No, cedar hedges are not deer resistant — in fact, Eastern white cedar is one of the preferred winter food sources for white-tailed deer in Northern Ontario. If your property is in an area with regular deer activity, and many properties in the Powassan, North Bay, and Nipissing District area are, cedar hedges are at significant risk of browsing damage, particularly during late winter when other food sources are scarce. Martin Services advises clients on deer-resistant hedge alternatives and protection strategies for properties where deer pressure is a known concern.
Why Deer Target Cedar
White-tailed deer browse on Eastern white cedar year-round, but the damage intensifies dramatically in winter. Cedar stays green and accessible above the snow line when most other browse plants are dormant or buried. In years with heavy snow or extended cold, deer can strip cedar hedges up to their browse line — roughly five to six feet — leaving bare, brown branches below and green growth only at the top. This browse line damage is often permanent because cedar does not reliably regenerate from bare wood. In severe cases, entire hedges are killed by repeated winter browsing, particularly young plantings that have not yet grown above deer reach.
Deer-Resistant Hedge Alternatives
For properties with deer pressure, Martin Services recommends several alternatives that provide privacy screening without the browsing risk. Spruce hedges — particularly white spruce and Colorado spruce — are far less palatable to deer and provide dense year-round screening. Ninebark and dogwood hedges offer three-season screening with excellent deer resistance. For formal evergreen hedges, yew is the most deer-resistant option available in our hardiness zone, though it grows more slowly than cedar. We help clients select the right species based on their property's specific deer pressure, sun exposure, soil conditions, and privacy screening goals.
Protecting Existing Cedar Hedges
If you already have cedar hedges and want to keep them, physical barriers are the most reliable protection method. Wrapping hedges with burlap or deer netting before the first snow provides effective protection through winter. Deer repellent sprays can reduce browsing but need to be reapplied regularly and are less reliable during deep winter when deer are hungry enough to tolerate the taste. Fencing around the hedge area is the most permanent solution but adds cost and visual impact. With 35 years of experience working with properties across the Nipissing District, Martin Services can assess your deer risk and recommend the most practical approach for your situation.
Need deer-resistant hedges? Call Martin Services at (249) 506-9211 for a free consultation and estimate.