The allure of the hunt. The connection to nature. The satisfaction of land stewardship. All of these intertwine when it comes to managing land for deer, and increasingly, landowners and hunters are recognizing the vital role that trees play in creating thriving deer habitats. While annual food plots are a common and effective method for providing deer with immediate sustenance, they require constant effort and resources. Enter food plot trees for deer – a long-term, sustainable solution that offers a wealth of benefits for both the deer population and the land itself. This guide dives deep into the world of food plot trees, exploring the advantages of planting them, the best species to choose, essential planting and maintenance practices, and how to create a truly flourishing deer habitat.
Why Trees Belong in Your Deer Food Plot Strategy
Traditional food plots, planted with annual crops like clover, brassicas, or grains, provide a concentrated source of nutrition. However, these plots demand yearly tilling, planting, fertilizing, and weed control. Trees, on the other hand, offer a more resilient and enduring approach.
Consider the long-term sustainability factor. Once established, trees provide a consistent food source for years to come. This eliminates the annual scramble to prepare and plant, freeing up your time and resources. Beyond simple sustenance, trees contribute to improved deer health by providing a diverse array of nutrients. The mast produced by trees, such as acorns, fruits, and nuts, offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates that support healthy growth, reproduction, and antler development. The difference that food plot trees for deer can make in the overall health of your deer herd is often noticeable.
Beyond food, trees significantly enhance habitat and cover. They create bedding areas, escape routes from predators, and travel corridors that connect different parts of your property. A diverse tree canopy provides shade during hot summer months, while dense thickets offer protection from harsh winter weather. In short, trees transform a simple food plot into a vibrant ecosystem.
From a financial perspective, food plot trees for deer are often more cost-effective in the long run. While the initial investment in saplings and planting might be higher than a bag of seed, the reduced need for annual inputs and maintenance eventually leads to significant savings. Furthermore, the robust root systems of trees contribute to erosion control, preventing soil loss and maintaining the overall health of the land. This is especially crucial on sloped or erosion-prone areas. By planting food plot trees for deer, you are not only feeding deer, you are helping to protect the land from damage.
Choosing the Right Tree Species: A Menu for Deer
Selecting the appropriate tree species is crucial for success. Different trees offer different benefits and appeal to deer at different times of the year.
Oaks: The Acorn King
Oak trees reign supreme when it comes to attracting deer. Acorns are a high-energy food source, packed with carbohydrates and fats, that deer crave, especially in the fall and winter months as they prepare for the colder months. Different oak species offer acorns with varying levels of tannins (which affect palatability) and ripening times.
- White oaks are generally preferred by deer because their acorns are lower in tannins and ripen earlier in the fall. Species like white oak, bur oak, and swamp white oak are excellent choices.
- Red oaks, such as red oak, pin oak, and shingle oak, have higher tannin levels, making them less desirable in the early fall. However, they hold their acorns longer into the winter, providing a valuable food source when other options are scarce.
- Chestnut oaks offer a good balance, with moderately palatable acorns and reliable production.
When selecting oak species, consider planting a mix of early and late-maturing varieties to extend the availability of acorns throughout the hunting season.
Fruit Trees: Sweet Treats for Whitetails
Fruit trees are another excellent addition to any deer food plot. Apples, pears, persimmons, and crabapples offer a sweet and nutritious treat that deer find irresistible.
- Apples are widely available and relatively easy to grow. Choose varieties that are disease-resistant and well-suited to your local climate.
- Pears are another excellent option, often producing fruit more reliably than apples.
- Persimmons are a native fruit tree that produces a unique and flavorful fruit that deer love.
- Crabapples are smaller and more tart than regular apples, but they are extremely attractive to deer and provide a valuable food source in the late fall and early winter.
When selecting fruit trees, choose varieties with varying ripening times to extend the period of fruit availability. It is also wise to select trees resistant to pests and diseases.
Soft Mast Trees: Early Season Temptations
Soft mast trees like mulberry, serviceberry, and hawthorn offer a valuable food source in the spring and summer months when deer are actively growing and antlers are developing. These trees produce berries and fruits that are highly palatable and readily consumed by deer and other wildlife. These trees are some of the earliest sources of food for hungry deer.
Nut Trees: Long-Term Investments
Nut trees like chestnut, hazelnut, and hickory offer a high-energy food source that is particularly valuable in the late fall and winter. However, nut trees often take longer to mature and produce nuts than other tree species. If you want to make food plot trees for deer a long-term game, these trees will definitely help.
- Chestnuts are a fast-growing and productive nut tree that produces large, nutritious nuts.
- Hazelnuts are smaller and more shrub-like than chestnuts, but they are relatively easy to grow and produce a reliable crop of nuts.
- Hickories are native trees that produce hard-shelled nuts that are a favorite of deer and other wildlife.
When planting nut trees, consider the pollination requirements of each species and ensure that you have multiple trees of compatible varieties to ensure good nut production.
Browse Trees: The Green Salad of the Deer World
Browse trees like willow, aspen, and poplar provide deer with a source of leaves, twigs, and buds that are rich in nutrients and fiber. Browse is especially important during the spring and summer months when deer are actively growing and need a constant supply of nutrients.
Planting for Success: Nurturing Your Investment
Proper planting and care are essential for ensuring the survival and long-term productivity of your food plot trees for deer.
Site Selection and Preparation
Choose a site that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of the soil and amend it as needed. Clear the area of competing vegetation, such as grass and weeds, to reduce competition for resources.
Tree Selection and Planting
Choose high-quality saplings from a reputable nursery. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently loosen the roots of the sapling and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
Fertilization and Watering
Fertilize young trees with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Water trees regularly, especially during dry periods.
Weed Control
Control weeds around young trees by mulching, hand-pulling, or using herbicides.
Protection from Pests and Diseases
Protect trees from pests and diseases by monitoring them regularly and taking appropriate action when necessary. Deer can be very destructive to young trees, so make sure to put up protection for your saplings.
Maintaining Your Orchard: Long-Term Care
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term health and productivity of your food plot trees for deer.
Pruning
Prune trees annually to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Pruning also helps to shape the tree and encourage fruit production.
Fertilization
Fertilize mature trees every few years to maintain their health and productivity.
Thinning
Thin overcrowded areas to improve sunlight penetration and air circulation.
Coppicing
Coppicing involves cutting browse trees back to the ground to stimulate new growth. This practice provides deer with a constant supply of fresh, tender browse.
Integrating Trees with Existing Food Plots
Food plot trees for deer can be seamlessly integrated with existing annual food plots to create a diverse and productive deer habitat. Planting trees around the edges of food plots provides cover and travel corridors for deer. Trees can also be used as windbreaks to protect annual crops from wind damage.
A Lasting Legacy
Incorporating food plot trees for deer into your land management strategy is an investment in the future. It’s an investment in a healthier deer herd, a more resilient ecosystem, and a more rewarding hunting experience. By carefully selecting the right tree species, implementing proper planting and maintenance practices, and integrating trees with existing food plots, you can create a truly thriving deer habitat that will benefit both the deer and the land for generations to come. Now is the time to start planning your own food plot tree plantings and plant the seeds of a better future for deer and deer hunting. Consider the long-term benefits and the positive impact you can have on your local ecosystem. Investing in food plot trees for deer is a win-win for both you and the wildlife you are trying to support.
