our Zelkova, and they preserved the shape of the tree. Upon pruning, they noticed a nest of 3 baby squirrels in the crook of two of the limbs. They respected that nest and notified me that they worked around the nest. Thank you, RTEC! They also removed 4 dead or suspect limbs from an oak tree adjoining our back yard. The limbs were hanging over our fence and house. They cleaned up all the debris after carefully lowering the limbs without damage to our patio furniture and grill. They respect the existing new landscaping. RTEC has also removed diseased trees from our property over the years, including an oak tree from the Resource Protection Area (which was not on our property). They worked with Fairfax County to file all paperwork to remove the tree which posed a hazard to the surrounding homes including ours. RTEC has all the equipment to deal with any tree problem and their crews are pleasant to interact with. Ben Gotch has been our consultant and he is tuned into the homeowner. Very detail oriented and thorough. He kept us apprised of our service especially if scheduling modifications needed to be made. RTEC arrived on time and finished the jobs in an efficient manner, cleaning up all the debris. I very highly recommend RTEC for all your tree needs.

Tyler Anbinder

March 6, 2024.

I love RTEC. Ben is especially great. He's the only tree guy who has ever told me not to do tree work, which to me shows honesty compared to the other guys, whose only solution is always to cut the tree down.

Jose Salazar

February 23, 2024.

Excellent service!

Udit Minocha

February 15, 2024.

We've been using RTEC Treecare for about 5 years for pruning, tree removal, and the Bio-stimulant Program for our old maple tree that keeps the house cool in the summer. We really like that they have knowledgeable arborists on staff and know what they're doing.

Linda D.

February 9, 2024.

Have been using for many years. professional and detailed in treatments and pruning.

Carol Aten

February 6, 2024.

We have used RTEC Treecare for over 10 years and have really appreciated their attention to keeping our trees and shrubs in good health. We have a number large trees that have needed various treatments and have been pleased to be able to maintain them in a healthy and attractive condition. I highly recommend them and their arborist Ben Gotch.