Planting clover food plots for wildlife provides an excellent food source that is both attractive and nutritionally valuable during critical times of the year. However, to ensure clover plots reach their full potential, effective weed control is essential. This leads many landowners and land managers to ask: When should clover plots be sprayed?
Timing Herbicide Applications
Warm-Season Weeds
For warm-season weeds, clover food plots should generally be sprayed in late spring to early summer—typically around March through May—when weeds are actively growing but before they become mature and tough to control. Young, actively growing weeds absorb herbicides more effectively, making early applications more successful.
If adequate rainfall follows the initial application, a second treatment may be necessary to control new flushes of weeds. Skipping this follow-up can allow weeds to set seed, reducing the long-term success of your plot.
Cool-Season Weeds
Cool-season weeds, such as ryegrass, chickweed, and henbit, may require treatment in the fall or winter, depending on rainfall, weed pressure, and overall growth conditions. Monitoring your plots throughout the year is critical to determine the best timing for applications.
Weather Considerations
- Apply herbicides on calm days with minimal wind to reduce drift and avoid impacting neighboring plants or water sources.
- Do not spray if rain is forecasted within 24 hours, as this can wash away the chemical before it has time to work.
- Early morning or late afternoon applications are often ideal to reduce evaporation and maximize effectiveness.
- Avoid spraying when temperatures exceed 80°F, as some herbicides may chemically burn desirable food plot plants under high heat.
Choosing the Right Herbicide
Herbicide selection should be based on timing and weed growth stage, rather than just weed type. There are two main categories:
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: Applied before weeds emerge, these chemicals prevent seed germination. They are most effective in early spring or late winter, before soil temperatures rise and weed seeds begin to sprout. Pre-emergent herbicides often control a broad spectrum of weeds—including grass, broadleaf, and sedge—using a single application. Proper soil incorporation or watering (depending on the label) ensures maximum effectiveness.
- Post-emergent Herbicides: Applied after weeds have emerged and are actively growing, these are most effective on young, tender weeds. Follow label directions carefully and consider adding a surfactant to improve coverage and absorption. Multiple applications may be necessary if new weed flushes appear later in the season. Post-emergent herbicides are typically specific to a weed type (grass, broadleaf, or sedge), so multiple products may be needed to manage a diverse weed population.
- Severe Weed Pressure: In extreme cases where weeds have overtaken clover, carefully applied glyphosate can be used for spot treatments, but this will kill the clover in treated areas and should only be used as a last resort.
By understanding the difference between pre- and post-emergent herbicides, landowners can plan a season-long weed management strategy that maximizes clover health and forage availability.
Mowing vs. Spraying
Many landowners debate whether mowing clover plots is necessary for weed control. While mowing can reduce weed seed production, it also removes thousands of pounds of high-quality forage that deer and other wildlife rely on. Research has shown that food plot production and wildlife usage are greatest if plots are left unmowed.
Rather than mowing to control weeds, timely herbicide applications are usually more effective and preserve the nutritional value of the plot. Mowing can still be used strategically to manage weeds that escape herbicide treatments, but it should not replace proper chemical control.
Additional Tips for Healthy Clover Plots
- Know your weeds: Identify the weed species present in your plots to select the most effective herbicide and timing for control.
- Scout regularly: Walk your plots frequently to catch early weed growth before it becomes a problem.
- Fertilize appropriately: Healthy clover competes better with weeds, so soil testing and proper fertilization are key.
- Rotate herbicides if needed: Repeated use of the same chemical can lead to resistance. Rotate modes of action when possible.
- Maintain proper seeding rates: Dense clover stands naturally shade out many weeds.
Conclusion
Clover food plots should be sprayed when weeds are actively growing and weather conditions are favorable. Choosing the right herbicide, applying it at the correct time, and monitoring your plots carefully are critical steps in maximizing forage quality, plot productivity, and long-term success. By planning ahead and implementing proactive weed control, your clover plots can remain a reliable, nutritious food source for wildlife year after year.
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