Does that pesky clover keep popping up in your otherwise perfect lawn? You spend hours mowing, watering, and feeding your grass, only to see those stubborn green rosettes refuse to disappear. It’s frustrating! Many homeowners feel lost when trying to find the best product to finally conquer clover without turning their beautiful turf into a barren wasteland.
Choosing the right weed killer is tricky. You worry about harming your healthy grass, or perhaps you’ve used something that just didn’t work. The sheer number of bottles on the shelf can make your head spin! You need a solution that is effective against clover but safe for your lawn.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a clover killer. You will learn the key ingredients that make a real difference and discover top-rated products that deliver results. Get ready to reclaim your lush, green yard!
Top Product To Kill Clover In Your Lawn Recommendations
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate kills tough weeds including chickweed, clover, creeping Charlie (ground ivy), oxalis, wild violet and others as listed
- This weed control product kills listed weeds to the roots and won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed
- Use this lawn weed killer on grasses including Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- Apply this weed killer concentrate by mixing with water and using a tank sprayer or the Ortho Dial N Spray hose-end sprayer
- This 16 fl. oz. container of Ortho Weed B-gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate treats up to 3,200 sq. ft
- TOTAL WEED KILLER - Spray eliminates chickweed, clover, dandelions, ground ivy, oxalis, wild violet and over 100 more tough-to-control weeds. A complete list of these weeds is displayed on the label.
- SAFE FOR GRASS - Designed to kill a variety of weeds, not lawn grasses. When used as directed it kills broadleaf weeds in lawns, roots and all.
- NEEDS TO BE MIXED - Product arrives as a concentrate that needs to be mixed before application. We also offer a 1-gallon option of Ready to Use Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Weed Killer (BND0613) that arrives conveniently premixed.
- INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH - One pint of this herbicide concentrate can cover up to 5,000 square feet.
- FAST ACTING - Begins working overnight and is rainproof within hours of application. For best results, do not mow your lawn for 1 to 2 days before or after use.
- Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer can help prevent turf damage by killing grubs when they are young
- One application of this lawn care treatment kills and prevents grubs for up to 4 months
- This grub killer also controls caterpillars (armyworm), chinchbugs, May/June beetles, and more (as listed), and can help control Japanese beetle infestations when applied annually
- Apply this granular insecticide to a dry lawn in the spring or early summer to kill grubs as they develop before they cause damage to your lawn
- One 14.35 lb. bag of Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Weed killer for lawns: Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-to-Spray to kill over 250 listed weeds including dandelion and clover down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed)
- Fast-acting weed control: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, clover, and chickweed down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot treatment for weeds: Kills weeds not the lawn when used as directed - use on St. Augustinegrass (not Floratam), Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, Buffalograss, and Bahiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue
- Spray weed killer: Apply this lawn weed killer to small, actively growing weeds when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
- Ready to spray: This bundle includes two 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-to-Spray; each treats up to 16,000 sq. ft.
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA: Protects lawns, vegetables, fruit and nut trees, roses, flowers, trees and shrubs
- KILLS 260+ INSECTS BY CONTACT: Above and below ground, including grubs, most ants, fleas, deer ticks, Japanese beetles and more
- NON-STAINING: Non-staining to most home siding depending on age and cleanliness – see product label for details
- CONCENTRATE FORMULA: Available as a dilutable concentrate for mixing with water and as a ready-to-spray QuickFlip spray concentrate that attaches directly to your garden hose
- Power Source Type: Manual
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds including dandelion, dollarweed, chickweed, and clover without harming your lawn (when used as directed) with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray3
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills over 250 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, chickweed, creeping charlie, and dollarweed, and produces results in hours
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm grass when used as directed - use on Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass (hybrid and common), Buffalograss, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass (except Floratam)
- Spray weed killer: Apply this lawn weed killer by attaching your garden hose and spraying the area you want to treat
- Ready to spray: This bundle comes with two 32 fl. oz. containers of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-to-Spray3; each treats up to 10,600 sq. ft. (varies by grass type, see label for application rates)
- ALL-IN-ONE FORMULA: Control crabgrass and over 200 common weeds with our weed killer
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Control over 200 broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover and crabgrass using our weed killer sprayer
- BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I penetrates and removes tough listed weeds down to the root
- RAINPROOF IN ONE HOUR: Our weed killer spray formula is rainproof in one hour, giving you protection that wont wash away
- READY-TO-USE APPLICATOR: Apply easily with our weed sprayer 24 ounce design, perfect as a lawn weed killer, compatible with various lawn types like Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass
Conquering Clover: Your Ultimate Buying Guide for Lawn Weed Killers
Clover can quickly take over a beautiful lawn. Dealing with it effectively requires the right product. This guide helps you choose the best weed killer to reclaim your green space.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a clover killer, several features make a big difference in how well the product works and how easy it is to use.
