Deer Browse Clipping Study in the Lake States Region

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Abstract
Northern white cedar under 7 feet tall will produce well and continue to grow when something under 15 to 20 percent of the foliage is removed annually. Heavier usage causes a decline in browse production, retarded growth and gradual death to these small trees. Larger trees can be browsed heavily below the 7-foot line without injuring the trees. Usually the lower foliage is lost by natural pruning, so browsing is actually a means of utilizing that which would otherwise be wasted. Mountain maple, white birch, beaked hazelnut, pin cherry, willow and black ash produce well under moderate to heavy usage and should be utilized at least moderately if the plant growth is to be kept within reach of deer. Mountain ash, red osier dogwood and red-berried elder do not stand up well under heavy usage and should therefore be moderately utilized where possible, to insure their continued availability to deer. The percentages of water in the clipped twigs of the hardwood species is shown.

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