Can you get rid of clover in your lawn? Yes, you absolutely can remove clover from your lawn using a combination of the right techniques and persistent effort. This guide will walk you through effective clover eradication strategies for a healthier, greener yard.
Clover in the lawn is a common problem. Many homeowners find these small, three-leaved plants popping up everywhere. While clover can add nitrogen to the soil, it often disrupts the uniform look of a well-maintained lawn. If you’re asking yourself, “how to kill clover,” you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything from identifying clover to employing various methods for its removal, including chemical and natural approaches, and preventative measures. We’ll delve into lawn care clover removal, exploring the best weed killer for clover and how to treat clover in grass effectively.
Image Source: cdn2.hubspot.net
Why Does Clover Appear in Lawns?
Clover thrives in conditions that many desirable turf grasses find challenging. Fostering a healthy lawn is often the first step in getting rid of clover. Several factors contribute to its prevalence:
- Poor Soil Fertility: Clover is a legume, meaning it fixes nitrogen from the air. When your soil lacks nitrogen, clover can outcompete grass that needs nitrogen to grow lush and green.
- Compacted Soil: Tight, compacted soil makes it difficult for grass roots to penetrate and access water and nutrients. Clover’s shallow root system can tolerate these conditions better.
- Drought Stress: During dry periods, grass can weaken and become more susceptible to weed invasion. Clover, with its ability to survive with less water, can then take over.
- Mowing Too High or Too Low: Mowing at the incorrect height can stress your grass. Mowing too low can scalp the lawn, creating bare spots that clover can fill. Mowing too high can lead to weak grass.
- Infrequent Watering: Inconsistent watering also stresses grass, making it vulnerable.
Identifying Clover in Your Lawn
Before you can tackle clover eradication, it’s important to be sure you’re dealing with clover. The most common type of clover found in lawns is white clover (Trifolium repens). It has characteristic three leaflets, though sometimes you might find four! It often has a small white or pinkish flower. It spreads by runners, also called stolons, which root and form new plants. This spreading ability is why it can quickly cover bare patches.
Methods for Clover Eradication
There are several ways to approach treating clover in grass. The best method often depends on the severity of the infestation, your preference for chemical or natural solutions, and your lawn’s overall health.
Chemical Weed Control
For stubborn clover infestations, chemical treatments can be very effective. The key is to use the right type of weed killer.
Weed Killer for Clover
- Broadleaf Weed Killers: Most common lawn weeds, including clover, are broadleaf plants. Selective broadleaf herbicides are designed to kill these plants while leaving grasses unharmed. Look for products that list clover as a target weed.
- Active Ingredients to Look For: Common active ingredients in effective clover weed killers include:
- 2,4-D: A widely used herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds.
- MCPP (Mecoprop): Often combined with 2,4-D.
- Dicamba: Another effective broadleaf herbicide.
- Triclopyr: Particularly effective on tougher broadleaf weeds.
- Quinclorac: Effective on many broadleaf weeds and crabgrass.
- Application Timing: The best time to apply weed killer for clover is when the clover is actively growing and the grass is not stressed (not during extreme heat or drought). Typically, spring and fall are ideal. Always follow the product label instructions carefully for the best results and to avoid damaging your lawn.
- Types of Application:
- Liquid Sprays: These are mixed with water and applied with a sprayer. They offer good coverage.
- Granular Weed and Feed: These products combine fertilizer with herbicide, feeding your lawn while controlling weeds. They are often applied with a broadcast spreader.
How to Kill Clover with Herbicides: Best Practices
- Read the Label: This is the most crucial step. The label provides instructions on dilution rates, application methods, safety precautions, and the types of grass the product is safe for.
- Choose the Right Product: Select a herbicide specifically labeled for clover control and safe for your grass type (e.g., fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass).
- Apply on a Calm Day: Avoid windy conditions to prevent drift onto desirable plants or neighboring properties.
- Ensure Active Growth: Apply when clover is actively growing and not stressed. This allows the herbicide to be absorbed effectively.
