Do you want to know how to get rid of clover in your yard? Yes, you can remove clover from your lawn. It is possible to kill clover without killing your grass. This needs careful work and the right plan. This guide will show you how to do it.
Clover often shows up in yards. Many people see white clover in lawn areas. It is a common plant. Some people like clover. It helps the soil. It brings bees. But many people want a clean, green lawn. They see clover as a weed. Clover grows fast. It can take over grass. This makes a lawn look uneven. Getting rid of clover for good takes effort. You need to use the right methods. You also need to make your lawn strong. A strong lawn can fight clover growth.
Image Source: naturalawn.com
Grasping Why Clover Grows
It is helpful to know why clover is in your yard. Clover likes certain soil. It grows well in soil that does not have enough nitrogen. Grass needs nitrogen to grow strong and green. If your soil is low in nitrogen, grass grows slowly. Clover can then move in easily. Clover takes nitrogen from the air. It puts it into the soil. This is good for clover. It helps it grow in poor soil.
Clover also grows in thin grass areas. If your grass is weak or sparse, clover finds space. It spreads quickly. It grows low to the ground. This helps it stay safe when you mow. Clover can also grow from seeds. These seeds stay in the soil. They wait for the right time to sprout. Poor lawn care helps clover grow. Not mowing high enough, not feeding the lawn, and not watering right can all let clover win.
Clover Control Methods
There are many ways to get rid of clover. Some ways use no chemicals. These are natural ways. Some ways use products to kill plants. These are chemical ways. The best method for you depends on a few things. How much clover do you have? Do you want to use chemicals? How much work do you want to do? You might need to use more than one method. This helps make sure the clover is gone. It helps keep it from coming back. Clover control methods can be split into different types.
Simple Ways to Remove Clover
These methods are good if you have only a little bit of clover. Or if you do not want to use anything strong.
Pulling Clover By Hand
This is a direct way to remove clover. You simply pull the plants out of the ground. It works best when the soil is soft. Water the area first. This makes pulling easier. Wear gloves. Grab the clover plant near the base. Pull slowly and steadily. Try to get all the roots. Clover roots can spread. If you leave roots, the plant might grow back. This method takes time. It is hard work for a large area. But it is very safe. It does not harm your grass. It is an organic way to kill clover.
Covering the Clover
You can stop clover from getting sun. Clover needs sun to live. Cover the patch of clover. Use plastic sheeting. Use old newspaper. Use cardboard. Put something heavy on top. This keeps the cover in place. Leave the cover there for a few weeks. Without sun, the clover will die. The grass under the cover might also die. You might need to plant new grass later. This is a simple, natural clover removal method. It is good for big patches.
Natural Clover Removal
There are other ways to kill clover without chemicals. These use common things you might have. They are often called homemade clover killer methods.
Using Vinegar
Vinegar can kill plants. White vinegar works well. It has acetic acid. This acid dries out and kills plants. Mix vinegar with water. Use a strong mix. Some people use it straight. Be careful. Vinegar can also hurt grass. Pour or spray it only on the clover. Do not get it on your lawn grass. It works best on sunny days. The sun helps it work faster. The clover leaves will turn brown. They will die. You might need to do this more than once. This is a natural way to kill clover but not grass, if you are very careful where you spray.
Using Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural product. It helps stop weed seeds from growing. It does not kill plants that are already growing. But it stops new clover seeds from starting. Put it on your lawn in the spring. Do this before clover seeds sprout. It also adds nitrogen to the soil. This helps your grass grow. Stronger grass helps stop clover. This is a good step for preventing clover growth. It is part of organic ways to kill clover and stop it.
Other Natural Sprays
Some people use dish soap mixes. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water. Spray this on the clover. The soap breaks down the waxy coating on the leaves. This makes the plant lose water. It can help other natural sprays work better. But soap alone is often not strong enough for clover. Using soap with vinegar can be more effective. Always test a small area first. See if it hurts your grass.
