Do Deer Eat Tulips? How to Protect Spring Bulbs

Do Deer Eat Tulips?

Yes. Deer love tulips and often eat the flower buds just before they open, leaving only stems and leaves behind.

Why Deer Target Tulips

Tulips come up in early spring when there is little else green to eat, so they stand out to hungry deer.

When Damage Happens

From the first leaves in March through bloom in April and May. The bud stage is when most homeowners lose the flowers.

Signs Deer Are Eating Your Tulips

• Stems cut off where the bud was
• Leaves eaten back
• A whole bed hit in one night
• Hoof prints in soft spring soil

How to Protect Tulips From Deer

• Start repellent as soon as leaves break ground
• Reapply as stems lengthen and buds form
• Plant daffodils, alliums or grape hyacinths in high-pressure areas; deer usually leave them alone
• Group tulips close to the house where deer feel less safe

What Does Not Work Well

Soap bars, human hair, wind chimes and motion lights may work for a few days. Deer get used to them quickly, especially when food is scarce. Store-bought sprays help, but most need reapplying after rain and every new flush of growth is unprotected until the next spray.

Get Professional Protection

Deer Guys® sprays your entire landscaped property every 3 to 4 weeks with a natural, odorless, weather-resistant repellent. Every customer starts with a free trial. Find your town on our New Jersey, New York or Long Island pages, or start your free trial.