- Watering Considerations: Some herbicides require the lawn to be dry for application, while others are best applied to moist, but not wet, foliage. Check the label.
- Reapplication: Some persistent clover may require a second application. Wait the recommended interval between treatments as stated on the product label.
Natural Clover Removal Methods
For those who prefer to avoid chemicals, natural clover removal is a viable option, though it often requires more patience and consistent effort.
Natural Clover Removal Techniques
- Manual Removal (Pulling): For small patches or individual clover plants, hand-pulling is effective. Ensure you pull the entire plant, including the roots and runners, to prevent regrowth. This is best done after a rain when the soil is moist.
- Corn Gluten Meal: This is a natural pre-emergent for clover. Applied in early spring before germination, corn gluten meal inhibits root development in seedlings, including clover. It also acts as a mild nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll need to apply it annually.
- Vinegar: Horticultural vinegar (higher acidity than household vinegar) can be used as a spot treatment to burn off clover. However, it is non-selective, meaning it will also kill grass. Use with extreme caution on a calm day, targeting only the clover.
- Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly onto clover patches can kill them. Like vinegar, this method is non-selective and will kill grass too. It’s best for small, isolated areas.
- Detergents: Some gardeners report success by spraying a mixture of dish soap and water on clover. The soap can break down the waxy coating on the leaves, increasing water loss. This is generally a less effective method and may require repeat applications.
Lawn Care Clover Removal Strategies
Improving your lawn’s overall health is a fundamental part of successful lawn weed control, including clover eradication.
Improving Lawn Health to Discourage Clover
- Proper Mowing: Mow your grass at the higher end of the recommended range for your grass type. This helps shade the soil, making it harder for clover seeds to germinate and grow. Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts that heal quickly.
- Adequate Watering: Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. This encourages deep root growth in your grass, making it more resilient. Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which favors shallow-rooted weeds like clover.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your lawn according to a schedule appropriate for your grass type and climate. This provides the nutrients your grass needs to grow thick and healthy, naturally outcompeting weeds.
- Aeration: Compacted soil is a prime condition for clover. Aerating your lawn (removing small plugs of soil) helps relieve compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots more easily.
- Overseeding: Filling in thin or bare spots with grass seed is a great way to prevent weeds from establishing. Choose a grass seed that is well-suited to your lawn’s conditions.
Pre-Emergent for Clover
Using a pre-emergent herbicide can prevent clover seeds from germinating in the first place.
How Pre-Emergent Herbicides Work
Pre-emergent herbicides don’t kill existing plants; they create a barrier in the soil that disrupts the growth of newly germinating seeds. For clover, pre-emergents are typically applied in early spring before soil temperatures consistently reach 55-60°F, which is when clover seeds typically begin to germinate.
- Timing is Key: Applying pre-emergents too early or too late will reduce their effectiveness.
- Combination Products: Some pre-emergent herbicides are combined with fertilizers for a dual-action approach.
- Corn Gluten Meal: As mentioned earlier, this is a natural pre-emergent option.
Important Note: If you plan to overseed your lawn, you cannot use a pre-emergent herbicide, as it will prevent the grass seed from germinating as well.
When to Treat Clover
The best time to address clover is when it’s actively growing, which is typically in the spring and fall.
- Spring: Apply broadleaf herbicides in late spring when temperatures are consistently between 60-80°F, and clover is actively growing. If using a pre-emergent, apply it in early spring before germination.
- Fall: Fall is often considered the best time for broadleaf weed control. The perennial weeds have moved their energy down to their roots, making them more susceptible to herbicides that translocate to the root system. This can lead to more effective long-term control.
Steps for Effective Clover Eradication
Here’s a step-by-step approach to getting rid of clover:
- Assess the Infestation: How widespread is the clover? Are there just a few patches, or is it dominating large areas of your lawn?
- Identify Your Grass Type: This is crucial for selecting the correct herbicides.
- Choose Your Method(s): Decide whether you’ll use chemical, natural, or a combination of methods.