Chemical Clover Control Methods
Sometimes, natural methods are not enough. For a lot of clover, you might need to use a chemical weed killer. The goal is to kill clover but not grass. This means you need a specific type of weed killer.
Finding the Right Weed Killer
Clover is a broadleaf weed. Broadleaf weeds have wider leaves. They are different from grass blades. Grass is a type of grassy weed. You need a weed killer that targets broadleaf weeds. A good broadleaf weed control product will kill clover. It will not harm most lawn grasses like fescue, bluegrass, or rye. Read the label carefully. Make sure it says it kills clover. Make sure it is safe for your type of grass.
Best Weed Killer for Clover
Many weed killers work on clover. Look for products with active ingredients like:
* Dicamba
* Mecoprop (or MCPP)
* 2,4-D
These are common parts of weed killers for lawns. They target broadleaf plants. A mix of these often works best. They are found in many “weed and feed” products or liquid sprays.
Liquid sprays let you target the clover better. Use a sprayer. Spray only the clover patches. Avoid spraying your grass as much as possible. Even broadleaf weed killers can stress grass if too much is used.
How to Use Chemical Weed Killer
Read all directions on the product label. This is very important.
* When to spray: Spray when clover is actively growing. This is usually in spring or fall. Avoid hot summer days. Heat can make the chemical hurt your grass.
* Weather: Spray when it is not windy. This stops the spray from drifting onto plants you do not want to kill. Do not spray if rain is coming soon. Rain can wash the chemical away. Check the label for how long it needs to be dry.
* Apply carefully: Use a sprayer to target the clover. Do not just soak the whole lawn.
* Repeat: You might need to spray again after a few weeks. Clover can be tough to kill completely.
Using a chemical weed killer is a fast way to get rid of clover. It is a strong clover control method. But it is important to use it safely and correctly. Keep pets and kids away from the area until it is dry.
Comparing Clover Removal Methods
Let’s look at the different ways side-by-side.
| Method | How it Works | Pros | Cons | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Pulling | Physical removal of plant and roots | Very safe for grass, no chemicals | Hard work, slow for large areas, roots can break | Slow |
| Covering | Blocks sun, kills plants | No chemicals, good for large patches | Kills grass too, takes time, looks bad | Slow |
| Vinegar | Dries out and kills plants | Natural, uses common household item | Can hurt grass if not careful, often needs repeats | Medium |
| Corn Gluten Meal | Stops seeds from growing, feeds grass | Natural, helps grass, prevents new clover | Does not kill existing clover | Very Slow (Prevention) |
| Chemical Spray (Broadleaf) | Kills broadleaf plants like clover | Fast, effective for large areas, saves grass (if used right) | Uses chemicals, needs careful use, can hurt grass if misused | Fast |
This table helps show that each method has good and bad points. Your choice depends on what is best for your yard and your goals.
Preventing Clover Growth
Getting rid of clover is one step. Keeping it gone is the next. Preventing clover growth is key to a clover-free yard. This is where good lawn care for clover control comes in. A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against clover.
Feed Your Lawn
Remember clover likes low-nitrogen soil? Give your lawn the nitrogen it needs. Use a good lawn fertilizer. Feed your lawn in the spring and fall. This helps your grass grow strong and thick. Thick grass leaves less space for clover to start. Look for fertilizers with nitrogen as the first number (like 20-0-0 or 20-5-10).
Mow Your Grass High
Cutting your grass too short is bad. Short grass has shallow roots. It is weak. It lets sunlight reach the soil easily. Clover needs sunlight to grow from seeds. Mow your grass higher. Most grass types should be mowed to about 3 inches or more. Check the best height for your type of grass. Taller grass shades the soil. It makes it harder for clover seeds to sprout. It also helps the grass roots grow deeper.
Water Your Lawn Right
Water your lawn deeply but not too often. Water helps grass roots grow deep and strong. Weak, dry grass lets clover move in. Water early in the morning. Aim for about one inch of water per week. This can come from rain or your sprinkler. Check the soil to see if it is dry. Deep watering is better than light, daily watering. It encourages deeper grass roots.
