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Clover how to get rid of


How to Get Rid of Clover Without Killing Your Grass - Lawn Care Blog

Is clover taking over your backyard? While there are plenty of benefits of having clover in your yard, it can be frustrating for homeowners who are striving for an even, grassy lawn. 

Clover can be challenging to get rid of, but you shouldn’t have to destroy your lawn to win the war on clover. There are 7 ways to get your clover problem under control without risking the health of your beautiful green grass. 

In this article you will find:

How to get rid of clover

1. Rip it out

If your yard has a few small patches of clover, your best bet might be to simply pull it out of the ground manually. Grab a spade and use it to loosen the soil. Then, pull the clover out, making sure to remove all of the roots. The clover will quickly return if any roots remain. This is an easy DIY and natural way to kill clover without killing your grass.

2. Vinegar mixture

Arria Belli | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2. 0

For a natural remedy, make a vinegar-based mixture to kill off the clover. This method can take a couple of weeks of frequent spraying but is a more environmentally friendly option compared to chemical-based sprays or broadleaf weed herbicides. 

How to make the mixture:

Ingredients

Directions

3. Nitrogen boost

Clover thrives in soil with low levels of nitrogen. A simple strategy to get rid of it would be to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the clover patches. This will deter it from growing and spreading. 

A quick and affordable option is to use a fast-release fertilizer, which is especially recommended if you have a lot of clover to get rid of. Or, you can use an organic fertilizer such as:

Organic fertilizer is better for the environment but is slower to kill the clover. Fast-release fertilizer will decrease soil quality over time. You don’t need to cover your entire yard, you could just apply it to the problem clover areas. Fast-release fertilizer and organic fertilizer can both be found at most garden and home-improvement stores. 

4. Say A.D.I.O.S. with an herbicide

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If you really don’t want to risk damaging any of the grass surrounding the clover patches, it might be a good idea to use an herbicide. A.D.I.O.S. (Advanced Development In Organic Solutions) is an organic herbicide that gets rid of clover and provides weed control without the risk of damaging any surrounding grass growth.  

A.D.I.O.S. is non-toxic and safe to use even if you have pets and children who play in the yard. It’s also safe to use on properties near livestock farms and bodies of water. This organic weed killer also works to get rid of dandelion, yellow mustard, ground ivy, and other pesky weeds. It also might help you fight back against or even kill weeds such as ragweed, poison ivy, buckthorn, and similar invasive weeds.

A.D.I.O.S. can be ordered online or bought in-person at your local garden center or home-improvement store.

5. Adjust your mowing height

Clover prefers to grow in areas where the grass is less than 3 inches high. Set your mower to 3 inches or higher and let your grass grow out a bit to deter clover from growing and spreading. If you mow it at a higher setting, your grass will have a better chance of outcompeting the clover.

6. Corn gluten

Marco Verch Professional Photographer | Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Corn gluten can prevent clover from growing and spreading. It releases organic peptides, which deter clover seeds from sprouting. Don’t apply this if you recently seeded your grass, because it will prevent the grass seeds from sprouting as well. It won’t harm any living grass or affect grass growth. 

To get rid of clover with corn gluten, spread 20 pounds of corn gluten meal for every 1,000 square feet of clover-infested lawn. Water after applying, and allow to dry. 

Corn gluten can be ordered online or bought at any nearby garden centers. 

7. Smother it

Clover can’t survive without air and sunlight. If you have large patches of clover, you can get rid of it manually by smothering it. Locate the clover and place a garbage bag or plastic sheet over the patch, making sure to cover all of the clover plants and not too much of the surrounding grass. Use bricks or large rocks to keep the edges of the covering secured to the ground. In a few weeks, remove the plastic sheeting and reseed the area with grass seeds. 

This is not recommended for small or irregular patches of clover, because you will risk killing the healthy grass surrounding the clover.

What is clover?

