Understanding Deer and Mulberry Trees
My first attempt at mulberry wine produced something I described generously as “aggressively fermented juice.” My fourth batch was something I was actually proud to serve. The learning curve is real, but every mistake taught me something that’s now baked into this guide — so you can skip straight to the good batches. What I didn’t anticipate when I planted my first mulberry tree was that I’d be competing for the harvest before the berries even made it to the fermenting bucket — because deer had quietly figured out that my little backyard orchard was an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you’re growing mulberries and deer live anywhere near you, understanding how they interact with your trees isn’t optional — it’s the difference between actually getting a harvest and wondering why your tree looks like it lost a fight every spring.
Why Deer Target Mulberry Trees
Several factors make these trees irresistible to local wildlife. First, the texture is highly palatable. The leaves are soft and easy to digest. Additionally, the berries offer a high-calorie reward. This energy boost is crucial for deer in summer. Moreover, mulberries provide hydration during dry spells.
The Deer Netting That Actually Survives First Contact With Wildlife
Deer will strip mulberry leaves and strip young branches bare if given the chance, especially in late winter when browse is scarce. I learned this the hard way after my second-year trees got hammered in January—so I invested in heavy-duty netting that could actually handle being leaned on by a 200-pound deer.
What works
- The mesh is tight enough that deer can’t push through or reach branches between the holes, even when they’re motivated by hunger.
- It holds up through multiple seasons without shredding—I’ve reused the same bag on three different trees across four winters.
- You can wrap it loosely enough that branches still get airflow and rain penetration, so you’re not creating disease problems while protecting from deer.
What doesn’t
- It’s genuinely heavy to maneuver solo, especially on anything taller than 8 feet—you’ll want a second set of hands or patience to work it slowly.
- If you don’t secure it at the base with stakes or zip ties, determined deer will work at the edges and eventually find their way in.
I almost gave up after my first installation took three hours and left me questioning whether the netting was worth the effort, but the sight of my trees completely untouched that winter converted me instantly. Grab a bag before deer season hits.
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