Deer rely entirely on plants, shrubs, and trees as food sources and shelter. Therefore, many deer enthusiasts plant trees and other plants on their property to lure them. Some plants, called short-term plants, proliferate and attract deer soon after you plant them. Inversely, long-term plants can take several years to take off, but they will continue to attract deer for years to come.
Although a wide variety of plants attract deer, these seven options will yield the best results.
1. Wild American Plum
This tree grows up to twenty-five feet tall and is multi-stemmed, making it a good source of shelter. The wild American plum will serve two purposes if you plant it on your property to attract deer. It has an outstanding nutritional value for deer as its leaves are highly digestible by herbivores. Additionally, the fruits are attractive to deer, and the plant produces them throughout the year. With this plant, you will be certain that no deer will migrate in search of food as it produces consistently. It is also low-growing which makes it easy for deer to feed.
The second purpose it serves is the provision of shelter due to its multi-stemmed nature. With the tree, you will have good habitat for deer on your property.
2. The White Oak
Acorns from this tree have a sweet flavor and low acidity levels, which deer love. They also mature faster in about half a year, thus providing a consistent source of food. You can choose a variety of species of this plant, including chestnut, overcup, post oak, and chinkapin.
Post oak is suitable to the environment in the South, while the Chinkapin performs well in the Midwest. If you want deer to visit your property frequently, plant multiple varieties with a six-month gap to ensure that your orchard always has acorns. Wildtree Preferred Plants and Shrubs provides information on the varieties you can plant. Visit https://www.wildtree.co/ to order plants and have them delivered to you, or speak to an expert to discover deer-attracting plants custom to your region.
3. The Wild Persimmon
This tree is similar in size to the plum tree. It also provides cover and forage value for deer. However, it has a better fruit that deer find attractive. The timing of the ripening of persimmons is also perfect, as it happens in the heart of the deer season.
Unfortunately, this fruit only lasts for a short time due to its huge demand. Therefore, you should utilize the opportunity while the season is ongoing. Once the persimons fall, be on the lookout for your top shot for the season.
4. Pear, Crab Apple, Apple
If you want deer food that comes at the peak of the deer hunting season, consider maintaining an orchard. Such an initiative can produce more than 10 tons of deer food to attract them to your property. You should plant hybrid varieties resistant to stress and need little monitoring.
The modern hybrid varieties also produce more food which maximizes your efforts and ensures that the deer find enough to keep them on your property. You should plant multiple varieties for cross-pollination and consult an expert for advice on the best cross-pollinators.
5. Honey Locust
It is a small tree, the size of the wild American plum, and an attractive tree for deer. It is a food source for deer as the leaves are nutritious and easily digestible. The seed pods are also sweet and tasty, providing forage for deer during fall and winter. In essence, it is a constant source of food that will always keep deer on your property across different seasons.
The plant also grows along the edge cover, making it an excellent transitional cover for deer. The animal can use for shelter, making it a suitable habitat. Consider planting this tree if you want a constant supply of food to keep deer on your property.
6. Red Oak
The red oak acorns have higher acidic levels than white oak and thus stay on the ground longer after falling. Therefore, they provide a food source when white oak acorns are off-season as the acidity withers with time. The plant offers a late-season food source essential to keeping deer on your property.
Just like the white oaks, plant more varieties on your property for cross-pollination. Consider the time gap so the food source does not deplete, prompting deer to migrate.
Subsequently, another tree to consider is the Hickory and pecan. These trees produce a vast amount of mast that is very attractive to the deer. The climates of the northern region favor Hickories, while the lower areas of the Midwest and south favor Pecans.
7. American Beech
This tree was popular in the eastern part of the nation, but due to its timber production, heavy logging almost led to its extinction. The tree produces small nuts that attract deer due to their nutritional value. However, these nuts also attract other animals that love feeding on them. Production in the third or fourth year is bumper, and you will reap large during this period.
The tree’s drawback is it takes over 30 years to mature and produce heavy mast, which is an attraction for deer. After maturing, the production is relatively inconsistent through the years. Overall, it would be best to have the tree on your property as you will reap large during the tree’s heavy mast years.
Happy Planting
There are essential steps to observe when planting trees to attract deer. Protect your seedlings from animals and pests to avoid losing money used when purchasing them. You should also consult specialists to advise you on the best plant for your area and the varieties best suited for cross-pollination.
With these suggestions in mind, you’re ready to turn your acrage into a paradise for deer. Plan your schedule well and ensure that the time gap provides consistent food on your property throughout the year and you’ll be ready for the next hunting season for sure.
