Clover grass, with its distinct three-leaf pattern and small white or pink flowers, can quickly overtake a lawn, disrupting the uniform green look many homeowners strive for. While clover enriches soil with nitrogen and attracts pollinators like bees, it competes with grass for nutrients, sunlight, and space, often becoming an unwanted guest. If you’re looking to restore your lawn’s pristine appearance, It provides seven proven methods to eliminate clover grass effectively. These strategies, grounded in expert lawn care practices, range from natural techniques to targeted chemical solutions, ensuring you have options for any lawn size or infestation level.
Why Clover Invades Your Lawn
Clover thrives in conditions where grass struggles, making it a common issue in many lawns. Low nitrogen levels in the soil give clover an edge, as it can fix its own nitrogen from the air, unlike grass, which relies on soil nutrients. Compacted soil, often caused by heavy foot traffic or clay-heavy ground, limits grass root growth, allowing clover’s shallow roots to spread easily. Mowing too short exposes soil to sunlight, encouraging clover seeds to germinate. Imbalanced soil pH, particularly when it’s too acidic or alkaline for grass, creates an environment where clover flourishes. Thin or patchy grass also leaves gaps for clover to establish itself. Addressing these underlying issues is key to not only removing clover but also preventing its return, setting the stage for a healthier lawn.
7 Proven Methods to Eliminate Clover Grass
Each method offers a unique approach to tackling clover, allowing you to choose based on your lawn’s needs, whether you prefer eco-friendly solutions or faster chemical treatments. These techniques are designed to target clover while preserving your grass, ensuring a lush, clover-free lawn.
1. Hand-Pulling Clover
Hand-pulling is a straightforward, chemical-free way to remove clover, especially effective for small patches or early infestations. Start by watering the area the night before or after rain to soften the soil, making it easier to extract the roots. Grip the clover’s stems and leaves firmly, then pull gently to remove the entire root system, as leftover roots can regrow. For stubborn plants, use a spade or trowel to dig out the roots completely. After clearing the clover, sow grass seed in the bare spots and water regularly to encourage new grass growth. This method is eco-friendly and precise but can be labor-intensive for larger areas, requiring patience to ensure all roots are removed.
Tips for Effective Hand-Pulling
To maximize success, pull clover in the early morning when the soil is damp and plants are less brittle. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and dispose of the pulled clover in a sealed bag to prevent seeds from spreading. Regularly check the area for new growth, as small patches can re-emerge if not fully cleared.
2. Smothering Clover with Plastic Sheeting
Smothering clover by covering it with plastic sheeting deprives the plant of sunlight and oxygen, killing it over time. Lay a black garbage bag or opaque plastic sheet over the clover patch, ensuring it doesn’t cover healthy grass. Secure the edges with rocks or bricks to keep it in place. Leave the covering for four to six weeks until the clover dies completely. Once the clover is dead, remove the sheeting, clear the debris, and overseed the area with grass to fill in the gaps. This method is ideal for dense clover patches but requires patience, as it takes weeks to work and may kill grass beneath the covering.
3. Using Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide, preventing clover seeds from sprouting. It’s best applied in early spring or fall before clover seeds germinate. Purchase corn gluten meal from a garden center and spread it evenly over clover-prone areas using a spreader, applying about 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Lightly water the lawn to activate the product, then let it dry naturally. Avoid using corn gluten meal if you’ve recently seeded your lawn, as it prevents all seed germination, including grass. This organic solution is safe for pets and children and adds nitrogen to the soil, but it only works as a preventive measure, not for killing existing clover.
Application Timing for Corn Gluten
Timing is critical for corn gluten meal to be effective. Apply it when soil temperatures reach about 50°F in spring, typically around March or April, depending on your region. A second application in early fall can further reduce clover seed germination, ensuring long-term control.
4. Applying Horticultural Vinegar
Horticultural vinegar, with 20% acetic acid, is a natural herbicide that burns clover leaves and weakens its roots with repeated use. Purchase high-strength vinegar from a garden store, as household vinegar (5% acetic acid) is too weak. Mix the vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle to help it adhere to clover leaves. Spray directly onto clover patches on a dry, non-windy day to avoid damaging nearby grass. Repeat the application every few days until the clover dies off. This method is fast-acting for small areas but may require multiple treatments and careful application to avoid harming grass.
5. Using Selective Broadleaf Herbicides
For larger clover infestations, selective broadleaf herbicides offer a powerful solution, targeting clover without damaging most grass types. Look for products containing dicamba, triclopyr, or quinclorac, such as Ortho WeedClear or Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action. Follow the label instructions carefully, mixing the herbicide (e.g., 1.1–1.5 ounces per gallon of water for 1,000 square feet) and adding a non-ionic surfactant to improve adhesion. Apply during active clover growth in late spring or early fall when temperatures are between 65–80°F. Avoid mowing for two days after application to allow the herbicide to absorb fully. This method is fast and effective but involves chemicals, which may affect beneficial insects or organic lawn goals.
Choosing the Right Herbicide
Select a herbicide compatible with your grass type, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, to avoid damage. Always read the product label for specific instructions and safety precautions, and wear protective gear like gloves and a mask during application to minimize exposure.
6. Improving Lawn Health with Fertilization
A healthy, dense lawn naturally resists clover by outcompeting it for resources. Test your soil’s pH to ensure it’s between 6.0 and 7.0, ideal for most grass types, and adjust with lime if it’s too acidic. Choose nitrogen-rich fertilizers, either organic options like cow manure or synthetic fast-release formulas, applying about one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Fertilize in spring and fall to promote vigorous grass growth, and water lightly after application to help nutrients reach the roots. This long-term approach strengthens your lawn but requires careful application to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm grass or inadvertently encourage clover.
7. Maintaining Proper Mowing and Watering
Proper lawn care practices prevent clover by fostering strong grass growth. Set your mower blade to three inches or higher to shade the soil, discouraging clover seed germination while promoting deep grass roots. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the lawn. Water deeply but infrequently, providing one to 1.5 inches of water weekly in two to three sessions to encourage robust root systems. Aerate your lawn annually to relieve soil compaction, improving grass health and reducing clover’s ability to take hold. These practices require consistent effort but create a lawn that naturally resists clover invasions.
Aeration Benefits
Aeration, performed with a core aerator, removes small plugs of soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots. This process is especially effective in compacted soils, where clover often thrives, and should be done in spring or fall for best results.
Preventing Clover Regrowth
After removing clover, prevent its return by maintaining a healthy lawn. Overseed bare spots with grass varieties like Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue to fill gaps where clover could re-establish. Stick to a regular schedule of fertilization, aeration, and proper mowing to keep grass dense and competitive. Monitor soil health with annual tests to maintain optimal pH and nutrient levels. Act quickly on small clover patches by pulling or treating Sverre to prevent spreading. Consistent care ensures your lawn remains clover-free and vibrant year-round.
Conclusion
Eliminating clover grass from your lawn is achievable with the right combination of immediate action and ongoing care. Hand-pulling and smothering offer natural solutions for small areas, while corn gluten meal and horticultural vinegar provide eco-friendly preventive and treatment options. For larger infestations, selective herbicides deliver quick results, and long-term strategies like fertilization and proper mowing strengthen your grass to resist clover naturally. By addressing soil conditions and maintaining a healthy lawn, you can enjoy a lush, green yard free of clover. Start with the method that fits your needs and commit to consistent lawn care for lasting results.
