Nothing can ruin a beautiful lawn as quickly as clover does. This pesky perennial weed seems to make its way into UK yards annually, quickly taking over. Before you know it, you have a full clover lawn with no actual grass!
The problem is everything that kills clover seems to also be detrimental to the lawn itself. So what will kill clover, but not grass? What you need is a selective herbicide. These contain ingredients that kill clover on contact without harming desirable vegetation.
Follow along as we show you how to get rid of clover in lawn and introduce you to the best weed killer for clover in grass. We’ll also walk you through how to get rid of clover in grass without chemical intervention so you don’t have to worry about compromising lawn health.
If you come to the realisation that your lawn is beyond saving, though, you can take a scorched earth approach with Weedex Super - the strongest weed killer that kills everything. Use our weed killer to start fresh and replant your lawn once the clover is gone for good!
What is Clover?
First things first, let’s confirm it’s actually clover in your yard giving you grief. This common perennial plant is recognised by its trifoliate (three-leaf) structure. While some view it as a beneficial ground cover since it fixes nitrogen in the soil, others see it as an intruder.
While most clover is three-leafed, there are four-leafed varieties as well. Across all varieties, clover leaves are typically round with a faint, white crescent marking. The plant grows low to the ground and forms dense mats that crowd out grass.
You’ll notice small white, pink, or purple flowers during the blooming season depending on the variety. Speaking of which, there are three common types of clover, each of which presents a problem in your lawn:
- White Clover (Trifolium repens): The most common variety in the UK, known for its white flowers and creeping growth habit.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Taller with pinkish-red blooms, often found in meadows but can invade lawns.
- Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium): Sometimes mistaken for clover, this species has smaller leaves and yellow flowers.
Regardless of the species rapid control is of the utmost importance. Learning how to get rid of clover in lawn quickly can save your grass since this weed steals vital nutrients, water, and sunlight.
The sooner you take swift, aggressive action against clover, the easier it is to prevent its spread and get a grip on the problem. So what will kill clover, but not grass?
What Will Kill Clover, But Not Grass? The Best Clover Weed Killer for Lawns
The problem with controlling clover is that it’s not as simple as figuring out what kills weeds permanently. You need a clover weed killer for lawns that won’t cause as much harm as it does good. What’s the point of eradicating clover if you’re left with a dead lawn?
It’s worth noting that sometimes, this is the only option. If you’ve left the clover to spread too long you may be forced to kill off all vegetation and start fresh. However, there are some instances where a selective herbicide can save your lawn.
Understanding Selective Herbicides
How does weed killer work? There are two main types: selective and non-selective. Most are non-selective and will kill any vegetation they encounter. But, selective herbicides are a bit more thoughtful about what they kill. This is what will kill clover, but not grass.
They exploit the biological differences between broadleaf plants and grasses, such as variations in leaf structure and metabolic pathways. This lets them disrupt clover growth without affecting your lawn’s healthy, desired grass.
Key Ingredients to Look For
So what should you look for in the best clover weed killer for lawns? These are some good selective herbicide ingredients to help you get your clover outbreak under control:
- 2,4-D: Effectively targets broadleaf weeds like clover without damaging most lawn grasses.
- Dicamba: Often combined with 2,4-D to enhance results against stubborn weeds. It penetrates deep into the roots to stop growth at the source.
- MCPP (Mecoprop): Commonly found in lawn weed killers as it specifically targets broadleaf weeds while being gentle on turfgrass.
You probably won’t be able to find a weed killer for clover that contains just one of these ingredients - they’re typically part of a more comprehensive formulation. Be sure to do your due diligence to avoid putting harmful ingredients to your lawn.
When to Use Weedex Super
Whether you need a clover weed killer, ivy killer, ground elder killer, nettle killer, or anything in between, our acetic acid weed killer is one of the most trusted choices in the UK. There’s just one problem - it works a little too well as a non-selective herbicide.
This means if you’re trying to learn how to get rid of clover in lawn without harming grass, it’s probably not going to be a viable option. However, there are situations where it still makes sense.