Clover is a member of the pea family and is classified as a legume. It originated in Europe and it made its way to the U.S. in the late 1600s. Today, clover can be grown to use as forage or hay for wildlife or in food plots to attract turkey, deer, rabbits, and other wildlife. There are more than 300 species to choose from.

Clover has a deep root system, which makes it hard to get rid of. It is ideal as a grass alternative in clover-based yards because the deep roots help the clover stay green year-round in northern climates. Clover often has three leaves and can have pink or white flowers. 

FAQ

1. How do I identify clover?

The three most common types of clover you’d find in your yard are white clover, red clover, and strawberry clover.

—White clover (Trifolium repens): White clover is a low-growing, hardy clover species, and is the most common type of clover found in lawns. White clover grows quickly and spreads fast. Its florets range in color from white to pink.
—Red clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover is taller and bushier than white clover. Its florets range from rose to magenta.
—Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum): Strawberry clover is similar to white clover but has white or pink flowers that are smaller than the white clover florets. 

2. Why is clover taking over my backyard?

Clover growth could be a sign that your lawn needs some extra TLC. 

Make sure you’re watering your lawn properly. Thirsty grass invites broadleaf weeds and stresses out your lawn. 

If you are suddenly having problems with clover plants growing in your yard, check to see if your lawn is suffering from one of the following:
—Low nitrogen levels: Clover thrives in nitrogen-poor soil, while grass needs nitrogen-rich soil to survive. Use cornmeal or organic fertilizer to help boost nitrogen levels without sacrificing the quality of your soil. 
—Compacted soil: Similarly, compacted soil does not make for ideal grass-growing conditions, but clover can tolerate the lack of nutrients. If you think your soil is compacted, you can loosen it by aerating.
—Unbalanced soil pH: Most lawns prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Red clover can grow in soil with a pH higher than 7, and strawberry clover can grow in a range of pH levels, from 5.3 – 8.2. Get your soil tested and make the necessary adjustments to give your grass a fighting chance.

3. Should you get rid of clover?

Clover isn’t always a problem. There are many benefits of keeping or even planting clover in your yard. Clover helps reduce erosion, fixes nitrogen levels in the soil, is low-maintenance, helps the environment, attracts pollinators, and more. With clover, you can have a green lawn year-round. If you don’t mind having more bees buzzing around, it might be worth keeping the clover and mixing it in with your regular grass seed. 

Need a hand saying A.D.I.O.S. to your clover? Contact a local lawn care professional to help you get back to your luscious green lawn.

Main Photo Credit: Couleur | Pixabay

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Sav Maive

Sav Maive is a writer and director based in San Antonio. Sav is a recent graduate from the University of Virginia and is a loving cat and plant mom.

Posts by Sav Maive

10 Easy-to-Follow Remedies for How to Get Rid of Clover (for Good)

Photo: istockphoto.com

Stubborn weeds are the bane of a beautiful lawn. Yet, although it’s pretty stubborn, clover (aka Trifolium repens) is actually beneficial. It brings nitrogen into the soil and encourages grass growth when it decomposes. In fact, some grass blends even include micro-clover as a welcome addition to a lawn.

Still, many homeowners simply don’t appreciate all those small white clover flowers interrupting their field of green. (It can also attract rabbit pests, which love to snack on clover as well as nearby garden plants.) Mowing it over is only a temporary fix, as clover always grows back, and fast. So if you’re adamant about keeping this herbaceous three-leaved intruder off your landscape, you’re in luck! Read on for easy DIY remedies for how to get rid of clover for good.

10 Easy-to-Follow Remedies to Remove Clover in Your Lawn

Proper lawn care—including the right mowing and watering habits—plus an assortment of clever hacks can send clover packing. Get started with one or more of the following tried-and-true solutions.

