Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Deer see your arborvitae as a winter buffet. By the time you spot the damage, those bare branches often never grow back. You need a repellent that actually sticks to the job through rain, snow, and a hungry herd’s determination.
I am Rikta, the writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide compares published specs from each brand and patterns in verified customer reviews. You get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs, not marketing talk.
The right repellent works differently depending on weather, deer pressure, and how often you can reapply. This breakdown of the deer repellent for arborvitae market helps you match the formula to your exact situation.
Quick Picks
- Deer Stopper Quart Concentrate — Best Overall
- Bobbex B550170 Ready to Use Deer Repellent — Top Performer
- I Must Garden Deer Repellent Concentrate – 32oz — Best Scent
- EPIC REPELLENTS Deer Scram All Natural Granular — Best Granular
- (3 Pack) Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent — Budget Champion
- Plantskydd Animal Repellent Wettable Powder — Winter Specialist
- Deer Out 1 Gallon Concentrate — Pro Grade
How To Choose The Best Deer Repellent For Arborvitae
Picking the right repellent for arborvitae depends on three things: how long protection lasts after rain, whether the smell bothers you or your neighbors, and how easy it is to apply on tall plants. A spray that washes off in the first shower or a granular that turns to dust in the bag will waste your time and leave your trees exposed.
Rain Resistance and Reapplication Frequency
Arborvitae are dense evergreens that hold their needles year-round. Deer can graze on them all winter when other food is scarce. A repellent that is “rainfast” — meaning it stays effective after rain has dried — within a few hours saves you from running out after every downpour. The best formulas advertise a 24-hour rainfast window. Cheaper options may need a fresh coat after every wet spell.
Concentrate vs Ready-to-Use
If you have a long row of arborvitae, a concentrate that makes several gallons of spray costs less per application and lets you refill a garden sprayer. Ready-to-use bottles are convenient for a few small shrubs but get expensive fast when you are spraying ten-foot trees.
Scent Tolerance
Deer hate smells like rotten eggs, garlic, and blood meal. But those same odors can linger near your house. If your arborvitae line a driveway or sit close to a patio, a mint- or spice-scented formula might be worth a higher price tag. You have to apply the repellent yourself, so choose a smell you can stand to work with.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Form Type | Coverage | Rainfast | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Stopper Quart Concentrate | Long-lasting low-maintenance protection | Liquid concentrate | 1 Quart | 30 days | Amazon |
| Bobbex Ready to Use | Heavy deer pressure, small areas | Ready-to-use spray | 48 oz | 2 weeks | Amazon |
| I Must Garden Spice Concentrate | Pleasant scent, large coverage | Liquid concentrate | Makes 2.5 Gal (10,000 sq ft) | Multiple rains | Amazon |
| EPIC REPELLENTS Deer Scram Granular | No-spray application | Granular | 2.5 lb | Reapply after heavy rain | Amazon |
| Liquid Fence 3 Pack | Budget high-volume protection | Liquid concentrate | 3 x 32 oz | Reapply after rain | Amazon |
| Plantskydd Wettable Powder | Winter-long dormant protection | Powder concentrate | Makes 2.5 Gal (900+ seedlings) | 24 hours, 3-6 months dormant | Amazon |
| Deer Out 1 Gal Concentrate | Professional-grade, mint scent | Liquid concentrate | 1 Gal | 2 weeks, rain resistant | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Deer Stopper Quart Concentrate
The concentrate delivers month-long confidence for your arborvitae row.
You spray it once and can forget about it for a full month. Buyers report the formula “lasts 30-day, regardless of weather including rain, snow and regular watering.” That is a huge advantage for tall evergreens that are a pain to reach with a sprayer. The strong peppermint scent is actually pleasant to work with — not the rotten-egg assault you get from many repellents. Unlike the Liquid Fence 3 Pack (7.05 pounds), this concentrate weighs only 1.9 pounds, so lifting and mixing is easier.
This concentrate is organic and uses food-grade ingredients. You can also spray it on fruit trees and vegetables without worry. It dries clear and odor-free, so your arborvitae look clean and natural. One thing to note: in very rainy stretches, some users found weekly application worked better. The concentrate lasts about two years for a single gallon of mixed spray if stored properly. Reviewers warn against leaving leftover mix in the sprayer over winter — it can clump and clog. Strain it out and you are fine.
Why it wins
- Lasts 30 days through rain and snow without re-spraying
- Pleasant peppermint smell, dries clear with no odor
- Organic, food-grade ingredients safe for edibles
Watch for
- May need weekly reapplication in persistent wet weather
- Mixed spray can clog if stored too long in the sprayer
Perfect for: the homeowner who wants low-maintenance protection for a full month between applications.
One caveat: if you get daily rain, be ready to spray more often than the label suggests.
2. Bobbex B550170 Ready to Use Deer Repellent
The stinky stuff that works when deer are at their hungriest.
