The answer to this question is, yes, deer will eat crab apples. In fact, deer have been known to consume a wide variety of fruits, including apples, pears, cherries, and even grapes. When it comes to crab apples, they can be an especially tempting treat for deer, especially in the fall when other food sources may be scarce.
If you’re a gardener or farmer and you want to protect your crab apple trees from deer damage, it’s important to understand why deer are attracted to these trees and how to deter them from eating the fruit.
Do Deer Eat Crab Apples?
Deer are attracted to crab apples for a variety of reasons. One of the most important is the sweet, juicy flesh of the fruit. Just like humans, deer have a sweet tooth and are naturally drawn to sugary foods. The sweet, juicy flesh of crab apples provides a high-energy snack for deer, which can be especially valuable during the fall and winter months when other food sources may be scarce.
Another factor that makes crab apples appealing to deer is their size. Unlike larger apples, crab apples are small and easy for deer to eat. This makes them an ideal food source for deer that are looking for a quick, convenient snack.
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How to Deter Deer from Eating Crab Apples
If you want to protect your crab apple trees from deer damage, there are several strategies you can use to deter deer from eating the fruit. One of the most effective methods is to use deer repellent sprays. There are many different types of deer repellent sprays on the market, and they work by emitting a strong odor that is unpleasant to deer. This odor can discourage deer from approaching your crab apple trees and eating the fruit.
Another option is to use physical barriers, such as fences, to keep deer away from your crab apple trees. While this method can be effective, it can also be expensive and time-consuming to install and maintain.
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Another approach is to use motion-activated deterrents, such as motion-activated sprinklers. These devices work by spraying water in the direction of deer when they approach your crab apple trees. The sudden burst of water can startle deer and discourage them from eating the fruit.
Lastly, planting deer-resistant species of plants and trees near your crab apple trees can also help to deter deer from eating the fruit. For example, planting thorny bushes or plants with a strong, unpleasant odor near your crab apple trees can make the area less appealing to deer.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, deer will definitely eat crab apples if given the opportunity. However, there are several strategies you can use to deter deer from eating your fruit. Whether you use deer repellent sprays, physical barriers, motion-activated deterrents, or deer-resistant plants, there are many ways to protect your crab apple trees from deer damage. So, if you’re a gardener or farmer and you want to protect your crab apple trees, now you know how to do it.
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