Remedy 1: Knock it out with nitrogen.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Generally speaking, a well-fertilized lawn keeps all weeds at bay, but ensuring proper nitrogen levels will give you an extra edge against clover. It’s a lack of nitrogen that allows this weed to thrive, because clover can produce its own nitrogen—so it’s got a leg-up on a lawn that’s low in nitrogen. Try a nitrogen-rich weed-and-feed formula. Organic fertilizers might do the trick if you have a small amount of clover, but if your lawn is becoming overrun, choose a standard fertilizer that is not slow release.

Remedy 2: Remove it manually.

Don’t give clover a chance to spread. Get rid of small clumps as soon as you notice them by gently loosening the soil around the base with a spade or your fingers, then plucking the clover up. Be sure you get all of the roots.

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Remedy 3: Deprive it of oxygen and sunlight.

A natural way to eliminate clover in your lawn is to deprive it of sunlight and oxygen. Place plastic sheeting (a garbage bag will do) on top of clover, securing the corners so it won’t blow away. This ought to kill the weed in a few weeks, but use this method only on large clover patches; otherwise, surrounding grass will probably experience collateral damage.

Remedy 4: Douse it with a homemade mixture.

Here’s a natural weed control remedy many gardeners find effective: Mix vinegar with a small amount of dish soap, put the mixture in a spray bottle, and spot treat clover clumps. Just take care to avoid surrounding plants.

RELATED: How to Make Weed Killer

Remedy 5: Kill it with corn gluten.

Available for purchase online and at your local garden center, corn gluten meal can inhibit clover growth without damaging any nearby plants. It releases organic dipeptides into the soil, which dry out clover seeds and make it more difficult for them to sprout. Spread about 20 pounds of corn gluten meal per 1,000 square feet of lawn, water well, and allow to dry naturally.

Photo: amazon.com

Remedy 6: Hit back with herbicide.

If you’ve got to pull out the big guns to get rid of clover, broadleaf herbicides can do the job. These weed control products generally contain the chemicals Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Mecoprop, and Dicamba, which disrupt normal plant growth patterns and cause the weeds to twist, the leaves to cup, and the stems to crack. While these herbicides don’t harm surrounding grass, they can hurt some garden plants and insects, so it’s wise to spot treat directly on clover rather than apply freely.

Remedy 7: Mow grass higher than 3 inches.

While some folks really like the look and feel of short turf, leaving your lawn a little bit longer can keep a clover problem in check. Clover grows low to the ground and has a shallow root system. So if you raise your mower deck and keep grass 3 or more inches high, your taller grass can effectively block sunlight exposure to the clover. This helps prevent clover from growing and spreading throughout your lawn.

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Remedy 8: Water properly.

Maintaining the ideal moisture level is one secret to discouraging clover. Too-wet turf is the perfect habitat for weed seed germination, but thirsty grass is typically stressed out—and that invites weeds as well. While the right amount of watering will depend on your soil and grass species, gardening pros recommend monitoring your lawn rather than taking a set-it-and-forget it approach to an irrigation system. Water deeply once or twice a week is a rule of thumb, but temper that by remembering to water only when the lawn starts to look dry, or growth seems stalled.

RELATED: Solved! How Long to Water Your Lawn

Photo: istockphoto.com

Remedy 9: Kill clover naturally.

Those who’d rather avoid using chemical herbicides may want to check out the organic weed killer A.D.I.O.S. (the name stands for Advanced Development in Organic Solutions). This non-toxic, odorless, and all-natural selective weed killer is safe to use around pets, livestock, children, crops, and bodies of water. It not only weakens and kills clover, it won’t harm healthy grass. Spray it directly on clover as well as other unwanted weeds, such as dandelion, ground ivy, lambquaters, and yellow mustard. It may also be effective against poison ivy, sumac, buckthorn, bettersweet, ragweed, and other noxious and invasive species.

Remedy 10: Seed those bald spots.

