So, you want to know how to get rid of clover in your yard? There are a few simple ways you can tackle this common plant. You can pull it out by hand, use natural or homemade sprays, or choose chemical weed killers that target clover. Making your grass strong and healthy is also a big help in keeping clover away for good. Let’s look closer at how you can clear clover from your lawn.
Image Source: naturalawn.com
Seeing What Lawn Clover Looks Like
Before you fight clover, you need to know it when you see it. Let’s identify lawn clover. Clover is a small, leafy plant often found in lawns. It usually has three small leaves, sometimes four (the lucky kind!). These leaves are often rounded or heart-shaped. They meet at a single point on the stem. White clover is the most common type in yards. It often has a lighter green patch or a white mark on each leaf.
What It Looks Like Why It Grows Small, low plant Likes thin grass Often three leaves, sometimes four Grows well in poor soil Rounded or heart-shaped leaves Can add food to the soil White mark on white clover leaves Spreads easily Simple facts about clover in your yard.
Clover also makes small white or pink flowers that look like puffs. These flowers bring bees. While bees are good for nature, you might not want lots of them in your yard if kids or pets play there. Clover spreads fast. It does this by seeds and by runners that creep along the ground.
Why Some People Want Clover Gone
Many people like a lawn that looks just like grass. They want a smooth, green carpet. Clover breaks up this look. It grows lower than most lawn grasses. It also has different shaped leaves and shows white or pink flowers. This can make the lawn look patchy or uneven.
As we said, clover flowers bring bees. If you have family members who are scared of bees or are allergic, a yard full of clover can be a worry. Plus, clover can be slippery when wet. This can make it easy to slip and fall on the lawn.
While clover can help the soil by adding nitrogen (a type of food for plants), too much of it can crowd out the grass. It can make the grass weak. If grass is weak, it’s harder to fight off other weeds and problems. So, controlling clover is a part of good lawn care for many people. It is one of the common lawn weed control methods homeowners use.
Different Ways to Remove Clover
There are a few main paths to getting rid of clover in your yard. You can use your hands, use natural sprays, or use man-made sprays. The best way for you depends on how much clover you have. It also depends on how you feel about using chemicals. Let’s look at each way closely.
Pulling It Up By Hand: Manual Clover Pulling
This is the simplest way if you only have a little bit of clover. Manual clover pulling means using your hands or a small tool to pull the clover plants out of the ground.
How to Pull Clover
h5. Find the Clover
Look for the clover plants in your lawn. Find where the main plant is growing from the soil.
h5. Get Ready
Water your lawn a little bit before you start. Wet soil makes it much easier to pull out the whole root. If the soil is dry, the roots might break off. If the roots stay in the ground, the clover can grow back.
h5. Pull Firmly
Grab the clover plant close to the ground. Pull slowly and steadily. Try to get the whole root out. The roots are not very deep, but they can spread a bit.
h5. Check for Runners
Clover sends out runners. These are stems that run along the top of the soil. New plants can start from these runners. Follow the runners back to the main plant and pull them up too.
h5. Get Rid of It Right
Put the pulled clover in a bag. Do not leave it on the lawn. It can spread seeds or take root again.
Good Points About Pulling
- It does not cost much. You just need your hands or a small tool.
- It does not use any chemicals. It is a very natural way to kill clover.
- It is good for small amounts of clover.
- It is safe for kids and pets right away.
Bad Points About Pulling
- It takes a lot of time and work. This is true if you have a lot of clover.
- It can be hard to get every bit of the root and runners. If you miss parts, the clover can grow back.
- You need to do it again often as new clover pops up.
Manual pulling is part of organic clover removal. It is best for a lawn that is mostly grass with just a few clover spots here and there.
Using Natural Sprays: Homemade Clover Killer Spray and Other Natural Ways
If you have more clover than you can pull, or you want an easier way without harsh chemicals, natural methods can help. There are natural ways to kill clover. You can even make a homemade clover killer spray with simple things from your kitchen.
