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?
For warm-season weeds, clover food plots should be sprayed in late spring to early summer—typically around April—when grasses and other weeds are actively growing but before they become too mature. If adequate rainfall follows the initial application, a second herbicide treatment may be necessary to control new flushes of weed growth. Cool-season weeds may require treatment in the fall or winter, depending on rainfall, weed pressure, and growth conditions.
Always plan herbicide applications for calm days with minimal wind to reduce drift. Additionally, avoid spraying when rain is forecasted within 24 hours to ensure the herbicide has time to be effective.
The herbicide you choose should be based on the specific weed issues present in your clover plot. Grass weeds are most commonly the problem and can be effectively controlled with a grass-selective herbicide such as clethodim. Apply clethodim according to label instructions and include a surfactant to improve herbicide adhesion and absorption. Broadcast applications work best for widespread grass infestations.
If broadleaf weeds become an issue, herbicides such as 2,4-DB or Butyrac can be used. Broadcast spraying may be necessary for heavy infestations, while spot spraying is often sufficient for smaller, isolated patches. In extreme cases where weeds have completely overtaken certain areas, glyphosate can be used carefully for spot treatments.
Another common question among clover plot managers is whether mowing is necessary. The debate over mowing often ties directly to weed control practices. Many landowners mow clover during the summer due to weed pressure that wasn’t addressed earlier in the season. However, rather than mowing and removing thousands of pounds of high-quality forage, it’s more effective to control weeds with timely spring herbicide applications.
In conclusion, clover plots should be sprayed when weeds are actively growing and when weather conditions are favorable. Proper herbicide use is a critical step in maximizing the health, productivity, and long-term success of your clover food plots.