Key Takeaways
- Clover = low nitrogen signal: Clover makes its own nitrogen, so it thrives where grass is starving. Fix the fertility, fix the clover problem.
- Easy to kill: Any broadleaf herbicide (2,4-D, triclopyr, dicamba) eliminates clover quickly. It's one of the easiest weeds to treat.
- Fall is best: Apply herbicides in September-October when clover is actively growing and storing nutrients in roots.
- Prevention beats treatment: A properly fertilized lawn with dense grass prevents clover from establishing in the first place.
- Consider your goals: Some homeowners keep clover intentionally for its benefits. Killing it is a choice, not a requirement.
Clover Control Guide
Trifolium repens (White Clover)
Clover is the weed that divides homeowners. Some see those three-leafed patches creeping through their lawn and reach for the herbicide. Others appreciate the free nitrogen, the pollinator habitat, and the green color that persists through drought. This guide is for those who want it gone. Clover responds easily to broadleaf herbicides, but killing it is only half the battle. Without addressing why clover showed up in the first place, it comes right back.
At a Glance
How Do You Identify Clover in Your Lawn?
Clover has three rounded leaflets per leaf, often with a light V-shaped marking. White or pink ball-shaped flowers appear spring through fall. Spreads via creeping stems.
Images: Pexels (Free to use)
Most homeowners can spot clover instantly. Those distinctive three-part leaves are unmistakable. But a closer look helps distinguish clover species and confirms you're treating the right plant.
Identification Features
Leaves
Three rounded leaflets attached to a single stem. Each leaflet often has a lighter green or white chevron (V-shape) marking. The "lucky" four-leaf clover is a rare mutation of regular three-leaf plants.
Flowers
White clover produces round, white to pinkish flower heads on stems above the leaves. Flowers attract bees and appear from late spring through fall. Each flower head is actually many tiny individual flowers.
Growth Habit
Low-growing, spreading via stolons (above-ground runners) that root at nodes. Forms dense mats that can crowd out grass. Individual plants connect underground to form colonies.
Root System
Shallow but extensive. Roots have visible nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Pull a plant and you'll see small white or pink bumps on the roots, which are actually bacterial colonies.
Clover vs. Similar Plants
| Feature | White Clover | Oxalis (Wood Sorrel) | Black Medic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaflet Shape | Rounded, heart-like | Heart-shaped, creased | Rounded, slightly toothed |
| Leaf Marking | White/light V-shape | None (often purple-tinged) | None |
| Flowers | White/pink balls | Yellow, 5 petals | Yellow, small clusters |
| Taste (if curious) | Mild, grassy | Sour (contains oxalic acid) | Bitter |
| Control | Broadleaf herbicides | Triclopyr works best | Broadleaf herbicides |
Why Does Clover Grow in Lawns?
Clover thrives in low-nitrogen soil because it manufactures its own nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria. It's a sign your lawn is nitrogen-deficient.
Here's what the big box stores won't tell you: clover isn't random. It's a symptom. When I see a lawn full of clover, I know exactly what's wrong before I even test the soil.
Clover has a superpower that grass lacks. Bacteria living in nodules on its roots pull nitrogen directly from the air and convert it to a form the plant can use. This process, called nitrogen fixation, means clover doesn't need fertilizer. Your lawn grass does.
The Nitrogen Connection
When soil nitrogen drops, grass struggles to grow vigorously. It thins out, loses color, and leaves bare patches. Clover fills those gaps effortlessly because it brings its own nitrogen supply. The clover isn't causing your thin lawn. Your thin lawn is inviting the clover.
According to Purdue University Turfgrass Science, white clover can fix 50-200 pounds of nitrogen per acre annually. That's more than most lawns need. This is why clover stays green during summer drought while unfertilized grass turns brown.
Other Conditions That Favor Clover
Compacted Soil
Clover tolerates compaction better than most lawn grasses. Areas with heavy foot traffic or clay soil often develop clover patches while grass struggles.