Say your lawn is already overrun with clover and patchy. Trying to completely kill the clover without harming the grass might be farfetched. In these cases, you can clear everything out and start fresh with new grass seed, enjoying a healthier, more uniform lawn in the long run.
Or, maybe the clover outbreak is concentrated in just a small section of your lawn. This is the best time to spray weed killer - before the clover has a chance to take complete control. Kill off the clover quickly and then reseed these areas after.
The best part about using an acetic acid weed killer is you don’t have to stress about weed killer and dogs since it’s non-toxic once it dries. It won’t leave behind much residual activity in your soil either, so you can start sprouting a new lawn fast.
Acetic acid is why vinegar makes for such a powerful homemade weed killer, but our solution is much more concentrated for quick results. Keep it on hand for the next time a weed outbreak occurs, or bring it to the fight today.
But if you want to learn how to get rid of clover in lawn without a clover killer, we’ve got some other strategies you can try.
How to Get Rid of Clover in Lawn Without a Clover Killer
Similar to what kills dandelions naturally, your hands are your best weapon against clover when chemical intervention isn’t an option. We’ll walk you through how to get rid of clover in grass manually below along with a few other natural remedies you might consider trying.
Pulling Clover by Hand
We’re not going to beat around the bush, manually removing clover is time-consuming and frustrating. You have to pick every little piece out of your grass to prevent it from respreading.
But, it’s the only way to kill clover permanently without harming your lawn. So if you have a somewhat moderate outbreak on your hands, give this a shot. We suggest pulling the clover when your soil is still moist since it helps loosen the roots and reduces the chance of breakage.
Grasp the clover firmly at the base and gently tug, making sure to extract the entire root system. If any roots are left behind, the clover will regrow. Follow up by filling any gaps with grass seed to prevent new weeds from taking hold and avoid those unsightly sparse spots in your lawn.
Smothering With Mulch or Cardboard
Clover thrives in sunlight, so take that away and you’ll find that it has a much harder time spreading. Cover affected areas with a thick layer of mulch or cardboard to block sunlight and essentially suffocate it.
Leave the cover in place for at least a few weeks and check on it periodically to see if the clover is dying off. Just be aware that this method, similar to using acetic acid or any other clover weed killer, is going to potentially impact the health of your lawn as well. Use it only in isolated areas.
Boiling Water Spot Treatments
Boiling water is a simple, chemical-free way to kill clover. The heat scalds both the leaves and roots, causing the plant to wither and die. This is also one of our favorite methods for what kills brambles permanently.
But just because it’s not an herbicide doesn’t mean it won’t harm your lawn. Again, this is just a spot treatment for small outbreaks. You may need to plant fresh grass seed in place of the clover you kill.
Pour slowly to control the spread and avoid getting the boiling water on desired vegetation - or worse, on your skin. This method can be even more dangerous than chemical intervention, so be careful.
Recognising When Clover Has Taken Over and Scorched Earth is the Only Viable Option
We’ve touched on this a few times in our guide to what will kill clover, but not grass - sometimes, you’re too late. By the time clover has taken over your lawn there may be no saving it, even if you get your hands on the best selective herbicide for clover.
In these cases, it’s time to start thinking about the big picture. If over 50% of your lawn is covered with clover, it’ll typically be less work to start fresh. Applying a non-selective herbicide like Weedex Super can help you wipe the slate clean and set the stage for a better lawn.
After you’ve killed off the clover follow these steps:
- Prepare the Soil: Remove dead plant material, aerate the soil, and amend it with nutrients to support new grass growth.
- Reseed or Sod: Choose a hardy, dense grass variety tailored to your climate for better weed resistance. Trying to grow the wrong grass species can make it easier for clover to take over.
- Implement Preventive Care: Regular mowing, proper fertilisation, and adequate watering helps prevent clover from reclaiming your lawn.
Speaking of prevention, let’s share some advice on keeping clover at bay going forward.
