When we had Arborvitae we lived in a big
city where I never saw deer.
j flynn, it might help to know what kind of climate you have, like dry, wet, sunny, shady?? Zone?
In the book, "Deer Proofing your
yard and garden" there is a long list of
trees and shrubs that deer do not like.
They are listed by Zone and soil conditions. On their list, I only have experience with Juniper.
Spruce,
Black Locust, Eucalyptus, Magnolia, Wisteria are a few on the list.