Low Mowing Height
Mowing too short stresses grass but clover stays low naturally. Scalped lawns weaken grass's ability to shade out clover.
Drought Stress
Clover has deeper roots than it appears and accesses moisture that shallow-rooted grass can't reach. It greens up first after rain.
Neutral to Alkaline pH
Clover prefers soil pH between 6.0-7.0. Acidic soil (below 6.0) somewhat discourages clover but isn't a reliable control method.
What Types of Clover Invade Lawns?
White clover is most common in lawns. Red clover, strawberry clover, and hop clover also appear. All respond to the same broadleaf herbicides.
Most lawn clover is white clover (Trifolium repens), but you might encounter other species depending on your region. The treatment approach doesn't change.
| Clover Type | Appearance | Where Found | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Clover Trifolium repens | Small leaves, white/pink flowers, creeping growth | Everywhere in US | Most common lawn clover. Low-growing. Forms dense mats. |
| Red Clover Trifolium pratense | Larger leaves, pinkish-red flowers, upright growth | Northern US, pastures | Taller than white clover. Less common in mowed lawns. Often from hay contamination. |
| Strawberry Clover Trifolium fragiferum | Similar to white, pink flowers, tolerates salt | Coastal areas, alkaline soils | Handles poor drainage and salty conditions. Rare in typical lawns. |
| Hop Clover Trifolium campestre | Small yellow flowers, annual | Throughout US | Annual species. Dies after seeding. Yellow flowers distinguish it from white clover. |
| Micro-Clover Trifolium repens var. | Very small leaves, fewer flowers, intentionally planted | Modern lawn mixes | Bred for lawns. If you have it, someone planted it. Consider keeping it. |
Which Herbicides Kill Clover?
Any broadleaf herbicide containing 2,4-D, triclopyr, dicamba, or fluroxypyr eliminates clover. These products are selective and safe on lawn grasses.
Clover control is straightforward. It responds to the same broadleaf herbicides that kill dandelions, and those products are everywhere. You don't need specialty chemicals like you do for nutsedge or crabgrass.
| Active Ingredient | Common Products | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,4-D | Weed B Gon, Trimec, generic 2,4-D amine | 7-14 days | General broadleaf control. Inexpensive and proven. |
| Triclopyr | Turflon Ester, Weed B Gon Chickweed Clover & Oxalis | 5-10 days | Fastest clover kill. Also handles oxalis and ground ivy. |
| Dicamba | Combined in Trimec-type 3-way mixes | 10-14 days | Adds spectrum when combined with 2,4-D. |
| Fluroxypyr | Escalade, Spotlight (commercial) | 7-14 days | Excellent clover control. Professional products. |
| Quinclorac + 2,4-D | Quincept, some "weed & feed" products | 7-14 days | Bonus: also kills crabgrass. Multi-purpose option. |
Product Recommendations
Budget Pick
Hi-Yield 2,4-D Concentrate
Under $15 and makes gallons of spray. No frills but highly effective. Mix and apply with any pump sprayer.
Ready-to-Use
Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer
Triclopyr formula specifically marketed for clover. Attach to hose and spray. Fast results.
Weed + Feed
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed
Kills clover while fertilizing grass. Addresses the nitrogen deficiency and the weed simultaneously.
Spot Treatment
Any broadleaf RTU with trigger sprayer
For scattered clover patches. Spray individual plants, wait 2 weeks, repeat if needed.
How Do You Apply Clover Killer Correctly?
Apply to actively growing clover when temperatures are 60-80°F. Spray until leaves are wet. No rain for 24 hours. Don't mow for 2-3 days before or after.
Clover treatment is forgiving compared to something like nutsedge, but proper application still matters. Follow these steps for best results on the first try.
Pick the Right Conditions
Clover absorbs herbicides best when actively growing in mild weather. Treat when daytime temperatures are 60-80°F with no rain expected for at least 24 hours. Early morning after dew dries or late afternoon works well.