This is the heavy artillery. Bobbex uses all-natural and recycled ingredients. The smell has been described as “rancid” — rotten eggs, old cat food, and wintergreen — but that stench is exactly why deer stay away. Owners mention it “must reapply every two weeks.” That is a solid schedule for protecting arborvitae through hard winter browsing. The product measures 14.2 x 5.5 x 5 inches and comes with an E-Z pump sprayer. Customers note the thick formula can clog the sprayer if you do not rinse it thoroughly after each use.
The smell fades after it dries, so your yard will not smell like a barn all season. It also repels rabbits and squirrels, giving your arborvitae multi-pest coverage. A common warning from users: wear gloves and goggles when spraying. Avoid working on windy days. The thick formula lands unevenly if the sprayer clogs mid-job. Some buyers prefer to transfer the liquid to a different bottle for smoother application.
Strong suits
- Extremely effective on deer, rabbits, and squirrels
- All-natural ingredients, safe for pets and birds
- Won’t wash off during normal rain or irrigation
Trade-offs
- Strong rotten-egg odor during application
- Sprayer clogs easily; needs thorough cleaning after each use
Ideal for: the gardener facing heavy deer pressure who does not mind a smelly chore every two weeks.
skip it if: you have a sensitive nose or your arborvitae are near patios and windows.
3. I Must Garden Deer Repellent Concentrate – 32oz
A concentrate that smells like cloves and covers an impressive 10,000 square feet.
If your arborvitae line a long driveway or a large property line, this is the cost-per-foot winner. It “makes 2.5 gallons and covers 10,000 sq. ft,” according to buyers. One bottle goes a long way. The spice scent (clove and ginger) is pleasant to work with, which matters when you are spraying a long hedge. The bottle measures 2.7 x 4.45 x 8.9 inches — compared to the Bobbex bottle at 14.2 x 5.5 x 5 inches, so it takes up less storage space.
The concentrate mixes easily without clumping and can be stored after mixing. Unlike some repellents that must be used the same day. Natural sticking agents help it cling to arborvitae needles through multiple rains. Reviewers point out that it works better than garlic-based repellents and fencing, and it is safe for pollinators like bees. The only practical downside: the pleasant scent means deer sometimes test it more than they would a stinky spray. Stick to a weekly schedule during peak browsing season.
Why it stands out
- Massive coverage at 10,000 sq ft per 32 oz concentrate
- Spice scent is pleasant and safe for pollinators
- Mixed concentrate can be stored for future use
Downside
- Less foul odor means deer may need more frequent reinforcement
Go-to for: large properties where you want pleasant-smelling protection that covers serious ground.
Consider instead: if deer pressure is extreme and you want a stronger deterrent, the Bobbex above is more punishing.
4. EPIC REPELLENTS Deer Scram All Natural Granular Repellent
The no-spray, sprinkle-and-forget option for the hands-off gardener.
Not everyone wants to lug a sprayer around the yard. Deer Scram is a 2.5-pound granular shaker. You simply sprinkle it around the base of your arborvitae. As it biodegrades, it releases a scent that deters deer without being unpleasant to humans. It also turns into high-nitrogen organic nutrients for the soil. One long-time buyer reports, “I have used this product for years. In my opinion it is better than any other product I have tried.” But they add that you must apply before deer decide to eat.
Unlike liquid sprays, this granular approach works well for tall arborvitae because you can treat the root zone without needing a ladder. But it is not rainfast the way the Deer Stopper concentrate is — you need to reapply after every heavy rainstorm. Granulars work best as a perimeter defense rather than a rescue remedy for already-targeted plants. Reviews also mention that the granules can arrive as near-dust after shipping, which makes them harder to spread evenly.
What works
- No mixing or spraying; just shake and go
- Biodegradable; feeds soil with nitrogen as it breaks down
- No offensive odor for humans
What to know
- Must reapply after every heavy rain
- Granules can arrive crushed into powder, making application messy
Best fit for: the gardener who prefers a quick sprinkle over mixing, spraying, and cleaning a sprayer.
Not for: anyone dealing with active deer damage right now — this works better as a preventive measure.
5. (3 Pack) Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit Repellent, 32-Ounce Each
Three bottles that smell terrible but work exactly as advertised.
Liquid Fence’s three-pack is a solid value for medium to large properties. Each bottle is 32 ounces. The bundle weighs 7.05 pounds total — a heavy box to carry but a cheaper per-ounce rate than buying single bottles. The formula contains natural ingredients including rotten eggs. Reviewers confirm that is exactly what it smells like: “5 Stars for Smelling Terrible.” Unlike the Deer Stopper (which lasts 30 days), shoppers say you need to “reapply after it rains, I use it two times a week.” That is a much more hands-on commitment.
However, for the price of the three-pack, you get enough volume to spray a tall arborvitae row for a full growing season. Some users received bottles with cracked sprayers or leaks during shipping. The concentrate is weaker than previous versions according to longtime buyers. Still, for the cost, it protects well if you stay on top of the schedule.