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective Formula
- Selective Weed Killers: These are your best friends for lawns. They target broadleaf weeds like clover but leave your desirable grasses unharmed. Always check the label to ensure it is safe for your specific grass type (like fescue or bluegrass).
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Only use these if you plan to completely reseed the area where the clover is very thick.
2. Application Type
- Ready-to-Spray (RTS): These bottles attach directly to your hose. They are very convenient for quick spot treatments.
- Concentrates: You mix these with water in a separate sprayer. They are usually more cost-effective if you have a large lawn to treat.
3. Speed of Action
Some products start working within hours, showing visible results quickly. Others take several days. Faster action often means you see success sooner, but slower-acting products sometimes offer deeper root penetration.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The active ingredients determine the product’s power. Look closely at the label to understand what you are spraying.
Common Active Ingredients
- 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP (or Mecoprop): This trio is very common in selective liquid herbicides. They work by confusing the clover’s growth hormones, causing the plant to twist and die.
- Dithiopyr or Prodiamine: These are often used in granular form. They work as pre-emergents, stopping clover seeds from sprouting in the first place.
Formulation Matters
Liquids are absorbed quickly through the leaves. Granules spread easily over large areas and are often preferred if you are treating dry soil or prefer not to use liquid sprayers. Ensure the carrier material (if granular) breaks down easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a clover killer depends on its formulation and how you use it.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Rainfastness: A good product dries and sticks to the clover quickly, often within one to two hours. This means a sudden rain shower won’t wash the product away before it works.
- Systemic Action: The best killers are systemic. They move from the leaves down into the roots, killing the entire plant so it cannot regrow.
- Temperature Suitability: Most selective herbicides work best when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. Using them when it is too hot or too cold reduces their effectiveness significantly.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Improper Mixing: If you use a concentrate, always follow the mixing ratios exactly. Too little water makes it weak; too much water dilutes the power.
- Clover Maturity: Very mature, tough clover might require a second application, even with a high-quality product.
User Experience and Use Cases
How a product feels to use often dictates whether you finish the job properly.
Ease of Use
Ready-to-use sprayers offer the best initial experience for beginners. You simply connect and spray. If you have hundreds of weeds, a concentrate saves money and time over constantly buying new RTS bottles.
When to Apply (Use Cases)
- Spring Treatment: Apply when clover is actively growing, usually after the grass has greened up. This is the ideal time for systemic killers.
- Spot Treatment: Use RTS options for small patches of clover popping up near sidewalks or garden edges.
- Broadcast Treatment: Use granular products or hose-end sprayer concentrates for covering the entire lawn evenly.
Clover Killer FAQ
Q: How long until I see the clover die?
A: Most liquid selective killers show visible yellowing or wilting within three to seven days. Granular pre-emergents work much slower, preventing growth before it starts.
Q: Can I mow my lawn right after spraying?
A: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after application before mowing. This gives the chemical enough time to travel down to the roots.
Q: Will this product harm my pets?
A: Most lawn weed killers are safe for pets once the product has completely dried on the grass blades. Always keep pets off the lawn during application and until the surface is dry.
Q: What if the clover comes back next year?
A: Clover often spreads by seed. You might need a pre-emergent herbicide applied early next spring to stop new seeds from sprouting.
Q: Is it better to spray when it’s sunny or cloudy?
A: Sunny, warm days (but not extremely hot days) help the chemical absorb better. Avoid spraying right before a predicted heavy rain.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn before or after spraying?
A: Check the label. Some products require the soil to be slightly moist for better absorption, while others require the lawn to be dry for the spray to stick to the leaves.
Q: Can I use this on my vegetable garden?
A: Absolutely not, unless the product specifically states it is safe for edible gardens. Most lawn weed killers will harm or kill vegetables.
Q: How much product should I buy?
A: Calculate the square footage of your lawn. Check the coverage area listed on the bottle (e.g., “Covers 5,000 sq. ft.”). Buy slightly more than you think you need to account for overlap.
Q: Does this kill all types of clover?
A: Most selective broadleaf killers work well on common lawn clovers (like white Dutch clover). If you have specialty clover, check reviews to confirm effectiveness.
Q: What safety gear do I need?
A: Always wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and safety glasses when mixing or applying herbicides.