Why Do My Plants Have Jagged Edges Instead of Clean Cuts?

If you’re in Long Island, New York City, or New Jersey, and you've noticed your plants looking chewed up — with jagged, ripped edges instead of clean snips — there's a good chance white-tailed deer are to blame.

This is one of the most common signs we look for when diagnosing deer damage across our service areas. As the trusted team behind Deer Guys, New York Deer Control, and New Jersey Deer Control, we see this type of damage every day.

Let’s break it down for you.

Jagged Edges = Deer Damage

Unlike rabbits or groundhogs, deer don’t have upper front teeth. So instead of making a clean bite, they grab plant matter with their lower teeth and pull, tearing stems, leaves, and flower heads.

That’s why you’ll often see:

• Rough, uneven rips
• Torn flower buds
• Shredded leaves
• Stripped stems

This kind of tearing is textbook deer feeding behavior.

🔗 Want to understand more about deer feeding patterns? Visit our FAQ page.

Which Plants Get Hit the Hardest?

In our experience protecting yards in Long Island, NYC boroughs, and NJ suburbs, we’ve seen deer cause serious damage to:

• Hostas
• Hydrangeas
• Roses
• Tulips
• Daylilies
• Young shrubs and fruit trees

If any of these are in your garden, deer will find them — and fast.

Why Aren’t There Clean Cuts Like Scissors?

You might expect clean cuts if it were a gardener or even some rodents. But deer mouths just aren’t made that way.

Compare:

AnimalBite StylePlant DamageDeerTear & RipJagged, shredded edgesRabbitClean chomp45° angle cutsGroundhogBroad chewingWide bite marks

If your plants look torn up, deer are likely the cause.

🟢 Learn how our deer repellent service stops this

You May Also Notice These Signs:

In addition to jagged edges, you might also spot:

• Deer tracks (heart-shaped hoof prints)
• Deer droppings (small oval pellets)
• Stripped tree bark
• Flattened grass paths through your property

🔗 If this sounds familiar, here’s how to spot deer in your yard.

How We Stop It — For Good

If you’re dealing with jagged edges and plant destruction, don’t waste money on store-bought sprays that wash off or wear out.

Our natural deer repellent is:

• Made fresh daily
• Weather-resistant
• Safe for pets and people
• Invisible, odorless, and proven effective

We’ve been spraying homes in New York and New Jersey since 2002, with guaranteed results. That’s why homeowners stick with us season after season.

🔗 Learn more about our guarantee
🔗 Ready to get protected? Request a free trial

Service Areas We Cover

We proudly serve:

📍 Long Island – Deer Guys®
📍 New York City – New York Deer Control®
📍 New Jersey – New Jersey Deer Control®

Whether you’re in Nassau County, Manhattan, or Morris County, we’ve got boots on the ground and spray tanks ready.

Still Not Sure What’s Causing the Damage?

Snap a photo and contact our team. We’ll take a look and tell you what you’re dealing with — and how to stop it.

🔗 See why others trust us: Read customer reviews
🔗 Want more info on our approach? Why Choose Us
🔗 Need help fast? Text us now

More Questions Answered:

• How can I tell if deer are eating my garden plants?
• What are the signs deer have been in my yard?
• Do deer repellents actually work?

Don’t let jagged leaves ruin your landscape. Let us protect what you’ve worked hard to grow.
🔗 Start your free trial now or call your local branch today.