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Trees and Deer Damage in Westchester

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Deer damage in Westchester is not unheard of due to the high population in the area.  Westchester Tree Life’s tree care professionals are here to assist you in assessing the damage to your trees and providing a custom plant health care plan moving forward.  If you need immediate tree care, call Westchester Tree Life today:  (914) 238-0069

Deer Damage Westchester County

These seemingly innocuous visitors are more harmful than you may think!

Rutting SeasonDeer Rutting Damage 2 Westchester Tree Life

From early September throughout November, deer rub their antlers on trees to shed their summer velvet, mark their scent to attract doe (female deer) and claim their perimeter; this season is referred to as rutting season.  During the rutting season (also known as the mating season for deer), you may notice bark stripped from the perimeter of your tree.  Westchester County is known for having a high deer population and deer often revisit the same place each year to claim their territory; each rutting process lasts approximately 24 hours.

Deer Rutting Damage Westchester Tree Life

Trees in Danger of Deer Damage

Maple, Magnolia, Birch, and Bald Cypress trees are especially susceptible to deer damage, and can quickly be reduced to stubs.  Deer damage is especially stressful to young trees with smooth bark.  Deer damage to your trees can impact your landscape as well as decrease your property value.

Deer Damage Tree Westchester Tree Life

Identifying Factors of Deer Damage to Trees

When identifying deer damage to trees, look for a shredding of bark ranging from one foot above the ground to three or four feet high; underlying wood will be exposed.  When a deer has damaged the entire circumference of a tree, the tree is said to be “girdled”.  Trees which are girdled often die due to the inability to transport water and nutrients. Trees which have experienced vertical damage often survive, though the growth on that side may be stunted.  Due to the high rate of deer in Westchester, it is advised to check your trees often.

Deer Browsing

Deer Browsing Damage Westchester Tree Life

Deer also damage trees by browsing on tree seedlings, tree shrubs and climbers from late fall to early spring.  This reduces stem densities, limits height growth and reduces foliage density, which makes for a more open understorey.

Summer Pruning

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Summer pruning is a great task to add to your to-do list!  Pruning trees and shrubs is often necessary to keep these plants healthy and looking their best.  There are a few times during the year when pruning is effective, but for now we will focus on summer pruning.

summer pruningSummer pruning is the ideal way to slow and direct the growth of your trees and shrubs.  During summer, these types of plants rely on leaves to absorb sunlight and make nutrients; pruning reduces the overal number of leaves and therefore causes an overall slow down in growth.  This is a particularly effective way to keep decorative shrubs in good shape and looking their best.  Shaggy, overgrown hedges and bushes that receive a summer pruning make all of your landscaping look tidy and well manicured.

summer pruning 3There are also good reasons to prune trees in summer.  The weight of the leaves helps identify weak branches.  Branches with dead leaves stand out and are easy to identify for pruning.  This is also a good time to look for defective branches to prune as well.

summer pruning 2Keep in mind that pruning can be a dangerous task.  Branches that are higher in the tree or too thick to easily cut should be left to the care of a professional.