After you’ve successfully killed patches of clover, there may be bare areas on your lawn that are even less attractive than the weeds were. The solution is to lay down grass seed right away, and cover with a thin layer of mulch. Water the grass seed regularly to promote new growth, and follow proper lawn care for fertilizing and mowing to keep clover from coming back.

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Some jobs are better left to the pros. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from licensed lawn service professionals near you.

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FAQ

If you want more info about the three-leaf, white-flowered weed that can bully your beautiful lawn, read on for answers to some common questions.

What’s Causing Clover in My Lawn?

Clover typically flourishes in lawns that are underfed, overwatered, and mown too short.  Practice proper lawn care with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, water only when grass begins to feel dry, and maintain a turf height of 3 inches or more for clover control.

What will Kill Clover but Not Grass?

Photo: istockphoto.com

A selective herbicide can target clover and other weeds while leaving grass unharmed. Avoid using non-selective herbicides, which can damage any plants they come in contact with. Even with a selective herbicide, it’s wise to spot treat rather than broadcast chemical weed killers.

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Should I Get Rid of Clover in My Lawn?

If your idea of a gorgeous lawn is an uninterrupted carpet of uniform grass blades, then you will probably want to get rid of clover. There are, however, good reasons to invite clover: It has a lovely aroma, tends to stay green during periods of drought, attracts bees and other beneficial insects, and can even smother other weeds.

Why is Clover Taking Over My Lawn?

Clover can flourish on your lawn when growing conditions favor the weed more than the grass.  If your lawn is low on nitrogen, for instance, clover is likely to thrive. And because clover is a perennial, if it is present during one growing season it will probably come back the next.

Final Thoughts

Armed with 10 solid ways to combat clover, you should be able to deter the weed and pull up the well. But understanding the positive aspects of clover may help you see it as more friend than foe.

Need a hand?

Some jobs are better left to the pros. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from licensed lawn service professionals near you.

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How to get rid of clover on the lawn? We remove the clover from the lawn.

Clover is a creeping plant that quickly spreads through the soil, gaining more and more space from other plants every year. Therefore, if clover appears on your lawn, you should immediately start fighting it.

Clover reproduces very well and in a season can destroy all your efforts. But if you've always dreamed of a blooming lawn with clover, which does not require special care, then the appearance of clover should not confuse you. In other cases, the fight against clover on the lawn should be carried out in a timely manner. nine0003

Of particular danger is clover on ornamental lawns. Tender green grass is literally oppressed by clover, which leads to the formation of large bald spots and yellowing of the grass. The lawn becomes unsightly and completely loses its attractiveness. It takes a lot of effort, money and time to remove the clover from the site and bring the lawn back to normal. It is much easier to get rid of the problem as soon as it arises and save yourself the hassle! How to get rid of clover on the lawn, and what emergency measures should be taken if you suddenly find this weed - read below. nine0003

Why and how to remove clover from the lawn

Before you begin to destroy the weed and decide how to deal with clover on the lawn, you need to understand the reasons for the active reproduction of clover and the characteristics of its growth. Why does clover appear:

Clover looks unaesthetic, so we will tell you how to remove clover from the lawn as efficiently as possible so that there is no trace of the weed!

There are only two main ways to deal with any weeds on the lawn - mechanical and chemical. Both of them have their advantages and will be discussed in detail in the article.

How to deal with clover on the lawn with fertilizer

One of the reasons for the activation of clover growth is the insufficient amount of nitrogenous fertilizers. Therefore, experienced gardeners have found a simple way out: replenish the supply of nitrogen and the clover will gradually begin to die off. nine0003


This method is only suitable if you are sure that there is not enough fertilizer in the soil. This can be easily checked with special tests that are sold in gardening stores. Do a test before removing weed clover from your lawn. It will show the level of nitrogen in the soil and will not allow you to make a fatal mistake. Excess fertilizer can lead to disastrous consequences - lawn grass can completely die or turn yellow. nine0003

But how do you get clover out of your lawn if you fertilize the soil regularly? Sometimes the simple compound fertilizer you apply every year contains enough nitrogen to keep the clover from growing, but the weed still grows. The main and most effective methods for the destruction of clover are mechanical and chemical - read below!

