Kill Clovers Without Killing The Grass
Clovers such as white clover and related plants infest lawns year-round, but fertilizing regularly, removing clover plants or spraying with a broad-leaved weed herbicide provide control without harming the grass. Another option is to learn to live with these beneficial weeds. White clover is one of the most common lawn weeds. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, white clover grows 3 to 6 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Clovers are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they take nitrogen from the air, and microorganisms in their special root nodules convert it into a form plants can use. Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient. Fertilizing lawns encourages grass to grow strongly and become the dominant plant once more. Clover clumps spread widely but their root systems are narrow. If you dig up plants when theyâre small and remove the whole root system, you can prevent clover from taking over a lawn. Gather the stems in one hand to expose the base of the plant, and push a trowel vertically into the soil at the plantâs base. The best time for applying a broad-leaved weed herbicide containing 4.85 percent 2,4-D, 1.61 percent quinclorac and 0.45 percent dicamba is when the weeds are small and actively grown. Evenly spraying your entire lawn helps to control well-integrated clover, but localized application involves targeting only the areas with patches of clover.
Use herbicides that contain 2,4-D, dicamba or MCPP/MCPA.
Tips
How To Get Rid Of Clover: Without Destroying Your Lawn
Amazon has put together some great Home Gift Deals save money and get your shopping done at the comfort of your home!
The clover is one of the most aggressive weeds you may find on your lawn. It grows anywhere where it gets the right environment, which is low nitrogen soil and the right amount of sunlight.
The clover is also known as Trefoil that can colonize any garden quickly. Even the most experienced gardener finds clover to be a troublesome weed to get rid of fast.
If you have it growing on your lawn and youre wondering how to get rid of clover, then keep reading. In this article, well tell you several ways you can control the clover without harming your lawn and how to prevent it from re-growing.
Lets get started.
Reason : Clover Fertilizes Your Lawn
Clover has a symbiotic relationship with beneficial bacteria, which attach themselves to its roots. These bacteria can absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere, the main nutrient that gives grass its green color. Even better, if you have a good mix of Clover your lawn won’t need to be fertilized to look lush and green. Contrary to popular belief, Clover won’t take over your lawn, it will help your lawn. Notice how the the Microclover sections of this lawn are thick and green, while the grass only sections are brown from the Summer heat. Clover can keep your lawn looking great when other grass types gets stressed.
Also Check: How To Prevent Mold On Outdoor Cushions
How To Remove Clover From The Lawn Chemical Based
If the outbreak of clover is quite extensive, using non-chemical methods to remove clover from the lawn might not be possible. Instead, an application of chemicals might be necessary.
Herbicides that include the chemical 2,4-D, mecoprop-P will be able to control clover. After an application of such a weedkiller, the clover should begin to dry out and wrinkle. Thin leaved plants such as grass should be unaffected by this treatment.
Herbicides that contain the chemical triclopyr are also very effective at removing clover from your lawn. Again, just make sure that you select a weed killer that doesnt kill grass as well as clover.
As clover has a waxy surface, the wax acts as a level of protection that will prevent weedkillers from penetrating into the leaf structure. This will reduce the effectiveness of the weed killer. Therefore, applying a surfactant before a weed killer is recommended. A surfactant acts as a wetting agent that spreads out a liquid across the surface of the clover leaf. This will increase the amount of contact between the weed killer and the clover thus increasing the chance of killing the weed.
Always follow the manufacturers instructions when applying herbicides. Take care not to apply the herbicide to other plants as this is likely to kill them too.
Once the clover has died, it is likely that bare patches will develop on the lawn. Reseed these patches in the early autumn.
Why Is Clover Growing In Your Lawn
When the rest of your lawn turns yellow, clover will remain green even though the flowers dont bloom. The growing conditions in your lawn might favor clover over grass and this is why it will grow successfully.
- If the soil pH level is messed up, clover will grow successfully. Clover can survive in conditions that arent suitable for grass.
- Clover can grow in soil that lacks necessary nutrients. While the rest of your lawn plants need essential nutrients like nitrogen, clover will grow perfectly in nitrogen-deficient soil. As a matter of fact, if you see clover excessively growing in your lawn, its an indication that your soil is low on nitrogen and this means that you need to add fertilizers to improve its condition.
- When you dont take care of your grass, it becomes more stressed and less healthy. This will make your grass grow lower and less dense, leaving room for clover to grow. Maintaining your lawn regularly guarantees that the roots of your plants will grow deeper.
- If your soil is compacted, the roots of grass wont be able to reach down to water and nutrients. Clover can do that, so it will perfectly grow in these conditions.
Don’t Miss: Overseeding With Peat Moss
How To Remove Clover From Lawn
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.
Reduce Soil Compaction By Aerating Your Lawn
Compacted soil is the result of heavy lawn use.
