Clover, also known as trefoil, is a common type of invasive plant that’s found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere.
It features trifoliate leaves that emerge in a variety of conditions. While four-leaf clovers are viewed as good luck, this plant can quickly take over your lawn if not addressed.
So, if you’re dealing with clover in your lawn, follow the tips listed below to regain control of your yard.
Add Nitrogen
Clover doesn’t like nitrogen, so applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer tends to keep this plant at bay. While all fertilizer contains some level of nitrogen, you should stick with a variety that’s particularly high in this compound.
Nitrogen-rich fertilizer discourages clover from growing in the surrounding area, making it a key tool in your battle against this invasive plant.
Remove by Hand
Sometimes the best solution to deal with clover and other invasive plants and weeds is to remove them by hand.
The good news is that clover is relatively easy to remove, requiring no special tools or equipment. Grab a pair of gloves, and begin pulling the clover up by its roots.
Use a Broad-leaf Weed Killer
You can also spot treat clover using a weed-killing product. Most all-purpose weed killers are fully capable of killing clover.
The only problem is that may also kill your “good” plants. Therefore, you should use caution when applying a weed-killing product in your lawn.
If you’re going to use it, choose one that is made for broad-leaf weeds and avoid contaminating your healthy plants.
Apply a Vinegar Solution
An alternative to a weed-killing product is vinegar. Vinegar is a safe, all-natural solution to control clover and other invasive plants.
Fill a spray bottle with 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water. Next, add a small amount of liquid dish soap and shake to mix.
Once mixed, spray the solution directly on any clover that you come across. The dish soap allows the vinegar to stick to the clover, preventing it from running or draining off.
Following the tips listed here should give you the upper hand in your battle against clover. However, you’ll need to constantly work to remove this plant from your lawn. Like other invasive plants, clover will likely return.
Just remember to use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, remove clovers from the root, and use either a chemical or natural weed-killing spray to spot-treat patches of stubborn clover.
Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of how to deal with clover in your lawn.
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have alot of purple vine clover mostly growing in rock garden..seems to like rocks better than grass..any ideas on wht this is or how to get rid of it would be helpful..thnks
Followed yr. instructions exactly. Good news, the clover stated to wilt immediately and died shortly after. Bad news, so did my lawn.🤔
Hi Brian. Sorry to hear that. We did mention in the article to be careful. “The only problem is that may also kill your “good” plants. Therefore, you should use caution when applying a weed-killing product in your lawn.”
Do you use white or malt brown vinegar in the mix?
Hi Emma. You should use regular white vinegar.
Thank you, I am starting to see a lot of clover in my lawn. I used to spray with 24-D to control it. But now i am a beekeeper (I love it), so I can’t spray anymore. I have heard a lot of suggestions about vinegar, water and soap. I haven’t tried it, but i plan to.
Will the vinegar harm my lawn.
Thanks, Jack