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deer damaged rhododendrons

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From: Sandy Brennan City: Freeport, ME
The lower 3-4 feet branches of my large rhododendrons have been eaten by deer. Should these branches be pruned as the upper part of the bush just keeps growing taller?
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
Rhododendrons can surprise us by putting new buds on near the point of "pruning" some of the time, especially if the plants have been healthy and vigorous. If that does not occur, for health reasons, prune the stubs a the next appropriate crotch or to the next larger branch. If there is any regrowth, plan on protecting the young tender branches in the coming winter if possible.
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