How To Install Deer Netting On Arborvitae – To Prevent Winter Damage
You have spent years cultivating a lush, green privacy screen around your property. It is heartbreaking to wake up and find your beautiful evergreens stripped of their foliage by hungry winter visitors.
Learning how to install deer netting on arborvitae is the most effective way to safeguard your investment. This simple DIY project ensures your trees remain healthy and vibrant throughout the harshest months of the year.
In this guide, we will walk through the exact materials, techniques, and pro tips needed to secure your landscape. You will learn how to choose the right mesh and apply it like a seasoned homesteader or professional gardener.
Table of Contents
Why Your Arborvitae Need Winter Protection
Arborvitae are often referred to as “deer candy” by experienced outdoor enthusiasts. When the snow covers the ground, these evergreens become a primary food source for local herds.
Deer will browse the lower branches, often creating a “browse line” as high as six feet. This damage is not just aesthetic; it can stunt growth or even kill younger trees during the dormant season.
Beyond feeding, male deer may use the trunks to rub their antlers. This behavior can strip the bark and disrupt the tree’s ability to transport nutrients, leading to long-term damage or death.
Installing a physical barrier is the only 100% reliable method to stop this. Repellent sprays can wash off in the rain or snow, but a well-installed net provides constant protection.
The Essential Gear List for Netting Success
Before you begin the installation, you need to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will make the process much faster and ensure a professional-grade result.
You will need high-quality polypropylene deer netting. Look for a mesh size of about 3/4 inch to 1 inch to prevent birds from getting tangled while still blocking deer.
Gather a pack of heavy-duty zip ties or “twine” to secure the netting. You should also have a sharp pair of utility scissors or snips to trim the excess material.
If your arborvitae are tall, a sturdy A-frame ladder is essential. Always ensure you are working on level ground and have a partner to spot you for maximum safety.
Finally, consider wearing work gloves. The netting can be abrasive on your skin, and the arborvitae foliage may cause mild irritation during the wrapping process.
The Step-by-Step Process: how to install deer netting on arborvitae
The first step is to measure the height and circumference of your trees. Add at least two feet to the height measurement to account for overlapping and securing the mesh at the base.
Start at the top of the tree. Drape the netting over the terminal leader (the very top point) and begin wrapping it around the foliage in a spiral motion.
Work your way down the tree, ensuring the netting is snug but not tight enough to compress the branches. You want to maintain the tree’s natural shape while creating a barrier.
As you wrap, use zip ties to connect the overlapping edges of the netting. Space these ties every 18 to 24 inches to prevent the wind from pulling the seams apart.
When you reach the bottom, ensure the netting touches the ground. You can use landscape staples to pin the mesh into the soil, preventing deer from sticking their noses underneath.
Check the entire tree for gaps. A deer only needs a small opening to begin browsing, so ensure the coverage is completely continuous from top to bottom.
Choosing the Right Type of Netting Material
Not all netting is created equal. For arborvitae, you want a material that is UV-treated so it does not break down under the intense winter sun.
Standard bird netting is often too thin and can tear easily. Look for heavy-duty extruded plastic netting which offers much higher tensile strength against pushing deer.
Consider the color of the mesh. Black netting is almost invisible from a distance, making it the preferred choice for aesthetic landscaping and curb appeal.
Green netting is also available and blends well with the foliage, though it can be slightly more visible than black. Avoid white or clear netting, as it stands out harshly against the winter landscape.
If you live in an area with extremely heavy snow, choose a wider mesh. This allows snow to pass through the holes rather than accumulating on the surface and weighing down your branches.
Common Pitfalls when Learning how to install deer netting on arborvitae
One major mistake is wrapping the trees too tightly. If the netting is restrictive, it can trap moisture against the foliage, leading to fungal issues or winter burn.
Another error is forgetting to secure the top. If the netting slips down, the top of the arborvitae is left exposed, which is exactly where deer love to eat the tender new growth.