Ideal temperature: 65-75°F
Skip the Mower
Don't mow for 2-3 days before treating. You want maximum leaf surface to absorb the herbicide. Clover's leaves are small, so every bit of surface area counts.
Mix According to Label
If using concentrate, follow label rates exactly. Adding extra doesn't speed results and wastes product. For hose-end sprayers, confirm the dilution ratio matches your applicator settings.
Spray Until Wet, Not Dripping
Cover all clover leaves uniformly. The goal is a light coating, not puddles. Move steadily across treated areas. Overlapping passes are fine but avoid excessive application.
Wait and Watch
Clover leaves begin curling within 3-5 days. Full yellowing and death takes 7-14 days. Triclopyr works faster than 2,4-D. Don't reapply early thinking it failed. Patience.
Full results: 10-14 days
Follow Up if Needed
Dense clover patches may need a second application 3-4 weeks later. New seedlings can also emerge from the soil seed bank. Monitor treated areas through the season.
Can You Kill Clover Without Chemicals?
Organic options include corn gluten meal (pre-emergent), horticultural vinegar, and smothering. Cultural control through fertilization and mowing is most effective long-term.
Chemical-free clover control is possible but requires more effort and patience. Here's what actually works.
Nitrogen Fertilization
The best organic approach addresses why clover is there. Applying organic nitrogen sources (blood meal, feather meal, composted manure) feeds grass so it outcompetes clover naturally.
- Apply organic fertilizer in spring and fall
- Results take 1-2 seasons
- Doesn't kill existing clover but prevents spread
- Also improves overall lawn health
Corn Gluten Meal
Works as a pre-emergent to prevent clover seed germination. Apply at 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft in early spring. Won't kill established clover but stops new plants.
- Also provides nitrogen (9-0-0)
- Takes 2-3 years of consistent use
- Must apply before germination
- Expensive compared to synthetic options
Horticultural Vinegar (20%)
Burns clover foliage on contact. Requires 20%+ acetic acid (not kitchen vinegar). Multiple applications needed since it doesn't kill roots.
- Non-selective: kills grass too
- Spot treat only, not broadcast
- Wear protective equipment
- Temporary effect, regrowth likely
Smothering / Tarping
Covering clover patches with cardboard, plastic, or thick mulch for 4-6 weeks kills by light deprivation. Only practical for small areas or renovation projects.
- Kills everything underneath, including grass
- Must reseed or sod after
- Time-consuming but thorough
- Good for starting over in problem areas
How Do You Prevent Clover from Returning?
Proper fertilization is the primary prevention. Clover can't compete with well-fed, dense grass. Mow high, water deeply, and maintain thick turf.
Killing clover without changing lawn care practices is temporary. New clover seedlings emerge from the soil seed bank and recolonize within a season or two. Prevention means making conditions favor grass over clover.
Fertilize Regularly
Apply 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, split across 3-4 applications. This is the single most important prevention step. Clover can't compete with nitrogen-rich grass.
Mow at Proper Height
Keep grass at 3-4 inches (cool-season) or 2-3 inches (warm-season). Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for clover seeds to germinate.
Water Deeply, Infrequently
One inch per week encourages deep grass root growth. Frequent light watering keeps the surface moist, favoring shallow-rooted clover.
Overseed Thin Areas
Bare spots invite clover. Fill them with grass seed before clover colonizes. Fall overseeding in cool-season lawns builds density for spring.
Aerate Compacted Soil
Core aeration relieves compaction that clover tolerates but grass doesn't. Aerate annually in fall (cool-season) or late spring (warm-season).
Use Pre-Emergent (Optional)
Standard pre-emergents like prodiamine don't prevent clover (it spreads by stolons, not just seeds). Corn gluten meal offers some pre-emergent effect.
Is Clover Herbicide Safe for All Grass Types?
