I planted a soaptree yucca (yucca elata) in a well-drained, raised, sunny spot. It was about 24 inches tall. I had a 18 inch high fence around it to protect it against rabbits. The fence was about 12 inches away from the yucca. However, the other day I went out and saw that all the spikey leaves had been eaten off - everyone. I think deer got to it.

I don't know a lot about this yucca. Do deer like them a lot?

Do you think this tree will survive? Or, should I dig up the "trunk" and roots, and start over with a new yucca elata? If it can survive, what can/should I do to help it? Also, how best do I protect this from deer in the future? Do I have to put up a fence about 8 feet tall for - how many years? - to keep deer away? (This doesn't sound like it would look very nice.) Thanks for any help.