During the summer months, bucks will develop dried velvet on their antlers that will become quite heavy, unattractive and uncomfortable by the beginning of September. To look desirable by doe, male deer will find trees to rub the velvet off their antlers. This process is known as rutting. 

The action may make the deer feel better; however, it leads to anguish by tree growers who will see damage to tree bark. To protect trees, growers will need to take precautionary steps at the start of the fall season including protecting young trees with tree guards or fencing out deer with full deer fence enclosures. 

When we think about fall, we think about the deer rutting season; and the damage that will incur to trees.