How to Prevent Clover in Lawn Going Forward
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and weed control is a perfect embodiment of this. Think of all the work that went into killing clover - a bit of proactive maintenance will save you from going through that again.
Consistent Mowing Practices
Set your mower blades to leave grass around 3 inches tall since taller grass shades the soil, preventing clover from getting the sunlight it needs to photosynthesise and spread.
Make sure you mow frequently, too. This keeps clover from flowering and seeding, preventing new growth. Whatever you do, don’t scalp the lawn as this can weaken it and provide an opportunity for clover to re-emerge.
Optimising Soil Fertility
Clover thrives in nitrogen-deficient soil because it can produce its own nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. So, apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser during the growing season to keep your grass healthy and competitive.
It’s also worth conducting regular soil tests to keep an eye on nutrient levels and pH balance. This way you can correct suboptimal conditions and discourage clover development.
Proper Watering Techniques
Instead of shallow, frequent watering, give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week to encourage deeper root growth in grass. This makes it harder for weeds like clover to gain their footing in the soil.
Just be careful about overwatering, as this can create problems as well. Excess moisture can weaken grass roots and create favourable conditions for clover. You might need to address drainage concerns in the yard.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
One of the best defenses against clover is a pre-emergent selective herbicide. You can put these in the lawn in the spring before clover seeds germinate, effectively creating a barrier that prevents seedlings from establishing roots.
Just like in choosing the best clover weed killer for ongoing outbreaks, make sure you choose pre-emergent herbicides designed specifically for lawn use to avoid damaging your grass. When in doubt, hire a lawn care professional to handle this for you.
Parting Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Clover in Grass
There you have it, how to get rid of clover in lawn for good. While you don’t have too many options for what will kill clover, but not grass, there are a few solutions worth trying. We hope this guide has left you feeling clear and confident in your next steps.
Whether you need the best weed killer for driveways or rock salt for weeds, Jennychem has you covered with top-tier solutions at unbeatable prices, with world-class customer service from A to Z. Shop today and regain control of your lawn and love your outdoor spaces once again!
Nothing can ruin a beautiful lawn as quickly as clover does. This pesky perennial weed seems to make its way into UK yards annually, quickly taking over. Before you know it, you have a full clover lawn with no actual grass!
The problem is everything that kills clover seems to also be detrimental to the lawn itself. So what will kill clover, but not grass? What you need is a selective herbicide. These contain ingredients that kill clover on contact without harming desirable vegetation.
Follow along as we show you how to get rid of clover in lawn and introduce you to the best weed killer for clover in grass. We’ll also walk you through how to get rid of clover in grass without chemical intervention so you don’t have to worry about compromising lawn health.
If you come to the realisation that your lawn is beyond saving, though, you can take a scorched earth approach with Weedex Super - the strongest weed killer that kills everything. Use our weed killer to start fresh and replant your lawn once the clover is gone for good!
What is Clover?
First things first, let’s confirm it’s actually clover in your yard giving you grief. This common perennial plant is recognised by its trifoliate (three-leaf) structure. While some view it as a beneficial ground cover since it fixes nitrogen in the soil, others see it as an intruder.
While most clover is three-leafed, there are four-leafed varieties as well. Across all varieties, clover leaves are typically round with a faint, white crescent marking. The plant grows low to the ground and forms dense mats that crowd out grass.
You’ll notice small white, pink, or purple flowers during the blooming season depending on the variety. Speaking of which, there are three common types of clover, each of which presents a problem in your lawn:
- White Clover (Trifolium repens): The most common variety in the UK, known for its white flowers and creeping growth habit.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Taller with pinkish-red blooms, often found in meadows but can invade lawns.
- Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium): Sometimes mistaken for clover, this species has smaller leaves and yellow flowers.
Regardless of the species rapid control is of the utmost importance. Learning how to get rid of clover in lawn quickly can save your grass since this weed steals vital nutrients, water, and sunlight.
The sooner you take swift, aggressive action against clover, the easier it is to prevent its spread and get a grip on the problem. So what will kill clover, but not grass?
