The relationship between deer and fig trees isn't as straightforward as many gardening guides suggest. Fig trees don't usually top a deer's menu because of their tough leaves and milky sap. My experience shows that deer will eat these plants when they're hungry enough - especially if other food sources are scarce.
Several gardeners have seen deer strip their fig trees completely bare. Young plants with soft, new growth seem especially tasty to them. The question of fig trees being deer resistant has a complicated answer. Mature fig trees standing 15-30 feet tall might survive better, but recent droughts have made deer less picky about their meals. Deer in South Carolina, where severe drought affects nearly 7% of the state, now seem happy to munch on fig leaves. This situation leaves gardeners worried about protecting their harvests. Some lucky growers report collecting up to 2,800 figs from a single 'Brown Turkey' tree in good seasons.
This piece will show you what makes fig trees attractive to deer and provide practical ways to protect your trees. You'll learn how to safeguard these unique "fruits" (which are actually masses of inverted flowers) from unwanted wildlife visitors.
Do deer eat fig trees? A closer look at the evidence
Gardeners across the country have different and sometimes opposite experiences with deer and fig trees. Their observations often contradict each other.
Personal stories from gardeners
Gardeners everywhere tell different stories about deer and their fig trees. These stories show how unpredictable deer can be:
"I can tell you without question that deer LOVE figs. If I don't get out and get my figs when they're ripe, the deer will knock them off the tree and step on them to split them open to eat," shares one gardener who maintains food sources for deer on residential property.
Conversely, another gardener notes, "I've never had deer nibble my trees. Fig trees have a certain smell that I think deer may not care for".
A Georgia gardener saw deer eating "leaves and even green stems off of three trees," but this happened "late in the season when the deer were very hungry". A retired gardener in North Carolina found a solution by building a 7½-foot fence that kept deer away for six years.
Scientific and anecdotal observations
Several patterns show how deer interact with fig trees:
- Young trees face higher risk, and deer often strip their leaves and damage branches
- Mature figs see less damage because they have tougher leaves and bark
- Seasonal timing plays a role, and deer browse more in fall and winter as food becomes scarce
- Regional differences depend on the deer population and other food options
One gardener writes, "A young CdDB, nibbled early today... Once the season gets rolling, and the growth really toughens up, no problems". Many gardeners report deer that completely strip young fig trees of leaves.
Jim Gandy, who built a deer-resistant garden, said: "Most information online claims that deer don't bother figs. It turns out, the deer that roam around News 19 love figs! They ate the leaves almost right away... They even bit off a piece of the branch".
How drought and food lack affect deer behavior
Research shows that drought substantially changes how deer feed. A Tennessee study found that "drought affected nutritional quality among native forages and forage selection by Deer". Deer become "more selective of plant species rather than plant parts, selecting fewer species more aggressively" during drought years.
Plants that usually repel deer can become targets when food is scarce. A gardener noted, "Late in the season last year when the deer were very hungry, I had them eat the leaves and even green stems off of three trees. This was around the same time that they were hungry enough to eat jalapeño plants, horseradish leaves, and other unusual plants".
The South Carolina news garden's experience backs this up: "If I were to guess why the deer might had decided to chew our fig tree, I'd say the recent drought could be limiting their food source". Deer behavior changed noticeably with nearly 7% of South Carolina in severe drought.
Climate change could make this worse, as "more frequent and intense droughts predicted as a result of global climate change may influence diet selection of deer". Gardeners who never had deer damage their fig trees might face new challenges as deer change their eating habits.
Why young fig trees are more at risk
Deer love to munch on young fig trees much more than mature ones. Several factors make these small saplings a tasty treat for hungry deer.
Tender leaves and shoots attract deer
Baby fig trees grow soft, tender shoots that deer just can't resist. These young plants haven't developed the tough, fibrous tissue that older trees have - the kind deer usually avoid. One gardener reported, "Deer will explore most foliage if they are present and something grabs their attention". New growth catches deer's attention quickly.
Deer show a clear preference for the plant's softest parts. An experienced grower noted, "They don't go to town and eat whole trees to the ground, but they will graze along their path quite heavily". These animals target the growing tips, which make up most of a young tree's structure.
Many gardeners learn this lesson the hard way. "I planted a bare root fig tree last January and watched it grow over the summer. It is/was about 2 feet tall with lots of large leaves. The other night, the deer ate ALL of the leaves, twisted and stripped the branches and it looks like they tried to pull it out of the ground". This damage catches many people off guard who thought figs naturally kept deer away.
