Does your perfectly green lawn have unwelcome visitors? Those pesky, three-leafed invaders—clover—can quickly take over your beautiful grass. It is frustrating to see those little white flowers popping up everywhere, ruining your yard’s neat look. You want a lush, uniform lawn, but clover seems determined to win the battle.
Choosing the right weed killer adds another layer of confusion. Should you use a liquid spray or dry granules? Will it harm your good grass? Many products promise results but leave you with patchy brown spots instead of a healthy green carpet. Finding a solution that targets clover specifically, without damaging your existing lawn, feels like a complex puzzle.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best weed killers designed specifically for clover. You will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and how to apply them for maximum success. Get ready to take back your lawn! Read on to discover the simple steps for banishing clover for good.
Top Weed Killer For Clover In Lawns Recommendations
- Scotts Weed Control for Lawns starts working on contact to kill even the toughest weeds down to the root
- This weed killer for lawns controls over 200 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, chickweed, poison ivy, henbit, oxalis, ground ivy, and purslane
- Apply in the spring or early fall when broadleaf weeds are actively growing
- Do not use this lawn care product on Dichondra, Carpetgrass, 'Floratam' St. Augustinegrass, Creeping Bentgrass, or turfgrass where desirable clovers are present
- One 14 lb. bag of Scotts Weed Control for Lawns covers 5,000 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.
- 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
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- WEED CONTROL FOR LAWNS: These weed killer plus lawn fertilizer granules control over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- WEED AND FEED FOR LAWNS: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't apply more than 2X per year
- USE ON LISTED GRASS TYPES: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this weed killer for lawns on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass lawns
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- BC912142
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- 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 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-to-Spray3 treats up to 10,600 sq. ft. (varies by grass type, see label for application rates)
- 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 Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate controls tough weeds including Chickweed, Red and White Clover, Oxalis, Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy), Speedwell, Wild Violet and others as listed
- Kill lawn weeds to the root with this easy-to-use weed killer concentrate
- This weed killer spray won't harm the lawn (when used as directed) and is for use on Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- Apply this weed killer for lawns with a tank sprayer after dilution when temperatures are below 90°F
- This 32 oz. container of Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate treats up to 3,200 sq. ft. of lawn
Your Guide to Banishing Clover: Choosing the Right Weed Killer
Clover in your lawn can be stubborn. It pops up everywhere, stealing nutrients from your good grass. Finding the best weed killer for clover is key to a beautiful, green yard. This guide helps you pick the right product.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that ensure success without harming your lawn.
1. Selective vs. Non-Selective Action
- Selective Weed Killers: These are your best friends for lawns. They target broadleaf weeds, like clover, but leave grass unharmed. Always choose a selective killer for established lawns.
- Non-Selective Weed Killers: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Only use these on driveways or bare spots.
2. Active Ingredients
The ingredients determine how the product works. Look for chemicals designed to break down clover.
- Common Effective Ingredients: 2,4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), and Dicamba are popular. These work together to attack the weed from different angles.
- Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use: Concentrates save money but require mixing. Ready-to-use bottles are easier but often cost more per application.
3. Speed of Action
Some products work fast, showing results in hours. Others take days. Decide if you need quick visible results or if a slower, deeper kill is fine.
Important Materials and Formulation
The way the weed killer is packaged and formulated affects how you use it and how well it sticks to the clover leaves.
Liquid vs. Granular
- Liquid Sprays: These are often absorbed faster by the weed. They work well in humid conditions. You need a sprayer to apply them evenly.
- Granular Products: You spread these dry pellets over the lawn, usually right before rain or watering. The moisture activates the chemicals. These are easy to spread but might require more time to work.
Surfactants (Stickers)
Some formulas include a surfactant. This helps the liquid spread out and stick to the waxy surface of the clover leaves. Better sticking means better absorption and a stronger kill.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Your results depend heavily on the environment and how you apply the product.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Temperature: Most broadleaf killers work best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. Warm weather helps the weed grow actively, absorbing the chemical better.
- Proper Mixing: If you use a concentrate, follow the dilution instructions exactly. Too little won’t kill the clover; too much might hurt the grass.
- Timing: Apply when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Wind: High winds cause “spray drift.” This means the product lands on desirable plants, flowers, or sidewalks, wasting the product and causing damage elsewhere.
- Dormant Weeds: If the weather is too cold or too hot, the clover stops growing. When it is dormant, it won’t absorb the chemical effectively, leading to poor results.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you prefer to treat your lawn.
Ease of Application
If you hate mixing chemicals, choose a ready-to-spray bottle with an attached hose sprayer. If you have a large yard, a backpack sprayer with a concentrate offers better value and control.
Lawn Tolerance
Check the label to ensure the weed killer is safe for your specific type of grass (e.g., Fescue, Bermuda, or Zoysia). Some strong chemicals can stress certain grass types.
Follow-Up Treatments
Clover is tough. You might need a second application three to four weeks after the first one. A good product allows for safe reapplication within that timeframe.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Clover Weed Killers
Q: Will this kill my entire lawn?
A: No, if you buy a **selective** weed killer specifically labeled for clover in lawns, it should only target the clover and leave your grass healthy.
Q: When is the best time of day to spray?
A: Early morning is often best. The air is usually calm, meaning less wind drift, and the dew has dried, allowing the spray to stick to the leaves.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: Most effective products show visible yellowing or wilting within three to seven days.
Q: Can I use this if I have pets?
A: Yes, but you must keep pets off the lawn until the product is completely dry. Check the label for specific drying times, usually a few hours.
Q: Does rain hurt the weed killer?
A: Yes, heavy rain too soon after application washes the chemical off the leaves before the clover can absorb it. Wait at least 24 hours after spraying before expecting rain.
Q: What if the clover comes back?
A: Clover roots are deep. If the first application did not kill the entire root system, you will see regrowth. Wait three to four weeks, then spot-treat the remaining weeds.
Q: Are organic weed killers effective on clover?
A: Some organic options, often using ingredients like iron or vinegar, can burn the top of the clover. However, they rarely kill the deep root, meaning the clover usually returns faster than chemical options.
Q: Should I mow before or after spraying?
A: It is best to mow a few days *before* spraying. Mowing too close to spraying can stress the grass. Also, allow the clover leaves to grow tall enough (about 3 inches) so the spray has a good surface area to land on.
Q: How long should I wait to fertilize after using a killer?
A: Wait about one to two weeks after a successful application. This gives the grass time to recover from the weed treatment before adding extra nutrients.
Q: What is the difference between a “post-emergent” and “pre-emergent” killer?
A: A **post-emergent** killer kills weeds that are already growing (like the clover you see now). A **pre-emergent** stops seeds from sprouting, which helps prevent new clover from showing up next spring.