Kids and pets playing on it through the summer is a prime example of this.
The forces put through during times of heavy use cause the soil particles to be pressed together, squeezing out air and water. It also prevents them, along with other nutrients from penetrating the soil so the grass cant get what it needs to grow and survive.
Other areas of your lawn are also prone to compaction, like around the washing line, if you have garden furniture on your lawn or the route that your postman takes to the front door.
Aerating your lawn relieves compaction and create space in the soil for air, water and nutrients to penetrate.
Also Check: 42 Inch Zero Turn Mower Lowes
How To Identify White Clover
White Clover is low growing, with stems that function as stolons and put out roots where the nodes touch the ground. The smooth green oval-shaped leaves often have pale or dark markings.
A common weed in Australia, White Clover can germinate in winter when many grasses are dormant.
The 15 to 20mm pom pom-like flower heads are white, with a brownish green centre and may develop a tinge of pink or cream as they age.
White Clover is hardy, tolerates close mowing and prefers clay soils, although it can grow on many different soil types and pH levels.
White Clover typically gains a foothold in lawns that are sparse and underfed, providing little competition against weeds.
It Will Eventually Get Rid Of The Clover In Your Lawn Without Damaging The Grass
How to get rid of clover in grass lawn. The best way to get rid of moss and clover in your lawn is to mix baking soda with water and spray it over your lawn. The vinegar damaged the growth of clover roots that why the clover growth stops and he eliminates it from the yard. If you dont want to pull clover by hand, you need an effective weed killer that wont harm your grass.
The simple answer would be a yes. Here are the top methods to get rid of clover in your yard the natural method: One of the simplest ways to permanently eliminate clover is by changing the type of fertilizer you use on your lawn.
How to get rid of clover naturally. If you leave any roots behind, the clover will grow back. Pull it out by hand.
You should apply this method 2/4 times in a month and you get rid of clovers. In general, if theres a microclover deliberately mixed in with other types of grass, your lawn is going to stay greener and healthier. To get rid of white clover in your lawn you can try 2 methods.
Another good choice would be the corn gluten meal. Soak the chickweeds and clover from top to bottom, making sure to get all the stems and leaves, and dont neglect the area near the root. Lets discuss how to do these properly in detail:
White clover is known within gardening circles as both an enormous boon to the garden and a vicious weed. If you create an environment where your grass thrives, it can choke out the clover plants. Just remember to use the surfactant each time.
You May Like: How To Stop Raccoons From Pulling Up Sod
Deprive Clover Of Sunlight
If youve been wondering how to get rid of clover, weve got you covered. If youre dealing with a large clover patch and youre willing to sacrifice your grass, place plastic sheeting, or a large garbage bag, over the clover. Be sure to secure the perimeter so the plastic doesnt fly off. Keep the clover covered for a few weeks. Depriving it of sunlight and oxygen should do the trick will kill it .
To start over with new grass, first youll have to determine if you want to use seed or sod. This discussion will help.
Turf Builder Triple Action
For a larger problem of clover and other weeds, you may use the stronger solutions in this specific product. Do not forget to follow what the directions say on the label.
Besides dealing with clover, Turf Building Triple Action will also feed the lawn.
Finally, you will have thick green lawns. Compared to the previous product, there are more than three kinds of weeds that you can get rid of with this.
For the grass, it can handle the Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Bahiagrass, and Bermudagrass.
Don’t Miss: How Much To Hire Someone To Mow Lawn
The Botany Of The Dandelion
Easily recognizable by its yellow flower, white puffy seed head and distinct, jagged leaves, dandelion is a typical broadleaf weed emerging in the early spring with continuous flowering beginning several weeks later.
Dandelions can reproduce both from their taproot and by seed. This perennial weed will germinate from seed all season long and can be very persistent and competitive in a lawn. Dandelions can grow in most conditions and soil types.
What Is The Best Clover Killer
The 10 Best Clover Killers Reviews 2021
Read Also: Lawn Mowing Simulator Release Date
Your Lawn Lacks Essential Nutrients
Other plants in your lawn need essential nutrients such as nitrogen, but clover will grow in nitrogen-deficient soil. If you find an excessive amount of clover growing, it is an indication that your soil is love on nitrogen. The best way to improve your lawns nitrogen levels is to add fertilizers to improve the conditions. If you are not sure about your lawns nutrient levels call the professionals at Green Seasons to help with your lawn fertilization needs.
Recommended Reading: Who Builds Cub Cadet Mowers
Agricultural Uses For Clover
Several species of clover are widely used as forage crops for domestic animals and as a soil-improving crop in agricultural farming. Easily grown in a variety of conditions and high in nutrients, clover makes an ideal field crop for cattle and other grazing livestock. Clover’s ability to fix nitrogen from the air enriches the soil, adding nitrogen for the following year’s crop.
