Hazelnuts are a type of nut that deer enjoy eating. While they will eat other types of nuts, such as acorns and chestnuts, hazelnuts are one of their favorites. If you have a hazelnut tree in your yard, chances are good that the deer will visit it frequently to munch on the tasty nuts.
If you live in an area where deer are abundant, you may have noticed them nibbling on your hazelnut trees. While they don’t eat the nuts themselves, they will strip the bark off of young branches, which can damage or kill the tree. If you want to protect your hazelnuts, it’s best to fence them in.
Hazelnut Bush
The hazelnut bush is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to between 6 and 12 feet tall. It has ovate-shaped, toothed leaves that are dark green on top and paler beneath. The bush produces small, reddish-brown flowers in the spring, which give way to edible nuts in the fall.
Hazelnuts can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used in baking or as a flavoring for coffee and liqueurs.
Credit: habitat-talk.com
Are Hazelnuts Good for Wildlife?
Hazelnuts are an important food source for many animals, including squirrels, mice, rabbits, deer, and birds. Hazelnuts are high in fat and protein, which makes them an ideal food for these animals during the winter months when other food sources are scarce. In addition to being a good source of nutrition for wildlife, hazelnuts also provide shelter and nesting material for birds and small mammals.
The trees that produce hazelnuts also provide valuable habitat for many species of insects, bats, and other animals.
How Do I Protect My Hazelnuts from Deer?
If you have a hazelnut tree on your property, chances are you’ve had to deal with deer raiding your crop. While these animals are beautiful to look at, they can wreak havoc on your garden, eating everything in sight. So how do you protect your hazelnuts from deer?
The best way to keep deer away from your hazelnuts is to erect a fence around the perimeter of your property. Deer are good jumpers, so the fence should be at least 8 feet tall. You can also add an electric wire to the top of the fence to deter them further.
Another option is to spray your hazelnut trees with a deer repellent. There are many commercially available products that use either a strong scent or taste to deter deer from eating the leaves or nuts. Repellents need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rains or heavy dew periods, in order for them to be effective.
Deer can also be controlled by hunting them or using traps, but these methods should only be used as a last resort since they can be dangerous and may not be legal in all areas. If you do decide to go this route, always consult with local wildlife officials first.
How Long Does It Take for a Hazelnut Tree to Produce Fruit?
A hazelnut tree typically takes four to six years to produce its first fruit. However, some cultivars can take up to ten years before they bear fruit. Once a hazelnut tree begins bearing fruit, it will continue to do so for many years; some trees have been known to produce nuts for over 50 years!
Do You Need Two Hazelnut Trees to Get Nuts?
No, you don’t need two hazelnut trees to get nuts. A single tree will produce plenty of nuts for most people. If you want to harvest a large quantity of nuts, or if you want to ensure that you have a good crop every year, then planting two or more trees is a good idea.
Hazelnuts are self-pollinating, so having multiple trees will help increase the chances of pollination and a bountiful harvest.
Deer Destruction…..caging your hazelnut plants
Conclusion
If you’re wondering if deer eat hazelnuts, the answer is yes! Deer are known to eat all sorts of nuts, including hazelnuts. In fact, deer love nuts so much that they will often seek out nut-bearing trees and shrubs in order to munch on their tasty treats.
So, if you have a hazelnut tree in your yard, there’s a good chance that deer will be paying it a visit sooner or later.