Creating a thriving clover food plot is a cornerstone of successful deer management. These nutrient-rich, highly attractive forages provide essential protein and energy, drawing deer from vast areas and concentrating them for observation and hunting. However, the question of “how often” to mow a clover food plot is often met with varying opinions and can be a source of confusion for many land managers. Understanding the nuances of clover growth, weed suppression, and the impact of mowing on deer utilization is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your food plot investment. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the factors influencing mowing frequency and provide a clear, actionable strategy for maintaining a productive clover patch.
The Biology of Clover and the Purpose of Mowing
Before we can determine the optimal mowing schedule, it’s essential to understand the fundamental biology of clover and the specific goals we aim to achieve through mowing. Clover, a legume, possesses a unique growth habit. Its upright stems and flowering heads are highly palatable to deer. However, as clover matures, it can become coarser and less digestible, particularly in the later stages of its growth cycle.
Mowing serves several critical functions for a clover food plot:
- Weed Control: This is arguably the most significant reason for mowing. Many broadleaf weeds, such as ragweed, thistle, and dock, compete aggressively with clover for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Mowing at the right height and frequency can prevent these weeds from going to seed and overwhelming the desirable clover stand.
- Encouraging Regrowth and Tillering: For many clover varieties, mowing stimulates new growth and encourages tillering (the development of new shoots from the base of the plant). This results in a denser, more vigorous stand of clover that is more appealing to deer.
- Preventing Woody Encroachment: Over time, taller grasses and even small woody plants can begin to colonize the edges of a food plot. Regular mowing helps to keep these encroaching species at bay, maintaining the open, inviting nature of the plot.
- Improving Palatability: By cutting off the mature, often tough, seed heads and upper stems, mowing presents deer with fresh, tender regrowth, increasing the attractiveness and utilization of the plot.
- Seed Dispersal (Accidental): While not the primary goal, mowing can sometimes aid in the accidental dispersal of clover seeds, potentially leading to new patches of growth.
Factors Influencing Mowing Frequency
The “one-size-fits-all” approach to food plot management rarely works. The ideal mowing frequency for your clover plot will depend on a confluence of factors, including:
1. Clover Variety and Age of Stand
Different clover species and even different cultivars within a species have varying growth habits and tolerances to mowing.
- Red Clover: Typically has taller, more upright growth and benefits from mowing to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming too coarse.
- White Clover (Ladino and Dutch): Generally has a lower, spreading growth habit. While it can tolerate some grazing, mowing can still be beneficial for controlling weeds and stimulating new leaf production. Ladino clovers tend to be taller than Dutch white clovers.
- Alsike Clover: Has an upright growth habit and can benefit from mowing to prevent it from becoming too stemmy.
- Crimson Clover: A reseeding annual, crimson clover produces a striking red flower. It’s typically mowed after flowering and seed set to allow for natural reseeding. Mowing too early can significantly reduce its ability to propagate itself.
- New Seedings vs. Established Stands: Newly seeded clover plots require a different mowing strategy than well-established stands. For new seedings, the focus is on allowing the clover to establish a strong root system before introducing mowing as a regular maintenance practice.
2. Weed Pressure
The most significant driver of mowing frequency is often the presence and growth rate of weeds. If you have a robust clover stand and minimal weed competition, you might be able to mow less often. Conversely, if you are battling aggressive annual weeds, you will need to mow more frequently to stay ahead of their life cycles and prevent them from going to seed.
3. Rainfall and Growing Conditions
Abundant rainfall and ideal growing temperatures will naturally lead to faster clover and weed growth. During periods of high growth, you may find yourself needing to mow more frequently to keep weeds in check and maintain the desired clover height. Conversely, during drought conditions, growth will slow, and mowing can be postponed until conditions improve.
4. Desired Plot Appearance and Deer Utilization
While we aim for healthy clover, the visual appearance and how deer are utilizing the plot also play a role. If the clover is becoming overgrown and less accessible to deer, mowing can refresh the plot and make it more inviting. Observing deer activity patterns can also inform your mowing decisions. If deer are heavily browsing the clover, you might delay mowing to allow them continued access to the forage.
Establishing a Mowing Schedule: Practical Strategies
Given the variables, establishing a definitive “once every two weeks” rule is impractical. Instead, a flexible, observation-based approach is most effective. Here’s a breakdown of common mowing scenarios and recommendations:
1. Early Establishment (First Growing Season)
The first year is critical for developing a strong, perennial clover stand.
