How small is the tree? I imagine buckeye buds might look pretty big and tasty to certain wildlife in the winter and early spring when the food supply is limited. Despite being moderately toxic, would a young, hungry deer instinctively know enough not to eat the buds if it had never sampled a buckeye before? Do you get deer crossing through your yard during the year typically? Any pictures to post?

I've been growing a small number of the Autumn Splendor hybrid for a few years now. Nothing messes with them but I do have a giant platter of other offerings for wildlife to feast on.

We have deer, but don’t think they could reach the top.

There might even be some birds that would eat buds.....

Squirrels eat the buds on mine. its huge so not significant.

There are others the same age and size nearby, but they remain untouched. Just weird. And infuriating.