Do Deer Eat Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae

So, I was walking my dog the other day, right? We're strolling through the neighborhood, minding our own business, when I notice something peculiar. Mr. Thompson's prized Thuja occidentalis 'Bowling Ball', his little green bowling ball of an arborvitae, is looking a tad... deflated. I mean, it's not just a little windswept, it's positively deflated, like someone let the air out of it. I scratch my head, and my dog scratches his ear, and we both wonder, "What in the world happened here?"

Enter the Deer

Now, I'm no deer whisperer, but I've seen enough nature documentaries to know that these critters have a hankering for greens. But arborvitae? Really? I mean, it's not like they're chowing down on a nice, juicy salad. This is more like eating a mouthful of pine needles, which, by the way, is not recommended for humans either. But hey, who am I to judge? I'm just a guy trying to figure out why my neighbor's tree looks like it's been through a blender.

Deer: The Original Landscape Artists

You might think I'm exaggerating, but deer are no strangers to the art of topiary. They've been "pruning" our gardens since time immemorial. They're like nature's own hedge trimmers, wandering around with their little deer clippers, snipping here, nibbling there. And let me tell you, they're not picky. They'll eat just about anything green, from your prize-winning roses to your grandma's prize-winning petunias. But arborvitae? That's a new one.

So, I did what any curious neighbor would do. I set up a little deer cam, because if there's one thing I've learned from the internet, it's that you can't trust a deer. I mean, have you seen Bambi's dad? He's a sneaky one. Anyway, I set up the camera, and lo and behold, the next morning, I see a deer munching on poor Mr. Thompson's arborvitae like it's a bag of chips.

Deer vs. Arborvitae: The Battle of the Greens

Now, you might be thinking, "Why would a deer eat an arborvitae? Isn't that like eating a tree?" Well, yes and no. You see, deer are browsers, not grazers. They prefer leaves and twigs over grass. And while arborvitae might not be their first choice (I mean, have you tasted pine needles?), when the snow's deep and the pickings are slim, a deer will eat just about anything to survive. Plus, arborvitae has a high moisture content, which can help keep a deer hydrated in the winter.

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae – Wilson Nurseries

But here's the thing: deer have a pretty sensitive stomach. They can't just eat anything and everything. In fact, they've got a whole list of plants they won't touch, like daffodils and azaleas. But arborvitae? Well, it seems like it's on the menu. Who knew?

Deer-Resistant Arborvitae: A Myth?

You might be wondering, "Isn't there some kind of deer-resistant arborvitae?" And the answer is... sort of. There are some varieties that deer tend to leave alone, like the American Arborvitae and the Eastern White Cedar. But here's the thing: deer are smart. They know that when the snow's deep and the pickings are slim, they can't be too picky. So, while they might prefer other plants, they'll still eat an arborvitae if they have to.

Thuja occidentalis 'Mr BOWLING BALL' dwarf white cedar, arborvitae

Plus, deer have a memory like an elephant. Once they've discovered a tasty treat, they'll come back for more. So, even if you plant a deer-resistant arborvitae, there's no guarantee it'll stay that way. It's like planting a "deer-resistant" candy bar. Eventually, they'll figure it out.

So, What's a Gardener to Do?

Well, my friends, it seems like the battle of the greens is a never-ending one. But there are a few things you can do to protect your plants. You can install a fence - deer can jump pretty high, so you'll need one that's at least 8 feet tall. You can also use deer repellents, but you'll need to reapply them after it rains or snows. And, of course, you can always try to outsmart them with deer-resistant plants. But remember, no plant is truly deer-proof.

In the end, it's a constant game of cat and mouse. Or, in this case, deer and gardener. But hey, at least it makes for a good story, right? So, the next time you see a deer munching on your neighbor's arborvitae, just remember: it's not personal. It's just a deer trying to survive the winter. And who are we to judge?