Do Deer Eat Fig Trees? Discover the Best Deer Resistant Fruit Trees

Do Deer Eat Fig Trees? A Guide to Deer Resistant Fruit Trees and Vegetables

Gardening in areas with active deer populations can be both rewarding and challenging. Deer are opportunistic feeders known to nibble on a wide variety of plants—including some fruit trees and vegetables. Understanding what deer eat (and what they tend to avoid) can help you protect your garden while still growing a lush, productive landscape.

A common concern among gardeners is: do deer eat fig trees? The short answer is sometimes. 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. So, are fig trees deer resistant? Generally, yes—but with some caveats.

In this guide, we’ll explore which deer resistant fruit trees and deer resistant vegetables are best for your garden, what deterrents can keep deer at bay, and how to design a deer-proof fruit tree layout that minimizes damage.

Are Fig Trees Deer Resistant?

Do deer eat figs? Not usually. Fig trees (Ficus carica) have thick, leathery leaves and milky sap that deer tend to avoid. However, if food is scarce—especially in early autumn—deer may browse the tender shoots or fruit of young fig trees. So while fig trees are deer resistant to a degree, they’re not entirely deer proof fruit trees.

To protect young or vulnerable trees, it's best to supplement their natural resistance with physical barriers and strategic planting.

What Fruit Trees Are Deer Resistant?

If you're looking to cultivate a deer-resistant orchard, selecting trees that are naturally less appealing to deer can make a big difference. While no fruit tree is completely deer-proof, certain varieties are less likely to be browsed due to their leaf texture, sap content, strong aroma, or bitter taste.

Top Deer Resistant Fruit Trees

• Persimmons – High in astringent tannins, especially when unripe, which deer tend to avoid.
• Pawpaws – Their bitter-tasting leaves and tropical, musky scent make them unappetizing to most deer.
• Mulberries – The milky sap and woody structure deter frequent feeding, especially once the tree matures.
• Figs – Somewhat resistant thanks to their thick, textured leaves and latex-rich sap; young trees may still need protection.
• Olives – The evergreen, leathery leaves and bitter compounds make them unappealing to deer in most climates.
• Quince – Leaves and fruit are covered in dense fuzz, which discourages nibbling and reduces palatability.

While these trees are more resistant than others, they can still be vulnerable under high deer pressure or when food is scarce. For best results, pair them with deer deterrents like fencing, repellents, or companion planting with aromatic herbs.

Deer Resistant Vegetables and Companion Plants

Creating a deer-resistant garden doesn’t end with fruit trees—certain vegetables and herbs are also naturally unappealing to deer thanks to their texture, scent, or chemical compounds. Integrating these plants into your garden can significantly reduce browsing pressure.

Recommended Deer Resistant Vegetables

• Artichokes – Their spiny, tough leaves and coarse texture make them undesirable to deer.
• Hot Peppers – The capsaicin that gives them heat is a strong deterrent for deer and other animals.
• Cucumbers – While not completely deer-proof, they’re generally not a preferred choice due to their bitter-tasting leaves and vine structure.

Aromatic Herbs as Natural Deer Deterrents

Strong-scented herbs can act as a natural barrier when planted around more vulnerable crops. These herbs confuse or repel deer with their pungent aromas.

Shop Herb Seeds like:

• Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, and Mint – These herbs are not only deer-resistant but also great for culinary use and pollinator-friendly.

Strategic Tips for a Deer-Resistant Garden

• Assess Local Deer Behavior
  • Deer feeding habits vary by region, season, and available food sources. Check with local gardening groups or extension offices to better understand what works in your area.
• Use Perimeter Planting
  
  • Line your garden with deer-resistant vegetables, aromatic herbs, or tough ornamentals to form a "living fence" that discourages entry.
• Protect Young Trees and Tender Plants
  • Young plants are most vulnerable. Use fencing, netting, or tree guards to physically block deer access until the plants mature.
• Apply Natural or Organic Repellents
  • Enhance protection with deer repellents—especially during late summer and fall, when deer are hungriest and more likely to sample unfamiliar plants.

What Plants Attract Deer?

Understanding which plants are highly attractive to deer can help you plan a more resilient garden and avoid placing "deer magnets" near vulnerable crops.
High-Risk Plants Deer Love

• Peach Trees – Their soft, juicy fruit and sweet sap make them a favorite snack for deer.
• Plums, Grapes, Strawberries, and Blueberries – These moisture-rich, sweet-smelling fruits are very enticing.
• Leafy Greens and Root Vegetables – Tender and nutrient-dense, they’re often the first to be browsed in vegetable gardens.

If you want to grow high-risk crops like peaches, grapes, or strawberries, consider planting them close to your home where you can monitor them and apply fencing or repellents for extra protection.

Conclusion: Building a Deer-Resistant Garden

While no plant is completely deer-proof, you can greatly reduce damage by choosing deer resistant fruit trees and vegetables, using natural deterrents, and protecting young or tender plants with fencing. Do deer eat fig trees? Occasionally—but with proper planning and smart placement, even fig trees can thrive in deer-heavy areas.

From pawpaws and persimmons to hot peppers and artichokes, your garden can stay productive and resilient. For added protection, check out our herb seeds for sale and deer repellents and deterrents for sale. 

FAQs: Deer Resistant Gardening and Fruit Trees

• What is the most deer resistant tree?
  • The pawpaw tree is considered one of the most deer resistant due to its bitter taste and tropical smell. Persimmons and mulberries are also good choices.
• What plant do deer hate the most?
  • Deer typically avoid rosemary, sage, mint, hot peppers, and artichokes because of their strong scents, spice, or rough textures.
• How do I protect fruit trees from deer?
  • Use a combination of fencing, tree guards, and organic repellents. Strategic placement of deterrent herbs also helps.
• Can deer eat grapes?
  • Yes. Deer are known to eat grape leaves, fruit, and shoots, making grapevines a high-risk crop without protection.
• Do deer eat figs or fig trees?
  • Do deer eat fig trees? Not typically. While they may nibble young growth in the fall, fig trees are deer resistant overall due to their sap and leathery leaves.
• Do deer eat oranges or citrus trees?
  • Citrus trees are generally avoided due to their bitterness and strong aroma, but young shoots can occasionally be nibbled.
• Do deer eat bananas?
  • Banana plants are not common deer food due to their thick leaves and low aroma, though deer may try them in very limited food situations.
• Do deer eat strawberries and blueberries?
  • Yes. These berries are sweet and moisture-rich, making them attractive. Use fencing or repellents for protection.
• Do deer eat artichoke plants?
  • Rarely. The prickly leaves and texture of artichoke plants make them unappealing to deer.
• What fruit trees are deer resistant?
  • Top choices include pawpaws, persimmons, figs, olives, mulberries, and quince. These deer resistant fruit trees are less likely to be browsed due to their texture, taste, or sap.