How to get rid of white clover without destroying the lawn

White clover is a perennial weed that thrives in undernourished lawns. Although it is an unwanted plant on most turfs, some homeowners prefer it because it produces nitrogen.

Ultimately, it can make a lawn greener and lush. But as it continues to grow, it will compete with the grass and make the lawn unsightly. Luckily, you can get rid of the white clover without harming your grass or turf grass.

You can use natural methods to kill clover but not grass. Some recommended methods include mowing grass high, using corn gluten meal, spreading organic fertilizer, or pulling by hand.

Alternatively, you can use herbicides to eliminate white clover. However, ensure to choose selective herbicides to avoid harming your lawn.

3 best herbicides to kill clover without damaging your lawn

The best selective herbicide to kill white clover without harming your lawn include:

1. Roundup For Lawns 2 Concentrate

Roundup For Lawns 2 is a formula that kills weeds, not lawns. It can eliminate over 250 weeds and roots, including hard-to-kill plants like crabgrass, yellow nutsedge, dandelion, and clover.

Roundup For Lawns 2 Concentrate is fast-acting. It will remove the white clover on contact down to the roots. Furthermore, it is rainproof and will take less than three hours to show results. You can get it from Amazon.

2. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control

Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control is a herbicide that kills dandelions, white clover, and other lawn weeds. The product will not harm your grass because it contains fertilizer that adds nitrogen to the soil.

When applied, the unwanted plants will curl within a few days, while hard-to-kill weeds will require a repeat application in up to four weeks. Check its current price on Amazon.

3. Ortho Weed B Gon

Ortho Weed B Gon is a herbicide designed to kill chickweed, clover, and oxalis. It will eliminate unwanted plants from the root without harming your lawn.

When sprayed as directed, it will get rid of weeds within hours. Ortho Weed B Gon is also rainproof for up to six hours after application. You can view it here.

Can you use fertilizer to kill clover?

You can kill white clover on your lawn using fertilizer. A well-fertilized turf prevents unwanted plants from growing and ensures your turfgrass gets proper nitrogen levels.

Organic fertilizers can work too. However, consider standard fertilizer if the white clover has overrun your grass. The best examples to consider include:

If you prefer organic fertilizer, consider spreading coffee grounds on your lawn. You can also use eggshells by adding them to your compost and using the finished product as soil sediment or surface mulch.

Killing clover with vinegar

You can get rid of white clover from the lawn using a vinegar solution. Vinegar has acetic acid that will turn the clover brown and kill it.

If you want to get the best results, use a solution containing vinegar, dishwashing soap, and salt.

Mix one gallon of vinegar, one cup of salt, and one tablespoon of dish soap.
Spray the solution on the white clover.
Repeat daily until the weeds dry.

Remove the dried-up weeds from the lawn to prevent them from growing again next year. You can use a gardening hoe or uproot them by hand.

How to get rid of white clover using plastic sheets

Plastic sheets work by depriving the white clover of oxygen and sunlight without harming your lawn. Here is what to do:

Place a plastic sheeting or garbage bag over the white clover patch.
Secure the corners with rocks.
Leave the plastic on the ground for about a week.

The method works if you have patches of white clover on specific areas of your lawn. Be careful when using plastic because it will kill any turfgrass under it.

You can use the best clover killer to eliminate weeds without harming your lawn. Another option is fertilizing your turf to give it enough nitrogen and nutrients.

White clover does not do well on a well-fertilized turf. If you prefer a natural solution, use a vinegar solution and spray it on the unwanted plants.

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.