Deer absolutely love pawpaw fruit. It is one of their favorite treats in the fall when the fruit starts dropping from the trees. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have seen firsthand how deer will seek out pawpaw trees that are producing a large amount of fruit and visit them regularly during the early to mid-fall season.
Pawpaw trees are known for their ability to produce fruit relatively quickly. Unlike some fruit trees that can take several years to start bearing fruit, pawpaws typically start producing within 4 to 8 years of being planted. This early production is one of the reasons why they are such a popular choice among gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
When the pawpaw fruit ripens and begins to fall, it becomes a magnet for deer. The sweet, tropical-like flavor and creamy texture of the fruit are irresistible to these animals. They will often come back repeatedly to feast on the fallen fruit, sometimes even clearing an entire tree of its bounty in a short period of time.
It’s important to note that while deer do enjoy pawpaw fruit, they are not the only creatures that have a taste for it. Squirrels, raccoons, and other small mammals are also known to indulge in these tasty treats. This can sometimes lead to competition for the fruit, especially in areas with a high population of wildlife.
To protect your pawpaw trees from deer and other animals, there are a few strategies you can employ. One option is to use fencing or netting to create a physical barrier around the trees. This can help prevent deer from accessing the fruit and allow you to enjoy the harvest for yourself.
Another approach is to use deterrents such as scent-based repellents or motion-activated sprinklers. These can help deter deer from approaching the trees in the first place, reducing the likelihood of them feasting on the fruit.
In my experience, I have found that a combination of these methods works best. By using fencing or netting to physically protect the trees and incorporating deterrents to discourage deer from approaching, you can significantly reduce the impact of deer on your pawpaw harvest.
Deer do eat pawpaw fruit and are particularly fond of it. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have seen how deer will actively seek out pawpaw trees when the fruit is dropping in early to mid-fall. However, with the right protective measures in place, such as fencing, netting, and deterrents, you can still enjoy a bountiful pawpaw harvest for yourself.