Most broadleaf herbicides are safe on common grasses. Check labels carefully for St. Augustine, centipede, and bahiagrass. Dicamba can damage sensitive varieties.
Broadleaf herbicides target dicots (broadleaf plants) and spare monocots (grasses). But some grass varieties are sensitive to certain formulations, especially at higher rates or in hot weather.
| Grass Type | 2,4-D | Triclopyr | Dicamba | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Safe | Safe | Safe | No restrictions. Apply at label rates. |
| Tall Fescue | Safe | Safe | Safe | No restrictions. |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Safe | Safe | Safe | No restrictions. |
| Fine Fescue | Safe | Caution | Safe | Some triclopyr sensitivity. Use reduced rates. |
| Bermuda | Safe | Safe | Safe | No restrictions. Bermuda is tough. |
| Zoysia | Safe | Safe | Caution | Dicamba can cause temporary yellowing. 2,4-D safer. |
| St. Augustine | Caution | Caution | Avoid | Sensitive grass. Use products labeled for St. Augustine only. |
| Centipede | Caution | Caution | Avoid | Very sensitive. Use reduced rates and avoid hot weather. |
| Bahiagrass | Safe | Safe | Caution | Generally tolerant. Follow label rates. |
What Mistakes Lead to Clover Treatment Failure?
Common errors include treating in wrong temperatures, not fertilizing afterward, mowing too soon, and expecting one application to solve a nitrogen deficiency problem.
Treating in Heat or Cold
Below 60°F, clover isn't actively growing enough to absorb herbicide. Above 85°F, products volatilize and can damage nearby plants. Stick to 60-80°F days.
Ignoring the Nitrogen Problem
Killing clover without fertilizing is temporary. New clover grows right back because conditions still favor it. Treat the symptom AND the cause.
Mowing Too Soon
Mowing within 2-3 days of treatment removes leaves before herbicide translocates through the plant. Be patient and let the product work.
Treating Before Rain
Herbicides need time to absorb. Rain within 24 hours washes product off leaves. Check the forecast and choose a dry period.
Using Wrong Product on Sensitive Grass
St. Augustine and centipede lawns damaged by standard broadleaf herbicides won't recover quickly. Always verify grass type compatibility.
Expecting Instant Results
Clover takes 7-14 days to fully die after treatment. Don't reapply after 5 days thinking it failed. Give it time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clover
Why is clover taking over my lawn?
Clover thrives in low-nitrogen soil because it makes its own nitrogen through root nodules. Your lawn grass needs nitrogen from fertilizer to compete. When nitrogen is low, grass weakens and clover fills the gaps. A proper fertilization program is the long-term fix.
Will clover choke out my grass completely?
Clover spreads via stolons and can form dense patches, but it rarely eliminates grass entirely. It tends to fill thin areas where grass is weak. With proper lawn care, grass can coexist with or outcompete clover. Without intervention, clover patches expand each year.
Is clover actually bad for lawns?
Opinions vary. Clover fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators, stays green in drought, and tolerates foot traffic. Some homeowners embrace it. Others dislike the patchy appearance, the bees it attracts near play areas, or the way it disrupts a uniform grass lawn.
What kills clover but not grass?
Broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, triclopyr, dicamba, or fluroxypyr kill clover while leaving grass unharmed. Products like Weed B Gon, Turflon, and most 'weed and feed' formulas work well. These target dicots (broadleaf plants) and spare monocots (grasses).
How long after treating clover can I mow?
Wait 2-3 days after herbicide application before mowing. The product needs time to absorb through leaves and translocate to roots. Mowing too soon removes treated foliage before the herbicide moves through the plant, reducing effectiveness.
Does clover come back after you kill it?
Treated clover dies, but new plants can establish from seeds in the soil. Clover seeds remain viable for years. The key to permanent control is improving lawn density and nitrogen levels so grass outcompetes new clover seedlings.