This spring I planted Red Clover and Kobe Lespedeza on trails and in timber openings. Most of this was in areas that had enough light to grow some grass. Here are a couple observations:

I had rain shortly after seeding. Seeding was done the First week of April. Clover emerged within a week. Anyplace clover seed hit the ground in grass, it germinated and has done great. Most of the grass is Fescue.

Clover and lespedeza that fell in leaf litter has been marginal at best.

Lespedeza clearly germinates at higher soil temperatures but it has responded much the same as the clover.

In some areas I need to expand the openings and reduce the level of Osage orange and Locust trees. I have been extremely impressed with basal bark treatments using Diesel fuel and Remedy. The small locusts...up to 3 in diameter...showed yellowing in one week and have totally defoliated in two. The largest Locusts I treated were 8 to 10 in diameter and after two weeks they have begun to yellow. Same general results on hedge just taking longer for the activity to show.