- Initial Mowing: Once the clover reaches approximately 6-8 inches in height, you can perform the first mowing. However, it’s crucial to be gentle. The goal is not to scalp the plot but to remove the uppermost growth, which often includes weeds and the initial flowering heads.
- Height: Mow to a height of about 4-5 inches. This encourages the clover to branch out and develop a denser root system.
- Frequency: In the first year, you’ll likely mow 1-2 times. Monitor the plot closely. If weeds are rapidly growing and threatening to outcompete the young clover, a second mowing might be necessary. Always ensure you are not cutting the clover back to less than 3-4 inches.
- Crimson Clover: For crimson clover, resist mowing until after it has flowered and begun to set seed. Mowing too early will eliminate its ability to reseed for the following year.
2. Established Stands: The Core Mowing Strategy
Once your clover plot is established (typically after the first year), the mowing strategy shifts towards maintenance and weed suppression.
- The “Growth Follows the Mower” Principle: This is a key concept for clover. Mowing triggers new growth. By mowing when the clover is actively growing, you are essentially encouraging more palatable forage.
- When to Mow: The most effective time to mow established clover is typically when it reaches approximately 8-10 inches in height, or when you see a significant presence of weeds that are starting to outcompete the clover. The goal is to cut off the weed seed heads and stimulate fresh clover growth.
- Mowing Height: Maintain a mowing height of 3-4 inches. This is low enough to effectively remove most weeds and encourage tillering but high enough to avoid stressing the clover plants and leaving enough leaf surface for photosynthesis. Avoid scalping the plot.
- Frequency: This is where observation becomes paramount.
- Moderate Conditions: In average growing conditions with moderate weed pressure, you might find yourself mowing 2-4 times per growing season.
- High Growth/High Weed Pressure: During exceptionally wet or fertile periods, or if you have significant weed growth, you may need to mow 4-6 times.
- Low Growth/Low Weed Pressure: If your clover is thriving with minimal weed competition and growth isn’t excessive, you might only need to mow 1-2 times, focusing on removing any mature seed heads or encroaching taller grasses.
3. Late Season Mowing and Dormancy Preparation
The timing of your final mowing is important for setting up the plot for winter and the following spring.
- Purpose: The final mowing helps to tidy up the plot, prevent stemmy growth from accumulating, and reduce the likelihood of snow mold or other fungal diseases overwintering in dense vegetation. It also helps remove any remaining weed seed heads before winter.
- Timing: Mow in late summer or early fall, generally before the first hard frost.
- Height: A slightly lower mowing height, around 3-4 inches, is acceptable at this time. The goal is to prepare the plot for dormancy.
- Crimson Clover: Again, for crimson clover, allow it to go to seed in the fall before any mowing to encourage reseeding.
Mowing Techniques and Considerations
Beyond the frequency, how you mow is just as important.
1. Mower Type
- Rotary Mowers (Tractor or ATV mounted): These are common and effective. Ensure the mower deck is properly adjusted to the desired height.
- Flail Mowers: These are excellent for food plots as they provide a very clean cut and are often gentler on the plants. They can also handle slightly taller vegetation effectively.
- Bush Hog/Brush Cutter: While powerful, these can be too aggressive for clover if not used carefully. If using a brush hog, be particularly mindful of the mowing height to avoid scalping.
2. Mulching vs. Bagging
- Mulching: For clover food plots, mulching the clippings is highly beneficial. The chopped-up clover and weed material will decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and acting as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture. This is the preferred method.
- Bagging: Bagging the clippings is generally not recommended for clover food plots. You are removing valuable organic matter and nutrients from the plot.
3. Blade Sharpness
Always ensure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades tear and rip the clover, creating ragged edges that are more susceptible to disease and stress. Sharp blades make a clean cut, promoting faster healing and regrowth.
4. Avoiding Over-Mowing
It’s crucial to avoid the temptation to mow too often or too short. Over-mowing can weaken the clover plants, reduce their longevity, and ultimately lead to a less productive plot. Remember, clover needs its leaves to photosynthesize and store energy.
When NOT to Mow Your Clover Plot
There are specific times when mowing is detrimental to your clover food plot:
- During Drought: If the clover is stressed from lack of water, mowing will only exacerbate the problem. Wait for rainfall and signs of recovery.
- During Extended Wet Periods: While you might need to mow to control weeds during wet spells, avoid mowing immediately after heavy rain when the soil is saturated. This can lead to soil compaction and rutting, which can damage the clover roots.
- When the Clover is Under Heavy Browse: If deer are actively and heavily utilizing the plot, sometimes it’s best to let them have their fill and delay mowing until they move on or the clover becomes overgrown.
