Deer-Resistant Cedar Trees

Deodar Cedar

• Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is cited as a deer-resistant cedar tree by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The large conifer can grow up to 150 feet with a 40-foot spread, but typically grows to about 50 feet. The tree has needle-like, 2-inch-long foliage and the female trees bear bluish-green, 3- to 5-inch-long, egg-shaped cones. Deodar cedar is a native of the Himalayas and grows rapidly during the first two decades. The deer-resistant tree grows best in areas of full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. The tree prefers neutral to alkaline soil and is tolerant of drought once established.

Atlas Cedar

• Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is listed by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station as among the deer-resistant cedar varieties. Atlas cedar grows up to 40 to 60 feet tall with a 20- to 40-foot spread. The deer-resistant evergreen conifer develops an open and spreading mature form and has a silvery-gray bark with less than 1-inch-long, bluish-green, needle-like foliage. The tree is a native of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria and adapts well to a variety of soils, including sand, clay, acidic or alkaline. It grows in areas of full sun to partial shade. Atlas cedar is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and tolerates hot and humid weather.

Cedar of Lebanon

• Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is a native tree of Turkey and Lebanon and among the cedar varieties resistant to deer and rabbits. The evergreen tree is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7 and grows slowly, preferring areas of sun and a moist, well-drained or dry soil. The tree grows to a mature height of 40 to 60 feet with a 30- to 50-foot spread. The deer-resistant cedar of Lebanon has dark green foliage and bears 3- to 5-inch-long, purple-brown cones. The tree does not tolerate air pollution and has a superior tolerance for cold temperature, making it a good choice to keep out deer from northern landscape with severe winters.