Seasonal browsing patterns
Deer's eating habits change based on what food they can find throughout the year. Young fig trees face the biggest risks during key times:
- Early autumn as other food becomes scarce
- Late winter before spring plants emerge
- Drought periods whatever the season
Deer show more interest in fig trees during early fall. "While fig trees are not typically at the top of a deer's menu, young fig trees with tender new growth can be vulnerable—especially in early fall when other food sources start to dwindle". Deer need to build fat reserves for winter during this time.
Winter brings another serious threat. A grower shared, "One spring the deer ate the heck out of my figs. Normally they don't seem to touch them". Another said, "During the first season I planted the fig trees at my mom's house, deer completely stripped the bark from the upper ¾ of the tree in her front yard during its 1st winter".
How fig tree maturity changes deer interest
Deer's relationship with fig trees changes as the plants age. Young saplings with soft leaves grow into mature trees that deer find less appealing.
Mature fig trees develop tougher leaves with more latex sap, which deer hate eating. "Can't think of anything less edible than the latex filled fig leaves". These older leaves offer poor nutrition, making them a last choice for hungry deer.
A mature tree's size helps protect it. A gardener noted, "After a set gets a little size and age, they probably won't bother it anymore. They like young tender stuff". Most mature fig trees grow 15-30 feet tall, putting their leaves out of deer's reach.
Bark thickness increases with age too. Young trees have thin bark that deer might strip off, while mature trees develop thick, corky bark deer don't like.
In spite of that, mature trees aren't completely safe. Under extreme conditions, deer change their behavior: "Since 2020, however, deer here have become aggressive grazers on fig greens... So deer will eat plants that they never touched before". Climate changes and growing deer populations might override mature trees' natural defenses.
How to protect fig trees from deer damage
Several strategies work well to protect your fig trees from hungry deer. I've seen deer damage my trees and found that there was a clear difference in how well various protection methods keep these persistent browsers away.
Fencing options that work well
Physical barriers provide the most reliable protection. Young fig trees benefit greatly from individual tree fencing. The quickest way to set this up is to place 3-4 posts around your tree and wrap it with chicken wire or mesh fencing at least 5-6 feet tall. Make the fence's circumference small enough to stop deer from jumping inside but large enough for tree growth.
People with multiple trees should think about an 8-foot deer-proof fence around the entire growing area. This costs more at first but keeps deer out completely. Another option is to build smaller enclosures with 6-foot welded wire attached to metal T-posts. Deer can jump this height but they stay away from small enclosed spaces with obstacles.
Using netting and tree guards
Tree guards are a great way to get targeted protection for trunks and lower branches. You can use:
- Plastic-mesh tubing that expands as trees grow
- Wire cylinders (1-2 inch mesh) tall enough to block deer from reaching over
- Nylon netting draped over smaller fig trees and secured with stakes
Tree trunk protectors like plastic wraps or flexible aluminum mesh stop bark damage effectively. These guards also keep mice and rabbits from chewing on young seedlings' bases.
Best times to apply repellents
Chemical deterrents can boost physical barriers' effectiveness, but you need to apply them strategically:
- Put repellents on during early morning hours instead of extreme heat
- Add more every 2 weeks during peak growth seasons or after 1-2 inches of new growth
- Applications last longer in dormant winter months (up to two months)
- The temperature should stay between 35°F and 85°F to avoid plant damage
Spray repellents when the forecast shows no rain for 4-5 hours. Commercial repellents lose their smell within 30-40 minutes but need several hours to set properly.
Note that no repellent stops deer completely. Experienced gardeners say, "If deer are starving, they will eat, whatever spray". Your best defense against persistent deer comes from using multiple protection strategies together.
Smart garden planning to reduce deer visits
Smart garden planning works as a great defense against deer browsing on fig trees, beyond just physical barriers. A well-organized garden layout and the right plant choices can reduce unwanted deer visits by a lot.
Perimeter planting with herbs and tough plants
A "living fence" around your fig trees acts as a natural deterrent against deer. You can start by planting aromatic herbs that mess with deer's sensitive sense of smell:
- Rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint – These strong-scented herbs keep deer away and bring in helpful pollinators
- Lavender, oregano, and chives – Deer stay away from these because of their strong smells
- Catmint – This herb keeps deer away with its strong scent, even though it draws cats
Tough ornamental plants like boxwood hedges create barriers that deer don't like to push through. These dense shrubs also block deer's view of your garden, which makes them less likely to explore further.
