Many land managers believe clover food plots must be mowed regularly to remain productive, but mowing is often unnecessary and can even be counterproductive. Clover is naturally a low growing, spreading plant that does not become tall, woody, or rank like grasses, so it does not need mowing to stay tender or palatable.

Mowing can reduce the food value of a clover plot by removing high-protein forage that deer and other wildlife would otherwise consume. After being cut, clover must rely on stored root energy to regrow, diverting resources away from producing new, nutritious leaves. In active food plots, deer already perform the role mowing is meant to serve. Grazing pressure keeps clover short, lush, and productive, with deer selectively feeding on the most nutritious growth at no cost or effort to the manager.

Frequent mowing can also encourage weeds by exposing bare soil and reducing the dense canopy clover needs to outcompete grasses and broadleaf invaders. Clover performs best when allowed to form a thick mat that shades the soil and suppresses competitors. Instead of mowing, managers are better served by focusing on soil health and fertility. Regular soil testing, maintaining proper pH with lime, applying potassium as needed, using selective grass and broad-leaf herbicides when necessary, and lightly overseeding in late winter or early spring will keep clover productive far longer than mowing. Herbicides should be applied twice per year, once in March/April and again in October before the first frost if needed.

There are limited situations where mowing makes sense:

  • Weeds and grasses are tall and overtaking the plot (mow with deck raised not to clip any clover and apply selective herbicides soon after).
  • Clover has grown excessively tall due to lack of grazing.
  • Resetting growth height prior to overseeding. 

Outside of these scenarios, mowing provides little benefit. The bottom line is that a healthy clover plot thrives on good soil conditions, proper fertility, timing of herbicide application, and grazing pressure.