Do Deer Eat Yews? How to Protect Yew Shrubs

Do Deer Eat Yews?

Yes. Yews (Taxus) are one of the plants deer browse most heavily, especially in winter. Foundation plantings and hedges can be stripped bare on the lower half.

Why Deer Target Yews

Yews are dense, evergreen and planted right where deer feed: along foundations and walkways. In winter they are one of the most available green foods.

When Damage Happens

Most damage happens from late fall through early spring, with heavy browsing after snow.

Signs Deer Are Eating Your Yews

• A flat browse line on the lower part of the shrub
• Bare inner stems where needles were eaten
• Shrubs that look sheared from below
• Tracks and droppings near the house

How to Protect Yews From Deer

• Start in fall and keep protection on all winter
• Cover every side of foundation shrubs, including the house side
• Yews regrow from bare wood better than many evergreens, so protect damaged shrubs so they can recover
• Consider netting on small, newly planted yews

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.