What Will Kill Clover, But Not Grass? The Best Clover Weed Killer for Lawns
The problem with controlling clover is that it’s not as simple as figuring out what kills weeds permanently. You need a clover weed killer for lawns that won’t cause as much harm as it does good. What’s the point of eradicating clover if you’re left with a dead lawn?
It’s worth noting that sometimes, this is the only option. If you’ve left the clover to spread too long you may be forced to kill off all vegetation and start fresh. However, there are some instances where a selective herbicide can save your lawn.
Understanding Selective Herbicides
How does weed killer work? There are two main types: selective and non-selective. Most are non-selective and will kill any vegetation they encounter. But, selective herbicides are a bit more thoughtful about what they kill. This is what will kill clover, but not grass.
They exploit the biological differences between broadleaf plants and grasses, such as variations in leaf structure and metabolic pathways. This lets them disrupt clover growth without affecting your lawn’s healthy, desired grass.
Key Ingredients to Look For
So what should you look for in the best clover weed killer for lawns? These are some good selective herbicide ingredients to help you get your clover outbreak under control:
- 2,4-D: Effectively targets broadleaf weeds like clover without damaging most lawn grasses.
- Dicamba: Often combined with 2,4-D to enhance results against stubborn weeds. It penetrates deep into the roots to stop growth at the source.
- MCPP (Mecoprop): Commonly found in lawn weed killers as it specifically targets broadleaf weeds while being gentle on turfgrass.
You probably won’t be able to find a weed killer for clover that contains just one of these ingredients - they’re typically part of a more comprehensive formulation. Be sure to do your due diligence to avoid putting harmful ingredients to your lawn.
When to Use Weedex Super
Whether you need a clover weed killer, ivy killer, ground elder killer, nettle killer, or anything in between, our acetic acid weed killer is one of the most trusted choices in the UK. There’s just one problem - it works a little too well as a non-selective herbicide.
This means if you’re trying to learn how to get rid of clover in lawn without harming grass, it’s probably not going to be a viable option. However, there are situations where it still makes sense.
Say your lawn is already overrun with clover and patchy. Trying to completely kill the clover without harming the grass might be farfetched. In these cases, you can clear everything out and start fresh with new grass seed, enjoying a healthier, more uniform lawn in the long run.
Or, maybe the clover outbreak is concentrated in just a small section of your lawn. This is the best time to spray weed killer - before the clover has a chance to take complete control. Kill off the clover quickly and then reseed these areas after.
The best part about using an acetic acid weed killer is you don’t have to stress about weed killer and dogs since it’s non-toxic once it dries. It won’t leave behind much residual activity in your soil either, so you can start sprouting a new lawn fast.
Acetic acid is why vinegar makes for such a powerful homemade weed killer, but our solution is much more concentrated for quick results. Keep it on hand for the next time a weed outbreak occurs, or bring it to the fight today.
But if you want to learn how to get rid of clover in lawn without a clover killer, we’ve got some other strategies you can try.
How to Get Rid of Clover in Lawn Without a Clover Killer
Similar to what kills dandelions naturally, your hands are your best weapon against clover when chemical intervention isn’t an option. We’ll walk you through how to get rid of clover in grass manually below along with a few other natural remedies you might consider trying.
Pulling Clover by Hand
We’re not going to beat around the bush, manually removing clover is time-consuming and frustrating. You have to pick every little piece out of your grass to prevent it from respreading.
But, it’s the only way to kill clover permanently without harming your lawn. So if you have a somewhat moderate outbreak on your hands, give this a shot. We suggest pulling the clover when your soil is still moist since it helps loosen the roots and reduces the chance of breakage.
Grasp the clover firmly at the base and gently tug, making sure to extract the entire root system. If any roots are left behind, the clover will regrow. Follow up by filling any gaps with grass seed to prevent new weeds from taking hold and avoid those unsightly sparse spots in your lawn.
Smothering With Mulch or Cardboard
Clover thrives in sunlight, so take that away and you’ll find that it has a much harder time spreading. Cover affected areas with a thick layer of mulch or cardboard to block sunlight and essentially suffocate it.