Fix Bare Spots
Clover loves bare soil. It can start growing there easily. If you have patches in your lawn where grass is missing, fix them. Plant new grass seed in these spots. Do this in spring or fall. Add some topsoil or compost. Keep the area watered gently until the new grass grows in. Filling bare spots quickly helps prevent clover.
Improve Your Soil
Clover grows well in compacted soil. This is hard, dense soil. Air and water do not move well in it. Grass roots struggle to grow in compacted soil. You can improve soil by aerating. Aerating makes small holes in the soil. This helps air, water, and food reach the grass roots. It makes grass healthier. Healthy soil grows healthy grass. Healthy grass fights off weeds like clover. You can rent an aerator or hire a service. It is a good thing to do every few years. Adding compost to your lawn also helps improve soil over time.
Dealing with White Clover in Lawn
White clover (Trifolium repens) is the most common type you see in yards. It has the classic three-leaf shape. Sometimes it has a white mark on each leaf. It also grows white flowers. These flowers turn into seeds. Getting rid of white clover in lawn areas uses the same methods we have talked about. Hand pulling, natural sprays, and broadleaf weed control products all work on white clover. The keys are to catch it early if possible and then focus on making your lawn strong so it does not come back. White clover spreads quickly. It can root from its stems that run along the ground. This makes it important to remove the whole plant.
Other Broadleaf Weed Control
Clover is just one type of broadleaf weed. Dandelions, plantain, and broadleaf weeds can also show up. The good news is that many of the clover control methods also work on other broadleaf weeds. Broadleaf weed control often uses the same types of chemical sprays that target clover. Improving your lawn health also helps prevent other weeds. If you are using a chemical spray, read the label. It will list all the weeds it kills. This helps you tackle many weed problems at once.
Organic Ways to Kill Clover
More and more people want to avoid chemicals. Organic ways to kill clover are popular. These methods focus on natural products and good lawn care.
* Hand pulling: As mentioned, it is pure muscle power.
* Smothering: Using covers is organic.
* Vinegar: A natural acid.
* Corn gluten meal: A natural way to prevent seeds.
* Boiling Water: You can pour boiling water directly on clover patches. This will kill the plants instantly. But it will also kill any grass it touches. Use this method carefully, mostly in areas without grass or along edges.
* Proper Mowing & Fertilizing: These are organic practices that make the lawn strong. A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense.
Choosing organic ways might take more time or effort. But they are safer for the environment, pets, and people.
Building a Plan to Get Rid of Clover
Okay, you have learned about the ways to remove clover. Now, how do you put it into action? Here is a plan you can follow.
- Look at Your Yard: See how much clover you have. Are there small patches or is it everywhere? This helps you pick the best method.
- Pick Your Method(s): Based on how much clover you have and if you want chemicals, choose your main way. Maybe hand-pull small spots. Maybe use a broadleaf spray for large areas.
- Act Against Existing Clover: Use your chosen method to kill the clover that is there now. Do this when the clover is growing well (spring or fall).
- Fix Your Lawn: This is the most important step for long-term success.
- Test your soil. See if it needs nitrogen.
- Fertilize your lawn correctly.
- Start mowing higher.
- Water your lawn right.
- Fix any bare spots by seeding.
- Think about aerating if your soil is hard.
- Prevent New Clover: Use corn gluten meal in the spring to stop new seeds. Keep up with good lawn care. This stops clover from coming back.
- Keep Watching: Look at your yard often. If you see new clover starting, deal with it right away. It is easier to handle small patches.
Getting rid of clover permanently is not a one-time job. It needs ongoing care for your lawn. A healthy lawn naturally resists weeds like clover.
More Tips for Success
- Timing is Key: Killing clover is often easiest in the spring or fall. The plants are growing but not stressed by summer heat. Preventing seeds is done in early spring.
