I'm adding two new small plots in the woods this year that are connected by a clover "snake trail".
I originally thought I might get the tractor in there to mow and till, but given the wet conditions, the trouble to completely remove stumps, and the harm I could actually do with the tiller, I'm now just buzzing the trees off at ground level, intend to spray after green up and will ultimately have to practice no-till if possible (which may be the best anyways in the woods).
Would appreciate any pointers. These plots and trails get good sunlight (I cut the trees materially, especially on the southern sides) and will have clover, winter cereals and brassicas on a rotational basis. As far as clipping them, I'm thinking about possibly using a push mower unless it gets stable enough to ultimately use my tractor and bushog in there.
Appreciate your thoughts / tips on getting this going. Pulling soil samples as soon as I can to start making necessary ammendments.
Depending on the size of the food plot, a push mower isn't the worst to get in there and cut, just make sure you can raise it high enough so you can ideally keep 6" of growth and no less, otherwise the saying is take half and leave half. Grandpa Ray Outdoors Inner Sanctum is a great annual and perennial mix that can handle less than ideal conditions. It is shade tolerant, handles low pH, and can handle wetter soils. Its a great forage inside a wooded area. Getting a soil test is also a great idea. Why spend all this money on seed and fertilizer if poor soil doesn't allow your forage to take up all the nutrients. Also another reason people fail is because they have poor soil and don't know it and blaming the seed in the end. Everyone should be getting their soil tested :O).