Leave the cover in place for at least a few weeks and check on it periodically to see if the clover is dying off. Just be aware that this method, similar to using acetic acid or any other clover weed killer, is going to potentially impact the health of your lawn as well. Use it only in isolated areas.
Boiling Water Spot Treatments
Boiling water is a simple, chemical-free way to kill clover. The heat scalds both the leaves and roots, causing the plant to wither and die. This is also one of our favorite methods for what kills brambles permanently.
But just because it’s not an herbicide doesn’t mean it won’t harm your lawn. Again, this is just a spot treatment for small outbreaks. You may need to plant fresh grass seed in place of the clover you kill.
Pour slowly to control the spread and avoid getting the boiling water on desired vegetation - or worse, on your skin. This method can be even more dangerous than chemical intervention, so be careful.
Recognising When Clover Has Taken Over and Scorched Earth is the Only Viable Option
We’ve touched on this a few times in our guide to what will kill clover, but not grass - sometimes, you’re too late. By the time clover has taken over your lawn there may be no saving it, even if you get your hands on the best selective herbicide for clover.
In these cases, it’s time to start thinking about the big picture. If over 50% of your lawn is covered with clover, it’ll typically be less work to start fresh. Applying a non-selective herbicide like Weedex Super can help you wipe the slate clean and set the stage for a better lawn.
After you’ve killed off the clover follow these steps:
- Prepare the Soil: Remove dead plant material, aerate the soil, and amend it with nutrients to support new grass growth.
- Reseed or Sod: Choose a hardy, dense grass variety tailored to your climate for better weed resistance. Trying to grow the wrong grass species can make it easier for clover to take over.
- Implement Preventive Care: Regular mowing, proper fertilisation, and adequate watering helps prevent clover from reclaiming your lawn.
Speaking of prevention, let’s share some advice on keeping clover at bay going forward.
How to Prevent Clover in Lawn Going Forward
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and weed control is a perfect embodiment of this. Think of all the work that went into killing clover - a bit of proactive maintenance will save you from going through that again.
Consistent Mowing Practices
Set your mower blades to leave grass around 3 inches tall since taller grass shades the soil, preventing clover from getting the sunlight it needs to photosynthesise and spread.
Make sure you mow frequently, too. This keeps clover from flowering and seeding, preventing new growth. Whatever you do, don’t scalp the lawn as this can weaken it and provide an opportunity for clover to re-emerge.
Optimising Soil Fertility
Clover thrives in nitrogen-deficient soil because it can produce its own nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. So, apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser during the growing season to keep your grass healthy and competitive.
It’s also worth conducting regular soil tests to keep an eye on nutrient levels and pH balance. This way you can correct suboptimal conditions and discourage clover development.
Proper Watering Techniques
Instead of shallow, frequent watering, give your lawn a deep soak once or twice a week to encourage deeper root growth in grass. This makes it harder for weeds like clover to gain their footing in the soil.
Just be careful about overwatering, as this can create problems as well. Excess moisture can weaken grass roots and create favourable conditions for clover. You might need to address drainage concerns in the yard.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
One of the best defenses against clover is a pre-emergent selective herbicide. You can put these in the lawn in the spring before clover seeds germinate, effectively creating a barrier that prevents seedlings from establishing roots.
Just like in choosing the best clover weed killer for ongoing outbreaks, make sure you choose pre-emergent herbicides designed specifically for lawn use to avoid damaging your grass. When in doubt, hire a lawn care professional to handle this for you.
Parting Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Clover in Grass
There you have it, how to get rid of clover in lawn for good. While you don’t have too many options for what will kill clover, but not grass, there are a few solutions worth trying. We hope this guide has left you feeling clear and confident in your next steps.
Whether you need the best weed killer for driveways or rock salt for weeds, Jennychem has you covered with top-tier solutions at unbeatable prices, with world-class customer service from A to Z. Shop today and regain control of your lawn and love your outdoor spaces once again!