Jeff H
Well-Known Member
Back in October the county came through and cleared a power line that runs through my property and partially through my food plot. Before they cleared it, it was so thick you could not walk through it and keep your hat on. After it was cleared you could drive a semi truck through. The ground was heavy with slash and leaves. I'd say the ground was 70 to 80% covered with leaf matter and slash.
I took the opportunity to throw down winter rye and clover hoping to take advantage of the new clearing. The WR came in nicely considering what I had to work with but was not what you would expect with a typical throw and mow planting. The clover is still very small as expected but the coverage is not bad. The deer hit it pretty hard and now there is nothing more than an inch tall. The leaf matter is less now than before by 30 to 40% but still lots of slash.
My concern is what will happen when Spring arrives. I'm wondering if I should replant WR this late to try and get ahead of the inevitable weed and brush explosion that is headed my way when the weather warms.
I have enough left over WR to cover the area but don't want to waste it if it's not going to work.
Things to consider: I do not have a tractor. I usually rent but can't rent one currently. I'm 3 weeks off shoulder surgery so all work will need to be done by friends and my 13 and 17 year old sons. We have rain and warm Temps Monday and Tuesday.
Also I will apologize for no pics. I'm working off my tablet at home and can't get them to load.
what would you do?
Jeff
I took the opportunity to throw down winter rye and clover hoping to take advantage of the new clearing. The WR came in nicely considering what I had to work with but was not what you would expect with a typical throw and mow planting. The clover is still very small as expected but the coverage is not bad. The deer hit it pretty hard and now there is nothing more than an inch tall. The leaf matter is less now than before by 30 to 40% but still lots of slash.
My concern is what will happen when Spring arrives. I'm wondering if I should replant WR this late to try and get ahead of the inevitable weed and brush explosion that is headed my way when the weather warms.
I have enough left over WR to cover the area but don't want to waste it if it's not going to work.
Things to consider: I do not have a tractor. I usually rent but can't rent one currently. I'm 3 weeks off shoulder surgery so all work will need to be done by friends and my 13 and 17 year old sons. We have rain and warm Temps Monday and Tuesday.
Also I will apologize for no pics. I'm working off my tablet at home and can't get them to load.
what would you do?
Jeff
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