Avoiding deer-attracting crops near figs
Your precious fig trees should be away from plants that deer love. Put deer favorites like tulips, pansies, or impatiens closer to your home where regular human activity keeps deer away.
Plants that deer love include:
- Azaleas, roses and daylilies
- Vegetables like beans, corn and peas
- Fruit trees such as peaches and strawberries
These high-risk crops should go in spots you can watch easily, close to your house where you can protect them better if needed.
Designing a deer-resistant layout
Natural terrain features can help your design. Deer don't like to climb steep slopes or walk through terraced gardens, so these features help keep them away.
The way you arrange your plants affects how deer browse. Put fig trees and other vulnerable plants near areas where people are often around. You could also protect your prized figs by surrounding them with plants that deer don't like.
Your best bet is to use several strategies at once. Note that deer might eat even normally resistant plants when their population is high or they can't find enough natural food. Your garden's design needs several layers of protection rather than just one method to keep deer away.
Other plants to grow if deer are a problem
Gardeners can plant deer-resistant alternatives that offer practical solutions if fig trees stay vulnerable despite protection efforts. Many plants naturally keep these persistent browsers away, according to experienced gardeners.
Deer-resistant fruit trees to think over
Deer damage to your figs might lead you to grow pomegranates or citrus trees since deer rarely touch them. Pawpaws and feijoas usually stay untouched as well. Serviceberry makes a great choice for shade gardens with its spring flowers and edible berries. Many deer-resistant fruit trees bring an extra bonus of beautiful blooms, such as crape myrtle and flowering dogwood.
Vegetables and herbs that repel deer naturally
Several edible plants discourage deer from browsing. The allium family stands out at this:
- Garlic, onions, and leeks with their strong aromas
- Herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and lavender
- Vegetables with coarse textures like squash and zucchini
Tomatoes usually avoid damage because deer dislike their aromatic leaves, though they might nibble the fruits occasionally.
Creating a balanced, low-risk garden
Strategic placement of these plants throughout your landscape works best. Strong-scented herbs clustered around vulnerable plants create a greater deterrent effect. Deer-resistant plants positioned along garden edges serve as protective buffers. Note that even "deer-proof" plants might become targets during severe food shortages. A diverse planting approach remains your best defense.
Conclusion
You don't have to give up growing beautiful fig trees just because deer live nearby. These elegant plants aren't completely deer-proof, but knowing their weak spots helps protect our garden investments. Young trees face the highest risk, especially during droughts that make deer less picky eaters. The best chance of survival comes from having a protection plan ready before you plant.
Physical barriers are without doubt your strongest defense - tree guards or perimeter fencing both work well. Chemical repellents are a great way to get extra protection if you use them regularly during key growth periods. Your garden's design can work harder too - mixing in aromatic herbs and naturally deer-resistant plants creates extra layers of defense around your barriers.
Climate change and growing deer populations will make this challenge more important over the next several years. In spite of that, the right planning and protection lets you enjoy these special trees' unique "fruits". Once you've set up proper protection, you can pick the perfect fig tree to fit your space. The 'Brown Turkey' variety produces lots of fruit even in small areas.
Deer's interest in fig trees changes based on your region and each deer's priorities. This shouldn't stop you from growing these rewarding plants. Your fig trees can flourish despite their four-legged fans with some patience. As trees mature and grow larger, they naturally become less appealing to hungry deer.
FAQs
Q1. Are fig trees naturally resistant to deer? Fig trees are not entirely deer-resistant. While mature trees with tougher leaves are less appealing, young fig trees with tender growth are particularly vulnerable to deer browsing, especially during food shortages or drought conditions.
Q2. What's the most effective way to protect fig trees from deer? The most reliable protection method is physical barriers. Individual tree fencing using chicken wire or mesh at least 5-6 feet tall, or perimeter fencing around 8 feet high for multiple trees, can effectively deter deer from accessing your fig trees.
Q3. Do deer eat fig leaves and fruits? Yes, deer can eat both fig leaves and fruits. They are particularly attracted to the tender leaves and new growth of young fig trees. Ripe figs may also be consumed if not harvested promptly.
Q4. When are fig trees most vulnerable to deer damage? Fig trees are most at risk during early autumn when other food sources dwindle, late winter before spring growth emerges, and during drought periods. Young trees are especially vulnerable year-round due to their tender foliage.
Q5. Can planting certain herbs or flowers help protect fig trees from deer? Yes, planting aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender around fig trees can help deter deer. These strong-scented plants confuse deer's sensitive sense of smell and may discourage them from approaching your fig trees.