Vinegar Spray
A common homemade clover killer spray uses vinegar. Vinegar has acid. This acid can dry out and kill plants.
h5. Make the Spray
Mix white vinegar with water. A common mix is one part vinegar to one part water. For a stronger spray, you can use just vinegar. Some people add a little dish soap (just a tiny bit) to help the spray stick to the leaves. A tablespoon of soap per gallon of mix is plenty.
h5. Put it On
Put the mix in a spray bottle. Spray the clover leaves well. Try not to spray your grass. Vinegar can hurt grass too. It is best to spray on a sunny day. The sun helps the vinegar work better to dry out the plant.
h5. Watch and Wait
The clover should start to wilt and turn brown in a day or two. You might need to spray it again in a few days if it is still alive.
Other Natural Options
h5. Corn Gluten Meal
This is a natural product that can help prevent clover seeds from growing. It does not kill existing clover plants, but it stops new ones from starting from seed. This is more of a prevention method, but it’s a natural option for lawn weed control methods. You put it on your lawn.
h5. Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water on clover plants can kill them. This works well for small patches. It will also kill grass, so be careful where you pour it.
h5. Smothering
For big patches of clover, you can cover them. Use a tarp, old carpet, or thick newspaper. Hold it down so no light gets to the clover. Leave it for a few weeks. The clover will die because it cannot get sun. This kills everything under the cover, including grass, so it’s best for areas you plan to reseed. This is part of organic clover removal.
Good Points About Natural Sprays and Methods
- They use things you might already have or can easily find.
- They are seen as safer for the earth and your family than harsh chemicals.
- They are good for treating areas without using wide-reaching chemicals.
Bad Points About Natural Sprays and Methods
- Vinegar can also kill your grass if you are not careful.
- Natural sprays might need to be used many times to fully kill the clover.
- They often work best on small, young clover plants. Big, old clover might need stronger stuff.
- Smothering kills everything, not just clover.
Natural ways offer a gentler approach. They are good for people who want organic clover removal.
Using Store-Bought Sprays: Best Weed Killer for Clover and Clover Killer Without Killing Grass
If you have a lot of clover or other weeds, you might want to use a store-bought weed killer. There are many kinds. Some kill almost any plant. Others are made to kill weeds but not your grass. You want a clover killer without killing grass.
Types of Weed Killers
h5. Non-Selective Weed Killers
These kill any plant they touch. Roundup is a well-known one. You should not use these on your lawn if you want to keep your grass. They are good for killing weeds in paths or garden beds before planting.
h5. Selective Weed Killers
These are made to kill certain plants (weeds) but not others (like lawn grass). Look for a weed killer that says it kills clover or broadleaf weeds. Clover is a broadleaf weed. This type of spray is the best weed killer for clover if you want to save your grass. It is designed to be a clover killer without killing grass.
What to Look For in a Clover Killer for Lawns
When buying a spray for clover in your lawn, read the label carefully.
* Make sure it says it kills clover.
* Make sure it says it is safe for your type of lawn grass (like fescue, bluegrass, or bermuda).
* Look for words like “kills weeds, won’t harm lawn.”
* Check when and how to use it. Some work best at certain times of the year.
How to Use Store-Bought Sprays
h5. Read the Directions
Always read the full label on the bottle. This tells you how much to use and how to use it safely.
h5. Pick the Right Time
Most weed killers work best when the clover is actively growing. This is usually in the spring or fall. Avoid spraying on windy days so the spray does not drift onto plants you want to keep. Do not spray if rain is coming soon, as it can wash the spray away.
h5. Spray the Clover
Use a sprayer to put the weed killer only on the clover plants. Wet the leaves well.
h5. Keep Off the Lawn
After spraying, keep kids and pets off the treated area until the spray is dry. The label will tell you how long to wait.
h5. You Might Need to Spray Again
Sometimes, one spray is not enough. Check the label to see if you can spray again and when.
