Clover is a common weed that invades many lawns. While some homeowners appreciate clover for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil others find its presence unsightly and want to get rid of it. Thankfully there are several effective clover weed killers available that can help tackle a clover problem without harming surrounding grass.
What is Clover and Why Does it Grow in Lawns?
Clover, also known as Trifolium repens, is a low-growing weed with characteristic leaves made up of three rounded leaflets. The most prevalent variety is white clover, known for its white flowers that attract bees.
Clover thrives in lawns that are underfed, overwatered, or mowed too short It can produce its own nitrogen, giving it an advantage over grass when nitrogen levels are low While a limited amount of clover can be beneficial, an overgrowth leads many homeowners to search for clover weed killers.
How to Prevent Clover Growth
The best defense against clover is a thick, healthy lawn. Follow these tips to discourage clover growth:
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Fertilize regularly: Fertilizing at least four times per year provides grass with the nutrients it needs to out-compete weeds. Look for fertilizers that contain nitrogen.
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Mow high: Raise mower height to 3+ inches. This reduces sunlight exposure to clover’s low growth habit.
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Water deeply, infrequently: Overwatering encourages weed growth. Let grass dry between waterings.
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Seed bald spots: Bare areas are prime real estate for clover. Quickly reseed any dead patches.
Hand Pulling Clover
For minor clover infestations, hand pulling may be effective. Using a tool like a hori hori knife can help sever clover roots below ground. Be sure to remove all root fragments to prevent regrowth. Hand pulling works best on young plants before they produce flowers and seeds.
Smothering Clover Patches
Smothering large clover patches with opaque plastic, cardboard, or layers of mulch can be an eco-friendly control method. Deprive clover of sunlight and oxygen for several weeks until it dies out. Use caution as this technique may also damage nearby grass.
Homemade Weed Killer Sprays
Vinegar-based weed killer recipes can successfully target clover without harming lawn grass. Mix vinegar with a small amount of dish soap and spray directly onto clover. Repeat applications may be needed. Avoid spraying desired plants.
Selective Herbicides
Post-emergent selective herbicides containing chemicals like 2,4-D, MCPP, or dicamba work systemically to disrupt clover’s growth. Spot treatment directly on clover is recommended over broadcasting. Confirm the product is safe for your grass type before using.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed, Ortho Weed B Gon, and Spectracide Weed Stop are examples of popular retail clover weed killers.
When to Apply Clover Weed Killers
Timing matters when it comes to effective clover control. Follow these guidelines:
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Spring: Attack actively growing clover with selective herbicides.
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Summer: Spot treat recurrent clover patches.
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Fall: Blanket spray at seeding to deter clover germination.
Avoid mowing for a few days before and after herbicide application for best results.
Lawn-Safe Clover Killers
Those wishing to avoid traditional chemicals may find corn gluten based products helpful for pre-emergent clover control. Corn gluten prevents seeds from sprouting but won’t kill mature clover. It’s also safe for kids and pets once dried.
Weed prevention products containing iron HEDTA may also deter clover without lawn damage when applied in spring and fall. Sourced from iron sulfate, these products work by outcompeting weeds for soil nutrients.
Vinegar, soap, and horticultural oils make up another category of organic clover killers. However, some grass types are sensitive, so test in an inconspicuous area first.
Clover Weed Killer Considerations
When shopping for clover weed killers, keep the following tips in mind:
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Select products labeled for use on lawns, not just general vegetation use.
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Liquid sprays offer more precision than granules.
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Ensure the product is safe for your specific grass species.
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Combine fertilizer and weed killer for an efficient solution.
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Consider waiting periods for pets and people to re-enter treated areas.
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Wear protective equipment like gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eye protection.
When to Tolerate Clover
While clover can certainly get out of control, a small amount of clover may be worth tolerating. Benefits like nitrogen fixation, drought resistance, and flower nectar for pollinators lead some homeowners to embrace limited clover.
Introducing micro-clover and other mini clover varieties can be a good compromise. Their small size is less conspicuous in lawns. Just be sure to maintain healthy grass to keep clover contained.
Clover Weed Killer FAQs
What causes clover in lawns?
Low nitrogen, overwatering, compacted soil, and close mowing all create an environment where clover can edge out grass.
When should I apply clover weed killer?
Spring and fall are the best times to treat clover. Avoid extremely hot weather.
How long does it take clover weed killer to work?
Results are visible in 2-4 weeks. Several applications may be needed for severe infestations.
Is clover harmful to my lawn?
In small amounts, clover can benefit soil. But left uncontrolled, it forms unsightly patches and crowds out grass.
What’s the best organic clover weed killer?
Corn gluten meal, plant-based horticultural oils, and vinegar/soap mixtures are among the most effective organic options.
The Bottom Line
A healthy, dense lawn is the best long-term clover deterrent. But when clover does appear, well-timed selective herbicides or hand removal can help eliminate patches. Consider your grass type, any nearby gardens, and the season when choosing clover weed killers for lawns. Maintain proper mowing height, fertilization, and watering to keep clover from returning.
White Clover: A Common Weed That Outcompetes Lawns
White clover survives mowing by growing just lower than turfgrass. Learn how to keep white clover weeds out of your garden and landscape.
Characteristics of White Clover
Several types of clover pop up in garden beds and lawns, but white clover is the most common. It is found throughout most of North America and is primarily a lawn weed. Ground-hugging white clover (Trifolium repens) survives mowing by growing just lower than turfgrass. Its dark green leaves are shaped like shamrocks in three-leaf clusters. In summer, flower stems rise an inch or two above the leaves, and are topped with fingertip-sized pincushion balls of pinkish-white flowers.
Patches of clover generally start from seed. The very hard seeds are resistant to the elements. They germinate best in cool, damp weather. Once sprouted, white clover becomes a cold-hardy perennial weed that quickly spreads by runners (stolons), forming dense creeping mats that can choke out grass.
White clover usually out-competes grass, isn’t very aesthetic and has a propensity for attracting bees.