- Follow Directions: If using any product, natural or chemical, read the label. It tells you how to use it safely and effectively.
- Be Patient: Getting a yard free of clover and keeping it that way takes time. Do not expect overnight results.
- Think Long-Term: Focus on improving your lawn’s health. This is the best way to keep clover away for good. Lawn care for clover prevention is the final goal.
FAQs About Getting Rid of Clover
Let’s answer some common questions people ask.
h5 Can I just leave clover in my lawn?
Yes, you can choose to leave clover. Some people like it. It stays green in dry times. It is soft to walk on. It helps bees. It puts nitrogen in the soil. This acts like a natural fertilizer for the grass around it. If you do not mind clover, there is no rule saying you must remove it. This guide is for those who want a pure grass lawn.
h5 Will mowing kill clover?
Mowing alone will not kill clover. Clover grows very low to the ground. Its leaves and flowers are often below the mower blades, especially if you mow high. Mowing can even help clover by cutting down the taller grass around it, giving the clover more sun and space. However, mowing at the right height (taller) makes the grass stronger, which helps it fight clover. So, mowing itself is not a killer, but smart mowing is part of prevention.
h5 Does clover mean my soil is bad?
Clover often means your soil is low in nitrogen. Grass needs nitrogen. If your soil does not have enough, grass grows poorly. Clover can make its own nitrogen from the air. So, it grows well where grass does not. If you have a lot of clover, it is a good sign to test your soil and probably add nitrogen fertilizer.
h5 Is clover a weed?
Whether clover is a weed depends on who you ask. A weed is just a plant growing where you do not want it. If you want a pure grass lawn, then clover in your grass is a weed to you. If you like clover in your lawn, then it is not a weed. It is a matter of personal choice and lawn goals.
h5 How long does it take to get rid of clover?
It depends on the method and how much clover you have. Hand pulling small spots is fast for that spot. Using chemical spray can kill clover in a week or two. But you might need a second spray. Making your lawn healthy to prevent it from coming back takes months or even a year or two. Getting rid of clover permanently is a process.
h5 Will dish soap kill clover?
Dish soap mixed with water can hurt clover leaves. It can make them dry out a bit. But it is usually not strong enough on its own to kill clover completely, especially the roots. It is sometimes used with vinegar to help the vinegar work better. It is not typically the best weed killer for clover by itself.
h5 When is the best time to apply weed killer for clover?
The best times are usually spring and fall. The clover is actively growing then, so it takes in the weed killer better. Avoid spraying in hot summer heat (above 85°F), as this can damage your grass. Also, do not spray if rain is expected soon after.
h5 Can I use boiling water to kill clover?
Yes, boiling water will kill clover. It instantly cooks the plant. However, it kills any plant it touches, including grass. So, use this method very carefully for small, specific clover plants, maybe growing in cracks or edges, not in the middle of your lawn. It is an organic way to kill clover quickly in small areas.
h5 What is broadleaf weed control?
Broadleaf weed control means controlling plants that have broad leaves, like clover, dandelions, or plantain, as opposed to narrow-leaved grasses. Many lawn weed killers are designed for broadleaf weed control. They kill the broadleaf weeds but leave the grass unharmed.
h5 Does corn gluten meal get rid of existing clover?
No, corn gluten meal does not kill existing clover plants. It works by stopping the seeds of weeds (like clover) from sprouting. You put it down in the spring before the clover seeds start to grow. It is a preventative measure.
h5 How can I make my lawn thick to prevent clover?
To make your lawn thick:
* Fertilize with nitrogen in spring and fall.
* Mow high (3+ inches).
* Water deeply but not too often.
* Aerate your soil if it is hard.
* Overseed (plant new grass seed) regularly, especially in fall.
* Fix bare spots quickly.
Healthy lawn care for clover prevention is about making the grass strong enough to outcompete the weeds.
Getting a clover-free lawn and keeping it that way is possible. It needs the right steps to remove the clover and then good care to keep your grass healthy and strong.