Bees and other pollinators are extremely attracted to clover flowers, and clover is an integral part of their life cycle. While a lawn teeming with bees may not be for everyone, it is also a boon to larger environmental concerns.
Don’t Miss: Flying Ants In The Grass
Deprive It Of Oxygen And Sunlight
You can kill clover by blocking it from all oxygen and sunlight. Take plastic sheeting or a garbage bag and place it over the patch, securing the corners with rocks to make sure it doesnt fly up. This should get rid of the clover in a few weeks. Be mindful that this approach will also kill any grass that gets under the plastic.
Quick Answer: How To Remove Clover From Your Lawn
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.
Also Check: How To Make Lines When Cutting Grass
Keep The Lawn In Good Health To Keep Clover Out
Keeping Clover out of our lawns, as well as most other weeds and diseases, is overwhelmingly a case of keeping the lawn as healthy as possible, including keeping up Nitrogen levels to the lawn soil.
If you havent already, begin implementing a good quality year-round organic lawn fertilising program.
This should be enough to help keep the lawn in good health and keep Nitrogen levels high enough in the soil that Clover will not take over again.
You Couldnt Find A Lawn Seed Mix Without It
Other experts on the subject have similar things to say. According to Jeff Lowenfels author of influential gardening guides Teaming With Microbes and Teaming With Fungi through his 40 years as a gardening columnist for the Anchorage Daily News, clover was in fact considered so essential for lawns back in the day that it was a standard, even necessary, component in lawn seed mixes. Says Lowenfels, You couldnt find a lawn seed mix without it!
Turns out clover does some of the weeding for you, too. As a dense ground cover plant, clovers though they are also broad-leaved are exceptional at crowding out other broadleaf plants such as dandelions, violets, and other plants that commonly populate lawns.
Clover crowds out broadleaf weeds because it quickly forms clumps that spread by secondary roots, or stolons, says Sharapova. In agriculture too, clovers are common and successful cover crops according to studies like this one in 2015. When sown in between major crop plantings, they keep weeds down on farm fields for the upcoming year. This helps cut down on herbicide use and costs, too.
And though you maybe wouldnt expect them to be, clovers are kind to grasses. Even today, youll see many lawns and fields where clovers and grass coexist peacefully, side-by-side and grasses even return some favors to clovers, especially when it comes to a lush and beautiful lawn.
Also Check: Lawn Tractor Haul Away
How To Remove White Clover From Your Lawn
White Clover is easily recognisable from its smooth trifoliate leaves but once established can require patience to beat.
A hardy, herbaceous perennial plant that tolerates shade and frost, White Clover is a legume commonly grown in mixed pastures to produce fodder for livestock.
White Clover is often added to lawn seed mixes because it can develop into soft mats providing green ground cover in poorer soils where turfgrasses do not perform well. This was especially common in the 1950s and 1960s when lawn mixes often included 20 percent Clover.
Apart from being an excellent forage crop for livestock,the freshleaves and flowers of White Clover have been used for centuries in salads, brewed drinks and for medicinal purposes.
Bees love the flowers for both pollen and nectar.
Also Check: Does Lowes Rent Riding Lawn Mowers
Getting Rid Of Clover In Lawn Naturally
What kills grass and weeds permanently? The most natural way to control clover is by removing it manually. As soon as you spot a clump of the three-leaf weed, pull it out, root and all.
To remove, loosen up the soil at the base and gently pull the clump out of the ground. Repeat until you successfully remove all clover plants from your lawn.
This is actually the best way to get rid of clover, crabgrass, and almost every other type of weed or grass that grows where it shouldnt. It does take a little time but the reward is knowing that the weeds wont pop up again.
Of course, if you try to kill poison ivy by pulling it by hand, it is very important to wear protective clothing to keep from getting the urushiol on your skin. Thick gloves, long sleeves, and long pants are a must.
Recommended Reading: Lowes Lawn Garden Equipment
The Benefits Of A Clover Lawn
Among the benefits of having and maintaining a clover lawn, clover is visually interesting. Not only is it easy to grow and guaranteed to green up your space it also has a fun texture much different than grass. Plus, who doesnt want the opportunity to look for a four-leaf clover?
Appearance aside, clover naturally gives back to your soil. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, it pulls nitrogen gas out of the air and converts it into a nutrient. This is important to soil because, when growing other plants, nitrogen is naturally lost. Clover, therefore, does the work of a fertilizer, eliminating that additional expense for gardeners.
This plant is also drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and will thrive in both sun and shade. Many landscapers and gardeners suggest converting to a clover lawn gradually rather than digging up your lawn and making it happen all at once. You might start with a clover and drought-tolerant grass seed mix of 80:20, and then alter your ratio as you see fit and based on the results.