Many beginners fail to account for snow load. If you don’t use enough zip ties, the weight of the snow can pull the netting off the tree entirely.
Ensure you don’t leave any “loops” of netting hanging loose. These can become hazardous traps for small birds or even your own pets as they run through the yard.
Finally, avoid using metal chicken wire directly against the foliage. Metal can heat up in the sun or become excessively cold, potentially scorching or freezing the delicate needles.
Maintenance and Timing for Your Netting
The best time to install your netting is in late autumn, just after the first light frost but before the heavy snows arrive in your region.
Once the netting is up, perform a “perimeter check” after every major windstorm or snow event. Look for any tears or loosened ties that need immediate repair.
Keep an eye on the bottom of the netting. If snow drifts pile up, they can provide a “step stool” for deer to reach higher branches that were previously out of reach.
In the spring, wait until the natural forage (grass and wildflowers) has fully returned before removing the mesh. This is usually after the last frost date in your area.
When removing the netting, cut the zip ties carefully to avoid damaging the branches. Roll the netting neatly and store it in a cool, dry place for use next season.
Advanced Protection: The “Fence” Method
If you have a long row of arborvitae, wrapping each individual tree might be too time-consuming. In this case, you can create a netting screen.
Drive t-posts or sturdy wooden stakes into the ground every 6 to 8 feet, about two feet away from the face of the arborvitae hedge.
Stretch the deer netting across these posts to create a vertical wall. This prevents the deer from even touching the foliage while allowing maximum airflow.
This method is excellent for preventing winter desiccation because it doesn’t touch the leaves. It also makes spring cleanup much faster since you aren’t unwrapping individual trees.
Ensure the “fence” is at least 6 to 7 feet tall. Deer are incredible jumpers, and a shorter barrier might simply encourage them to leap over into your garden bed.
Safety Considerations for Outdoor DIY Projects
Working with ladders on uneven winter ground requires constant vigilance. Always have a “buddy” nearby to hold the ladder base while you reach for higher branches.
Watch out for overhead power lines when moving tall ladders or handling long sections of netting. Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from any lines.
If you are working in cold temperatures, dress in layers. Hypothermia can set in quickly when you are standing still while meticulously tying mesh in the wind.
Keep your tools sharp. A dull pair of scissors requires more force, which increases the risk of a slip and injury. Use a dedicated holster for your snips when climbing.
If your trees are exceptionally large or located on a steep slope, do not hesitate to call a professional arborist. Safety should always be your number one priority.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to install deer netting on arborvitae
Will the netting hurt my trees’ growth?
No, as long as the netting is not wrapped too tightly. The goal is to create a physical barrier, not a compression sleeve. Ensure there is enough room for the branches to move slightly in the wind.
Can I leave the netting on all year?
It is not recommended. Leaving netting on during the summer can trap heat and restrict new growth. It also makes it difficult to prune your trees or check for pests like bagworms.
What is the best way to store the netting for next year?
Clean off any stuck needles or debris. Roll the netting onto a large PVC pipe or a heavy cardboard tube to prevent tangling. Store it in a dark area to protect the UV coating.
How high should the netting go?
Deer can reach quite high when standing on their hind legs. Aim for at least 6 feet of coverage from the ground up. If your trees are shorter than that, cover them entirely to the top.
Securing Your Outdoor Legacy
Protecting your landscape is a vital part of being a responsible steward of your land. By taking the time to install these barriers, you are ensuring your arborvitae thrive for decades.
Remember that consistency is key. A single gap in your defenses can lead to significant damage in just one night. Stay proactive and observant throughout the winter season.
Whether you are a new homesteader or a seasoned traveler returning home to your garden, these skills build self-reliance. You can now rest easy knowing your “deer candy” is safely off the menu.
Take pride in your outdoor space and the work you do to maintain it. Your lush, green privacy screen will thank you when the spring sun finally returns. Stay safe and keep exploring!
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