What Types of Plants Do Deer Target Most in Landscapes?

If you’ve ever planted something beautiful only to wake up and find it half-eaten, welcome to life with deer in Long Island, New York City, or New Jersey. At Deer Guys, New York Deer Control, and New Jersey Deer Control, one of the most common questions we get is:

“Which plants do deer go after the most?”

The truth is, deer aren’t picky—but they do have favorites. And if your yard features any of the plants on this list, you’re running an all-you-can-eat buffet for white-tailed deer.

🌿 1. Hostas

This one tops the list. Hostas are basically deer candy. They love the wide, tender leaves and will graze entire patches overnight.

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🌷 2. Tulips

Spring bulbs like tulips are bright, sweet, and irresistible to deer. You might see buds forming one day—and nothing but stems the next.

🔗 Living in Long Island? We’ve got your garden covered.

🪻 3. Daylilies

With their soft, juicy shoots and vibrant blooms, daylilies are another high-risk favorite. Deer usually eat them down to the ground.

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🌹 4. Roses

Yes, even thorns don’t stop them. Deer love new rose growth and flower buds. They’ll avoid the stems but eat everything else.

🔗 See why homeowners in NYC rely on our odorless, effective solution to protect delicate ornamentals.

🌳 5. Arborvitae & Evergreen Shrubs

In colder months, when other food is scarce, deer turn to evergreen trees—especially arborvitae. They’ll strip the lower branches bare, making them look like they were pruned with a chainsaw.

🔗 Learn how we prevent winter deer damage with year-round coverage.

🍎 6. Fruit Trees & New Shrubs

Apple, pear, cherry trees—they love the buds, blossoms, and even bark. Young shrubs are also vulnerable because they’re easier to reach and tender to bite.

🔗 If you're in New Jersey, check out how we protect vulnerable plantings: New Jersey Deer Control

🪴 7. Hydrangeas, Impatiens & Pansies

These popular landscaping plants are frequent victims. Deer go straight for the flowers and new growth, often leaving nothing but stalks.

🔗 Looking to save your seasonal blooms? Here’s why our product works

Don’t Want to Limit Your Garden to “Deer-Resistant” Plants?

You shouldn’t have to. One of the biggest advantages of working with our team is the freedom to plant what you love. With our proprietary deer repellent, we help homeowners enjoy a full landscape without fencing everything in or choosing plants just because deer might avoid them.

🔗 Learn why thousands trust us year after year: Why Choose Us

What You Can Do?

If you’ve got any of the plants listed above and live in Long Island, NYC, or New Jersey, the best move is to be proactive. Once deer discover your landscape, they’ll keep coming back unless they’re stopped.

Here’s how we help:

Safe for people, pets, and pollinators
Virtually odorless and transparent
Rain-resistant and freshly made every day
Professionally applied by deer behavior experts

🔗 Ready to stop the feeding frenzy? Request your free trial spray
🔗 Or contact us now for fast help from your local branch.

Get More Answers from Our Deer Repellent Specialists

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