- Improve Lawn Health: Implement practices like proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing to strengthen your grass. Consider aeration and overseeding if needed.
- Apply Treatments:
- Pre-emergent: Apply in early spring if you choose this route.
- Post-emergent (Weed Killer): Apply broadleaf herbicides when clover is actively growing, following label instructions. For spot treatments, consider horticultural vinegar or boiling water with caution.
- Manual Removal: Pull clover by hand, especially in smaller or sensitive areas.
- Monitor and Repeat: Keep an eye on your lawn. You may need to reapply treatments or spot-treat any returning clover.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Continue with good lawn care practices to keep your grass healthy and dense, which is the best defense against future clover invasions.
Popular Products and Ingredients for Clover Control
When looking for a weed killer for clover, consult product labels carefully. Here are some common types and what they target:
| Product Type | Common Active Ingredients | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Broadleaf Herbicide (Liquid Spray) | 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba, Triclopyr | Killing clover and other broadleaf weeds in established lawns. | Can damage grass if applied incorrectly or to sensitive grass types. |
| Selective Broadleaf Herbicide (Granular) | Similar to liquid, but in granular form | Killing clover and fertilizing the lawn simultaneously. | Requires a spreader for even application. Less effective on very mature weeds. |
| Non-Selective Herbicide | Glyphosate | Killing all vegetation, including clover and grass. Use for spot treatment. | Will kill any plant it touches. Must be applied with extreme care to avoid desirable plants. |
| Natural Spot Treatments | Horticultural Vinegar, Dish Soap | Killing small patches of clover without synthetic chemicals. | Non-selective, can kill grass. May require repeat applications. Horticultural vinegar needs careful handling. |
| Pre-Emergent | Prodiamine, Corn Gluten Meal | Preventing clover seeds from germinating in the spring. | Must be applied before seeds sprout. Not effective on existing clover. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Clover in Lawns
Q1: Will clover make my lawn stronger?
While clover does fix nitrogen, which can benefit the soil, it doesn’t necessarily make your lawn stronger as a whole. Clover is a shallow-rooted plant that can spread aggressively, often outcompeting desirable grass species, especially in less-than-ideal lawn conditions. A healthy, dense turf is the best way to have a strong lawn.
Q2: Can I remove clover by just mowing it?
Mowing alone will not eliminate clover. While mowing at the correct height can help prevent clover from flowering and going to seed, it won’t kill the existing plants or their runners.
Q3: Is clover bad for my lawn?
Clover is considered a weed in most traditional lawn settings because it disrupts the uniform appearance and can indicate underlying lawn health issues, like low nitrogen or compacted soil. However, some people choose to leave it, as it can attract pollinators and remain green during dry spells.
Q4: When is the best time to apply a weed killer for clover?
The best time to apply a post-emergent weed killer for clover is when the clover is actively growing, typically in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate (60-80°F). Avoid applying during extreme heat, drought, or when the grass is stressed.
Q5: I have a new lawn, and clover is already appearing. What should I do?
For a new lawn, focus on building healthy turf. Hand-pulling small clover patches is a good start. Ensure you are watering properly and consider a light feeding if recommended for new lawns. If clover becomes widespread, you might need to use a selective weed killer safe for new grass, but always check the product label for age restrictions.
Q6: Can I use a pre-emergent for clover and still overseed my lawn?
No, you cannot use a pre-emergent herbicide and overseed your lawn at the same time. Pre-emergent herbicides work by preventing seeds from germinating, so they would also prevent your desirable grass seed from growing. If you need to overseed, apply your pre-emergent in the fall and overseed in the spring, or vice versa, ensuring you follow the waiting periods specified on the product labels.
Conclusion
Getting rid of clover in your lawn is achievable with the right approach. By understanding why clover thrives and implementing a combination of lawn health improvements and targeted treatments, you can effectively remove clover and enjoy a greener, healthier turf. Remember that consistency is key. Focus on creating an environment where your grass can flourish, and clover will have a much harder time taking hold. Whether you choose chemical or natural methods, patient, persistent lawn care clover removal will yield the best results.