Value points
- Low cost per ounce in the three-pack format
- Proven effective on deer and rabbits
- Natural ingredients
Compromises
- Requires frequent reapplication (twice a week in some cases)
- Very strong rotten-egg odor
Pick this if: your budget is tight but your deer pressure is high — it works, just plan on regular re-spraying.
Choose differently if: you want a longer-lasting solution to reduce chore frequency; the Deer Stopper is a better fit.
6. Plantskydd Animal Repellent Wettable Powder
The blood-meal powder that locks out deer for months when your arborvitae are dormant.
Winter is when arborvitae are most vulnerable. Deer have fewer food sources and your trees are the easy meal. Plantskydd’s wettable powder is OMRI-listed (a certification for organic use) and works on a different principle: it smells like dried blood to deer, triggering a natural fear response. The active growing season interval is 2-4 weeks. But during dormant season you get 3-6 months of protection from a single application. Buyers who have used it for years report it “effectively stopped buck rubbing damage on 100+ trees for 7 years.”
The powder makes 2.5 gallons of liquid product and treats over 900 seedlings at 1 foot high. It is rainfast in 24 hours — meaning it sets on the leaf surface and survives a downpour after one day — and stays active through winter snow and rain. The big friction point: mixing this powder is messy. Reviewers describe needing a drill with a paint mixer and a strainer. It stains surfaces a shiny maroon color that is hard to wash off wood or concrete. Once dry, though, there is no odor and it lasts far longer than any liquid concentrate.
Why it is unique
- Dormant-season protection lasts 3-6 months
- OMRI-listed for organic use
- No odor after drying
Preparation pain
- Difficult to mix; requires a drill and paint mixer
- Stains light-colored surfaces permanently if not cleaned quickly
Best for: the winter-guard mission — apply once before the first snow and your arborvitae are safe until spring.
Not ideal for: quick touch-ups during the growing season when you need a fast spray-and-go solution.
7. Deer Out 1 Gallon Concentrate
The minty professional formula with over 100,000 repeat customers behind it, according to the brand.
Deer Out has been around for over 20 years and is a favorite of professional gardeners, landscapers, and farmers. The 1-gallon concentrate weighs 9.06 pounds and uses a patented formula with a minty fresh scent — a huge upgrade over the rotten-egg repellents. Two natural stickers keep it on plants through rain. Buyers report it lasts about 2 weeks per application. One user describes it perfectly: “I can tell which plants I sprayed and which ones I didn’t as the deer and rabbits treat my garden like a buffet.”
The mint smell is pleasant for you but naturally deters deer, elk, and moose. It is safe for children and pets. You can mix 13 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water. For tall arborvitae, this makes a lot of sense: you spray every 2 weeks and the deer stop eating your yard. No repellent is 100% perfect, though. A few owners mention that some deer still taste-test sprayed plants. The upfront cost is higher than any other concentrate here. But compared to replacing mature arborvitae, the price is a bargain. The gallon format is the best value per ounce among premium options.
Professional merits
- Pleasant mint scent, no stink for you or neighbors
- Rain resistant with two natural stickers; lasts weeks
- Trusted by pros for over 20 years
Considerations
- Highest upfront investment of any concentrate here
- Some deer may still test-spray; needs consistent reapplication
Choose this if: you want a premium, pleasant-smelling solution that pros rely on and you have a large property to cover.
Pass if: you are on a tight budget and cannot justify the upfront cost — the Liquid Fence 3-Pack works for less, with more odor.
Understanding the Specs
Rainfastness
This tells you how soon after application the repellent is rainproof. Some formulas are rainfast in 24 hours — meaning they set on the leaf surface and survive a downpour after one day. Others need to be reapplied after every rain. For arborvitae that get hit by winter storms, a 24-hour or longer rainfast window is a huge advantage.
Concentrate vs Ready-to-Use
A 32-ounce concentrate might make 2.5 gallons of mixed spray, covering 10,000 square feet — perfect for rows of arborvitae. Ready-to-use bottles are convenient for a few shrubs but cost far more per square foot. If you have more than a few plants, buy concentrate and a sprayer.
FAQ
How often should I spray deer repellent on arborvitae in winter?
Will rain wash away deer repellent immediately?
Can I use granular deer repellent for tall arborvitae?
What is the difference between a concentrate and a ready-to-use spray?
Is deer repellent safe for pets and children?
Why do some deer repellents smell so bad?
How long does a bottle of concentrate last in storage?
Will deer repellent damage my arborvitae?
Can I use the same repellent for arborvitae and vegetable gardens?
How much area does a 32-ounce concentrate cover?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the deer repellent for arborvitae winner is the Deer Stopper Quart Concentrate because it combines month-long protection through rain and snow with an organic formula that smells pleasant and dries clear. If you want a pleasant mint scent that professionals trust, grab the Deer Out 1 Gallon Concentrate. For winter-long dormant protection that only needs one application per season, the Plantskydd Wettable Powder stays effective for 3-6 months.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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