Deer can turn a promising orchard into a buffet, but some fruit trees seem to stay off their menu in Arkansas. I’ve spent seasons watching which trees remain untouched while others disappear overnight.
Certain varieties have a natural resistance that keeps them safe even in high-traffic deer areas. Choosing the right trees can make all the difference for a worry-free harvest.
Your garden can thrive and produce delicious fruit without constant deer interference.
1. Fig Trees
The milky sap in fig trees acts as a natural deterrent for deer roaming Arkansas properties. Most deer avoid the fuzzy leaves and latex-filled stems that can irritate their mouths.
Arkansas gardeners often plant Brown Turkey or Celeste varieties which thrive in the state’s climate. These figs offer sweet rewards for humans while keeping curious deer at a comfortable distance.
2. Persimmon
Native persimmons have evolved alongside Arkansas wildlife for centuries, developing natural compounds deer find unappealing. Their astringent qualities before ripening create an unpleasant experience for woodland browsers.
Many Arkansas homesteaders plant American persimmon varieties along property edges. The trees produce delicious fruits after the first frost while their slightly bitter bark and leaves keep deer looking elsewhere for their meals.
3. Pawpaw
Arkansas forests naturally host pawpaw trees, whose fruits taste like banana custard but whose leaves contain compounds deer avoid. The aromatic foliage contains natural chemicals that repel most browsing animals.
Growing in partial shade throughout the Natural State, pawpaws make excellent additions to woodland gardens. Their tropical-tasting fruits attract human fans while their distinctive smell keeps deer walking right past them.
4. Mulberry
While birds go crazy for mulberries, deer typically pass them by in Arkansas landscapes. The slightly fuzzy texture of young leaves and stems makes them uncomfortable for deer to munch on regularly.
Arkansas gardeners appreciate how mulberry trees thrive with minimal care in the state’s climate. They provide abundant berries for jams and pies while their natural deer resistance means you’ll actually get to harvest those fruits yourself.
5. Quince
Hard and astringent until cooked, quince fruits don’t appeal to deer wandering through Arkansas yards. The tree’s slightly thorny nature provides additional protection against curious browsers looking for an easy meal.
Many Arkansas homesteaders grow quince for its aromatic fruits perfect for jellies and preserves. Its spring blossoms add beauty to the landscape while its natural deer resistance ensures your harvest remains intact throughout the growing season.
6. Loquat
In southern Arkansas where winters are milder, loquat trees offer sweet fruits while deterring deer. Their leathery leaves contain compounds that create an unpleasant taste experience for browsing wildlife.
Arkansas gardeners in zones 8-9 enjoy these evergreen trees for their winter flowers and spring fruits. The aromatic leaves maintain their deer-resistant properties year-round, making them reliable landscape additions where deer pressure is high.
7. Elderberry
Native elderberries contain compounds that create an unpleasant taste for deer exploring Arkansas properties. The distinctive aroma of the leaves and stems acts as a natural warning signal to browsing animals.
Many Arkansas gardeners incorporate elderberry bushes into their edible landscapes. While humans prize the berries for syrups and wines, deer consistently avoid them due to their strong smell and slightly bitter foliage.
8. Medlar
Uncommon but deer-resistant, medlar trees produce unusual fruits that Arkansas deer typically ignore. Their slightly astringent properties and unique ripening process (requiring frost and bletting) make them unattractive to wildlife.
Some adventurous Arkansas gardeners grow these historical fruits for their caramel-like flavor when fully ripened. The trees feature attractive blossoms in spring and interesting fruits that deer consistently leave alone throughout the growing season.
9. Jujube
Also called Chinese dates, jujube trees thrive in Arkansas’s climate while deterring deer with their slightly thorny branches. The small spines along younger growth create a natural barrier against browsing animals.
Arkansas gardeners in drier areas particularly appreciate jujubes for their drought tolerance. The sweet, apple-like fruits ripen to a mahogany color while the tree’s natural defenses keep deer looking elsewhere for easier meals.
10. Serviceberry
Native serviceberries produce delicious blueberry-like fruits that humans love but Arkansas deer generally avoid. The tree’s slightly bitter bark and early fruiting season help it escape most deer damage in home landscapes.
Many Arkansas gardeners plant serviceberry for its beautiful spring flowers and summer fruits. Its natural adaptation to the state’s growing conditions means it thrives with minimal care while its deer resistance ensures you’ll get to enjoy those sweet berries.
11. Cornelian Cherry
Though technically a dogwood, this small tree produces tart cherry-like fruits while naturally repelling Arkansas deer. Its early spring blooms and summer fruits remain untouched by browsing animals thanks to their astringent qualities.
Some Arkansas gardeners grow Cornelian cherry for its ornamental qualities and edible harvests. The bright yellow flowers appear before leaves emerge, creating winter interest while the tree’s natural deer resistance protects both blooms and subsequent fruits.
12. Aronia
Also called chokeberry, aronia bushes produce antioxidant-rich berries that Arkansas deer consistently avoid. The astringent quality that gives these fruits their name also serves as an effective browsing deterrent.
Many health-conscious Arkansas gardeners grow aronia for their superfood status. The plants feature beautiful fall color and clusters of dark berries while their natural compounds keep deer from including them in their dining plans.
13. Mayhaw
Native to Arkansas wetlands, mayhaw trees produce small apple-like fruits deer typically ignore. The slightly thorny nature of these hawthorn relatives provides natural protection against browsing pressure.
Southern Arkansas gardeners prize mayhaws for their excellent jelly-making properties. The trees thrive in wet areas where other fruits might fail while their natural deer resistance ensures your spring harvest remains safe from wildlife damage.
14. Autumn Olive
Though considered invasive in parts of Arkansas, autumn olive produces abundant berries deer rarely touch. The silvery leaves contain compounds that create an unpleasant taste experience for browsing wildlife.
Some Arkansas homesteaders in controlled settings grow autumn olive for its lycopene-rich berries. The drought-tolerant shrubs feature fragrant spring flowers and silver-speckled red fruits while naturally discouraging deer from sampling their foliage.
15. Sea Buckthorn
Gaining popularity in Arkansas, sea buckthorn produces vitamin-packed orange berries while deterring deer with thorny branches. The sharp protective growth along stems creates an effective physical barrier against browsing animals.
Adventurous Arkansas gardeners grow sea buckthorn for its superfood status and ornamental value. The silvery foliage and bright orange berries create visual interest while the plant’s natural defenses ensure deer keep their distance throughout the year.
16. Goumi
Related to autumn olive but less invasive, goumi produces tart-sweet red berries that Arkansas deer typically avoid. The silvery leaves contain compounds that create an unpleasant taste experience for wildlife browsers.
Some Arkansas permaculture enthusiasts grow goumi as part of their food forests. The nitrogen-fixing shrubs improve soil while producing nutritious berries, all while their natural deer resistance ensures the plants remain undamaged throughout the seasons.