Store-bought weed killers are part of broader lawn weed control methods. Using a selective one is key to a clover killer without killing grass.
Good Points About Store-Bought Sprays
- They can kill a lot of clover faster than pulling or natural sprays.
- Selective sprays can kill clover but leave your grass alive. This is a clover killer without killing grass.
- They can be good for large areas with a lot of clover.
Bad Points About Store-Bought Sprays
- They use chemicals that some people worry about for health or the earth.
- You must follow directions very carefully to be safe and for them to work.
- They can be more expensive than pulling or homemade sprays.
- Even selective sprays can sometimes stress or harm grass if not used right.
When looking for the best weed killer for clover that won’t hurt grass, a selective broadleaf herbicide is what you need.
Making Your Lawn Strong: How to Prevent Clover in Lawn
The very best way to deal with clover is to stop it from growing in the first place. A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against clover. Clover loves weak, thin grass and poor soil. If your grass is strong, it leaves no room for clover to grow. Here is how to prevent clover in lawn.
Cut Your Grass Higher
Cutting your grass too short is a big mistake. Short grass lets sunlight reach the soil easily. Clover seeds need light to grow. Cutting your grass blades higher (about 3-4 inches) shades the soil. This makes it harder for clover seeds to start growing. Taller grass also has deeper roots, making the lawn stronger.
Feed Your Lawn (Fertilize)
Clover grows well in soil that does not have enough nitrogen. Grass needs nitrogen to be strong and green. Feeding your lawn with the right fertilizer gives the grass the food it needs. This makes the grass grow thick and healthy. A thick lawn fights off weeds like clover. Look for a fertilizer meant for lawns. This is a key part of lawn weed control methods.
Water Your Lawn Well
Watering your lawn helps the grass grow strong roots. Water deeply but not too often. Giving your lawn about an inch of water each week is usually good. This is better than light watering every day. Light watering keeps the soil surface wet, which clover likes. Deep watering helps the grass roots grow deep.
Fix Your Soil
Clover loves soil that is packed down hard. This is because packed soil can make it hard for grass roots to grow and for water to soak in. Clover can grow better in these tough spots. You can make holes in your lawn (this is called aeration) to loosen the soil. Adding compost or other good stuff to your soil (soil amendments) also helps make it healthy for grass.
Seed Your Lawn
If you have bare spots or thin areas in your lawn, clover will try to move in. Seed your lawn in the fall or spring to fill in these spots. A thick growth of grass leaves no room for clover seeds to sprout. Choose a grass type that does well in your area.
Manage Weeds Early
Deal with clover and other weeds as soon as you see them. The earlier you catch them, the easier they are to remove. This stops them from spreading and taking over.
By taking care of your lawn, you create a place where grass thrives and clover struggles. This is the most lasting way how to prevent clover in lawn. It reduces the need for manual pulling, natural sprays, or chemical clover killer without killing grass.
Putting It All Together: Choosing the Right Way
So, how do you decide the best way to get rid of clover in your yard?
- For small amounts of clover: Manual clover pulling is a good, simple choice. It’s free and uses no chemicals.
- For more clover or if you prefer natural ways: Try a homemade clover killer spray or smothering. These are natural ways to kill clover and are part of organic clover removal. Remember that homemade sprays like vinegar can harm grass.
- For large amounts of clover or tough cases: A store-bought selective weed killer can work fast. Make sure it’s a clover killer without killing grass and safe for your lawn type. This is often the best weed killer for clover when dealing with big problems.
- For long-term success: Focus on how to prevent clover in lawn. Make your grass thick and healthy. Cut it higher, water right, feed it, and fix the soil. This is the best defense.
Often, the best plan uses a mix of these methods. You might pull new clover as you see it. You might use a spray on bigger patches. And you will always work to keep your grass healthy so clover doesn’t come back. These are all key lawn weed control methods.