How to get rid of clover on the lawn by hand

The most effective and commonly used method is mechanical weed removal. This is an ordinary weeding, which, however, should also be done correctly. How to get rid of clover on the lawn: nine0003

These elementary rules help to effectively remove the weed along with the root, preventing it from re-propagating. How to remove clover from your lawn so that it does not return? It is enough to follow the elementary rules that will help to destroy the weed: nine0003

These simple tips will help you get closer to the perfect lawn and completely eradicate the weed.


How to remove clover from the lawn with chemicals

Chemicals are the key to excellent weed-free turf. Modern herbicides work only on weeds, without damaging the delicate grass of the lawn. This makes the fight against clover on your lawn more effective and reliable - the weed is destroyed within 1-2 weeks and the lawn will again delight you with its fresh green look.

In our online store you will find the best and proven herbicides that are absolutely safe for humans and animals - these are Lontrel and Tornado. Below is a guide explaining how to control clover in your lawn with modern herbicides. nine0003

  1. Dilute the herbicide with water according to the proportion indicated (see package instructions).
  2. Spray your lawn. It is better to do this in the evening in dry calm weather. For greater efficiency, you need to go through the site in two perpendicular directions - along and across.
  3. After a couple of days, water the lawn liberally (if it hasn't rained). The herbicide will soak into the soil and penetrate the roots of the weed.
  4. During the week, the weed may continue to grow actively, however, after a while you will notice how the clover begins to dry out and die. nine0016
  5. After the time specified in the instructions, remove the weed and level the soil.

By following these simple rules, you can easily deal with clover on your lawn!

Back to the list

How to get rid of "intruders"

Weed control is an important part of lawn care. Dandelions and clover are especially annoying, both of these plants spread rapidly, conquering new territories. nine0003

Enemy No. 1 - dandelion

Dandelion is a small plant with a large root that goes a quarter of a meter deep. Seeds are formed on a flower, they are a kind of "parachutes" carried by the wind over long distances. As soon as the "saboteur" manages to get on the ground, he clings to the soil and over time a dandelion will grow out of him.

If the turf is dense and there are no "bald" areas, dandelion seeds are blown away by the wind or simply rot. Therefore, well-groomed lawns are not threatened by the invasion of dandelions. If these plants managed to settle on the site, they must be fought. First you need to pull out the flowers with the root. It is best to do this after heavy rain or watering, then it will be easier to pull the root out of the soil entirely. This method helps to reduce the number of dandelions, but not get rid of them completely. nine0003

A more efficient method is herbicide treatment. The best time is autumn. It is during this period that the roots receive nourishment from the leaves. The control scheme is simple: a herbicide solution is sprayed on the leaves and stems of the dandelion, which then enters the root system of the dandelion. The "enemy" has no chance of survival.

If you do not want to use chemicals, you can prevent dandelions from blooming, carefully monitor the integrity of the green grass cover. Grass is recommended to be left after mowing with a height of 6-8 cm, so that it prevents weed seeds from entering the soil. nine0003

Clover control

Clover is often specially planted on lawns, it creates an excellent cover, with dense turf, blooms beautifully, pleasant to the touch. Clover breeds well, quite often it begins to grow where it was not planned. It is especially unpleasant if this plant appears on parterre lawns and spoils the overall impression. And if the clover gets on the sports lawn, it can result in injury, as the grass surface becomes slippery with it. nine0003

There are two methods of countering clover: mechanical and chemical. At first, it is necessary to pull out the plant along with the root system, and often cut the lawn, preventing the seeds from dispersing. The method is quite effective if it is necessary to destroy small pockets of clover in the middle of the lawn.

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