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How to Kill Clover Without Harming Your Lawn

Jelena Maric
Agricultural Engineer

If you have clover on your lawn, you know how difficult it can be to keep it from spreading. You might have tried all sorts of methods, but nothing seems to work. It is a time for a different approach.

Why Should I Get Rid of Clover?

Clover is not that bad for your lawn and has many benefits. Clover provides nitrogen and breaks down organic matter, which can be useful for your grass. It might be a good idea to try to kill it if you have an overgrowth of clover in your yard. If you want to get rid of the clover without harming your lawn, try these tips:

  • Use a weed killer that is safe for grass (organic or selective ones)
  • Remove the clover by hand, using hand tools
  • Use a thick layer of mulch or straw to cover weeds
  • Use a rake to remove clumps of clover
  • Fertilize the area with nitrogen so there won't be as much competition for nutrients

Killing Clover Without Harming Your Lawn

There are many ways to get rid of clover, but it is crucial to make sure it doesn't harm your lawn at the same time.

You can do this by using a product like corn gluten meal. It will kill the clover and feed your lawn, which means that you will have a healthy lawn in no time.

Another way to remove clover from your lawn is by using a weed killer. There are many different weed destroyers, so make sure you find one that will work on clover specifically. You might need to apply more than once if you have not used weed killer before or if clover has well-established roots.

  • Use Selective Herbicides

A selective herbicide is a type of herbicide that targets some plant species and not others, which is perfect for your lawn. A selective herbicide won't kill the good plants, such as the grass while killing clover.

Some selective herbicides are more likely to work depending on the area you live. If the clover is prevalent, or you never treated it before, 2-4 D Weed Killer could be the best option but you need to make all the necessary precautions because it's a very toxic herbicide.

If you want to use a weed and feed product, make sure it is labeled as selective so that it only targets weeds and does not kill your grass.

One of the most effective selective herbicides for the clover on the market is Bonide 061 O7688476 Chemical Chickweed, Clover, and Oxalis Killer.

This herbicide can kill a variety of weeds, but not lawn grasses. The product arrives as a concentrate that needs to be mixed before application; there are also premixed weed killers for easier use. One pint of this herbicide can cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Begins working overnight and is rainproof within hours of application- make sure to read dilution directions from the label before use. Weedkiller is most efficient without mowing your lawn for 1-2 days before or following treatment.

  • Aerate Your Lawn

To get rid of clover, you need to aerate your lawn. It is the best way to rid of it because it will loosen up the soil and allow new seeds to take root.

 

aerating lawn
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Lawn aeration should be done when the grass is at its peak growing period. It ensures that it will recover quickly once completed. Lawn aeration is most efficient in late spring or early summer for warm-season grasses, like Bermuda Grass. These plugs must be two to three inches deep to work well with your lawn's needs.

Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp 13-Inch Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier

It is ideal for small to mid-sized lawns. A scarifier function clears grassroots for thicker growth and healthier lawns. The tailor raking depth control lets you choose from 5 positions, so you can adjust the rake height to your preference.

After you have pulled a plug up, leave it there - they'll break down on their adding nutrients back into the soil. You only need water every 2-3 days after aerating as well.

Finally, use an organic weed killer in the areas where clover is the most prevalent. This step will help ensure that it will not have a chance to come back on your lawn.

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