- Crimson Clover Post-Seed Set: As mentioned, after crimson clover has flowered and set seed, it’s typically left to reseed. Mowing at this point would negate its reseeding potential.
The Art of Observation: Your Best Tool
Ultimately, the most effective way to determine how often to mow your clover food plot is through careful observation. Regularly walk through your plot and assess:
- Clover Height: Is it reaching that 8-10 inch mark where new growth would be beneficial?
- Weed Competition: Are weeds starting to shade out the clover or form seed heads?
- Soil Moisture: Is the soil dry and are the clover plants showing signs of stress?
- Deer Activity: How are the deer utilizing the plot?
By combining your knowledge of clover biology with consistent observation of your specific plot’s conditions, you can develop a mowing schedule that maximizes forage production, effectively manages weeds, and provides a highly attractive food source for your local deer herd. Remember, a healthy clover food plot is a dynamic entity, and your mowing practices should adapt to its ever-changing needs.
Why is mowing important for a clover food plot?
Mowing is crucial for managing a clover food plot because it helps control unwanted weeds and grasses that can outcompete clover for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Regular mowing prevents these competitors from establishing a dominant presence, ensuring the clover can thrive and continue to provide a nutritious food source for wildlife.
Furthermore, mowing stimulates clover’s growth and encourages a denser, more vigorous stand. By clipping the tops, you’re essentially prompting the plant to put more energy into root development and tillering (producing more stems), leading to a lusher, more productive plot that can better withstand grazing pressure and environmental stresses.
How does mowing frequency affect clover growth and density?
Mowing too frequently can stress young clover plants and hinder their establishment by removing too much leaf surface before they can adequately photosynthesize and develop a strong root system. Conversely, not mowing often enough allows weeds to take over and can lead to clover becoming leggy and less palatable, reducing its effectiveness as a food source.
The ideal mowing frequency balances weed control with promoting healthy clover growth. Typically, mowing when the clover reaches a height of 6-8 inches and before it starts to flower is optimal. This frequency allows the clover to grow sufficiently while preventing it from becoming overly mature and suppressed by weeds or its own growth.
What is the recommended mowing height for a clover food plot?
The recommended mowing height for a clover food plot is generally around 3-4 inches. This height is high enough to leave sufficient leaf surface area for the clover to continue photosynthesizing and drawing energy from the sun, promoting healthy regrowth.
Cutting any lower than 3 inches can shock the plants, potentially damaging the crown and hindering future growth, especially during drier periods. Maintaining this height also helps to keep the clover from becoming overly stalky and less palatable to foraging animals.
When should I avoid mowing my clover food plot?
You should avoid mowing your clover food plot during periods of extreme drought or when the clover is under significant stress from heat or lack of water. Mowing during these times can exacerbate the stress, further weaken the plants, and potentially lead to dieback, making it difficult for the plot to recover.
Additionally, avoid mowing immediately after planting a new clover plot, especially during the establishment phase. Allow the seedlings to grow to a sufficient height (around 6-8 inches) before the first mowing, which will help them become more robust and better able to handle subsequent mowing cycles.
What type of equipment is best for mowing a clover food plot?
For most clover food plots, a rotary mower, such as a tractor-mounted mower or a robust zero-turn mower, is ideal. These mowers provide a clean cut that is efficient for managing both clover and competing weeds, ensuring a good finish to the plot.
For smaller or more challenging terrains, a string trimmer with a heavy-duty cutting line can also be effective. However, it’s important to ensure the trimmer is equipped with a sufficiently powerful head to handle dense weed growth and avoid damaging the clover plants themselves.
How often should I mow a newly established clover food plot?
For a newly established clover food plot, the mowing schedule is less about frequency and more about timing and height. The primary goal is to encourage the clover to establish a strong root system and thicken up.
The first mowing should occur when the clover reaches about 6-8 inches in height. Mow it down to approximately 3-4 inches, removing any weeds that have grown tall with the clover. Subsequent mowing should only happen if weeds begin to overtake the clover or if the clover itself exceeds the 8-inch mark, always aiming to maintain that 3-4 inch height.
Does mowing frequency vary based on the type of clover planted?
While the general principles of mowing apply to most clover varieties used in food plots, subtle differences can exist. Some clover species or blends might be slightly more tolerant of different mowing frequencies or heights.
However, for practical purposes in food plot management, focusing on the 3-4 inch cutting height and mowing when the clover reaches 6-8 inches is a reliable guideline for most common food plot clovers, including white clover and red clover, ensuring optimal growth and weed control.