Comments on: forsythia alternatives, please

By: Michael Dodge

Michael Dodge — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:35:34 +0000

Hello Marie/Barbara.
Salix purpurea varieties (Purple Willow) are something that deer won’t touch–they’re too bitter. Apparently the French use them to protect their basket-making willows from deer damage. I have a 6′ fedge (fence/hedge) woven out of purpurea varieties and deer never touch it as they go around to get into my Winter Garden. I plan to continue this fedge all the way round this garden to keep them from the choice/expensive plants they seem to prefer! Purpureas can be grown as fedge, as I mentioned, or as a large shrub/small tree, size depends on the variety.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:22:44 +0000

Welcome, Marie. Something shade-tolerant and privacy-providing (which I assume means evergreen) that deer won’t eat. Oh, boy. Deer will eat anything, in my experience, if they are hungry enough — or at least in these cold snowy winters I have here they will. I have seen them eat prickly spruce trees in desperation. You could space white pines close together and shear them (as if they were a hedge) to keep them somewhat tight…and they will tolerate some shade (but not the darkness!).

If there as more light I would say a “wall” of tall ornamental grasses, which are not big deer favorites usually and would give you all but a few months of coverage. But the combo of shade and deer…not easy.

By: Marie

Marie — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:47:06 +0000

Hello Margaret,
I am looking for a privacy hedge type alternative for the rear of my property .
There are other tall trees, so partial shade at best. We also have a deer issue! Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for your wonderful website!
Marie