Getting Rid Of White Clover Specifics
White clover is the most common type you will see in yards. Getting rid of white clover follows the same steps we have talked about. Manual pulling works for small plants. Natural sprays can kill it, but watch your grass. Selective chemical sprays are made to kill white clover and other broadleaf weeds without harming lawn grasses.
Method Best For Pros Cons Manual Pulling Small areas Free, no chemicals Slow, hard work, clover can grow back from roots Homemade Spray (Vinegar) Small to medium areas Natural, uses common items Can kill grass, may need repeat spraying, works best on young clover Smothering Large patches (where grass doesn’t matter as much) Organic, effective Slow, kills grass too, not for the whole lawn Selective Chemical Spray Large areas, tough clover Works fast, kills clover but not grass Uses chemicals, must follow directions, can be costly Healthy Lawn Care Preventing clover long-term Stops clover before it starts, makes lawn look great Takes time for lawn to get strong, need to keep doing it Comparing ways to get rid of clover.
Remember, getting rid of white clover is not just about killing the plants you see now. It’s also about stopping new clover from growing. A strong, healthy lawn is always the best long-term answer for getting rid of white clover and keeping it away.
Keeping Clover Away for Good
Once you have cleared out the clover you have now, you need to make sure it does not come back. This goes back to making your lawn a bad place for clover to live. We talked about how to prevent clover in lawn. Let’s look at those points again, maybe adding a bit more detail.
h4. Mow at the Right Height
This is super important. When you mow, set your mower blades higher. For most common lawn grasses, 3 to 4 inches is a good height. Taller grass blades block sunlight from reaching the soil surface. Clover seeds need light to sprout. Less light means fewer new clover plants starting. Taller grass also helps the soil stay cooler and moister, which is good for grass roots but not what clover loves most.
h4. Feed Your Lawn Regularly
A well-fed lawn is a strong lawn. Clover can make its own nitrogen from the air with help from tiny bugs in the soil. Grass cannot do this as well. If your soil is low in nitrogen, clover has an advantage. Giving your lawn fertilizer adds nitrogen to the soil. This helps your grass grow thick and green. It makes the soil better for grass than it is for clover. Feed your lawn in the spring and fall. Follow the directions on the fertilizer bag.
h4. Water Deep, Not Shallow
When you water, water enough so the water goes down into the soil several inches. This helps grass roots grow deep and strong. Watering a little bit every day or two just keeps the top of the soil wet. Clover has shallow roots and likes wet surface soil. Deep watering makes the surface drier between waterings. This is bad for clover but good for grass. Aim for about an inch of water per week total, either from rain or your watering.
h4. Deal with Hard Soil
Soil that is packed down hard makes it tough for grass roots to grow. Clover can often handle packed soil better than grass. If your soil feels very hard or water runs off easily, you might need to aerate your lawn. Aerating means making small holes in the soil. This lets air, water, and food get down to the grass roots. It makes the soil less friendly for clover. You can rent an aerator or hire someone to do it. Doing this every few years can make a big difference.
h4. Seed Thin Areas
Look for any spots in your lawn where the grass is thin or missing. These are open invitations for clover and other weeds. Put down grass seed in these spots in the late summer or early fall. This is the best time in most places for new grass to start well. Make sure the seed touches the soil and keep it watered until the new grass is growing strong. Filling in thin spots with grass is key to how to prevent clover in lawn.
h4. Fix Drainage Issues
Areas that stay wet all the time can also favor clover over grass. If you have parts of your yard where water collects and sits, try to fix the drainage. This might mean changing the slope of the ground slightly or adding drainage pipes.
h4. Be Quick to Act
Even in a healthy lawn, a little bit of clover might pop up sometimes. Check your lawn often. If you see a new clover plant or a small patch starting, deal with it right away. Pulling a few plants is much easier than fighting a big patch later.
By keeping your lawn healthy and strong, you use nature to help you. A thick, healthy lawn simply crowds out clover and other weeds. It’s the most eco-friendly and often the most effective long-term lawn weed control method. It means less work pulling weeds and less need for sprays, whether homemade or store-bought.
Summing Up
Getting rid of clover in your yard is a goal for many homeowners who want a smooth, green lawn. We looked at how to identify lawn clover. We also saw why people want to get rid of white clover and other types.
You have different ways to fight clover:
* Manual clover pulling: Good for a few plants, hard work for many.
* Natural ways to kill clover: Like vinegar sprays (homemade clover killer spray) or smothering. These are good for organic clover removal but can have downsides like hurting grass or taking time.
* Chemical weed killers: You can find the best weed killer for clover that acts as a clover killer without killing grass. These work faster but use chemicals. They are part of broader lawn weed control methods.
But the real secret to success is learning how to prevent clover in lawn. A strong, healthy lawn is the best defense. By cutting your grass high, feeding it, watering it right, fixing your soil, and seeding thin spots, you make your lawn a place where grass loves to grow and clover does not.
Dealing with clover might take time and ongoing effort. There is no one-time magic fix. But by using the right methods and focusing on making your lawn healthy, you can greatly reduce the amount of clover in your yard and enjoy a greener, more even lawn.
Questions People Ask About Clover
Here are some common questions people have about getting rid of clover.
h4. Will just mowing kill clover?
No, just mowing will not kill clover. Clover grows lower than most grass types. Your mower blades often go right over it. Even if you cut it short, the roots stay alive, and it will just keep growing from the base or spread with its runners. Mowing high helps prevent new clover by shading the soil, but it won’t kill the clover already there.
h4. Is clover bad for my lawn?
Clover is not always “bad.” It can add nitrogen to the soil, which is like food for grass. Its flowers feed bees. But if you want a uniform grass lawn, or you have a lot of it, or you worry about bees, then you might see it as a weed. A lot of clover can also mean your lawn grass is weak and the soil needs help.
h4. Can I use salt to kill clover?
Salt can kill plants by drying them out, but it is not a good idea for your lawn. Salt will kill clover, but it will also kill your grass and can make the soil bad for anything to grow there for a long time. It is much safer to use methods meant for lawns.
h4. When is the best time to treat clover?
Spring and fall are usually the best times. This is when clover is actively growing but not stressed by summer heat. Selective weed killers work best when the plant is growing strong. Pulling can be done anytime the soil is wet enough to get the roots. Working on making your lawn healthy (prevention) is something you do throughout the year.
h4. How long does it take to get rid of clover?
It depends on how much clover you have and the method you use. Pulling is instant for each plant, but takes time overall. Sprays might show results in a few days to a week, but you might need follow-up sprays. Making your lawn healthy takes time, maybe a year or two, to really crowd out the clover. Getting rid of all clover and keeping it away is often a long-term effort.
h4. Does clover mean my soil is bad?
Often, yes. Clover does well in soil that is low in nitrogen and maybe compacted. Grass likes soil with enough nitrogen and good airflow. A lot of clover can be a sign that your soil needs feeding (fertilizer) or loosening (aeration).
h4. Will a natural clover killer spray hurt earthworms?
Vinegar and some other strong natural sprays could harm earthworms or other helpful bugs in the soil if they get soaked. Using them carefully and targeting just the clover helps. Organic methods like pulling or smothering are less likely to harm soil life.
h4. What’s the difference between getting rid of white clover and other types?
In a lawn setting, white clover is the most common type. The methods for getting rid of white clover are generally the same as for other types of clover (like red clover, though red clover is less common in regularly mowed lawns). They are all broadleaf plants that respond to the same kinds of sprays or cultural controls (like improving lawn health).
This covers the main ways to get clover out of your yard and keep it from coming back. Choose the methods that work best for your situation and keep working at it!