How to Get Rid of Clover in Your Lawn

How to Get Rid of Clover in Lawn

Clover is one of the most common and persistent weeds found in domestic lawns. While some gardeners tolerate it or even welcome its small white flowers, others find it spoils the appearance of a well-kept lawn and competes with grass for space and nutrients. The key to getting rid of clover is understanding why it's there in the first placeand then treating both the weed and the conditions that encourage it.

Why Clover Appears in Lawns

Clover thrives in lawns that are low in nitrogen, weak in growth, or cut too short. It spreads easily because it can fix its own nitrogen from the air, giving it a clear advantage over grass in poor soil conditions. If your lawn is looking pale, thin or patchy, clover sees it as an open invitation.

Poor lawn health, inconsistent feeding, compacted soil, or mowing the grass too low can all lead to clover gaining a foothold. Once established, it forms a dense mat that spreads quickly, outcompeting grass and becoming difficult to remove without targeted action.

Removing Clover by Hand

For small patches of clover, hand removal can be effective, especially if the soil is damp. Pull the clover up from the roots, making sure to remove the entire plant. Clover spreads through root nodes and runners, so any fragments left behind may regrow. This approach works well for isolated clusters but becomes impractical for larger infestations.

Lawn Feed and Weed Treatments

The most effective way to remove clover from a larger area is to use a selective weedkiller designed for use on lawns. These products target broadleaf plants like clover without harming the surrounding grass. Choose a liquid formulation for even coverage and apply during a dry, mild spell when the clover is actively growing.

One application is often enough to see results within a week or two, but stubborn patches may need a follow-up treatment later in the season. After treatment, the clover will turn brown and wither, allowing the grass to reclaim the space. Feeding the lawn afterwards helps speed up recovery and encourages thicker growth that will crowd out future clover attempts.

Improve Lawn Health to Prevent Regrowth

Killing clover is one thing, keeping it from coming back is another. The long-term solution lies in improving overall lawn health. Feed your lawn with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, especially during the spring and summer months. This strengthens the grass, making it more dominant and less likely to be overtaken by weeds.

Avoid mowing too short, as scalping weakens the grass and exposes the soil beneath. Keep the mower blades sharp and raise the cutting height slightly during dry or hot weather to help maintain a thick, resilient lawn canopy.

Aerating the lawn can also help. Compacted soil reduces root development and drainage, which in turn stresses the grass and gives clover the upper hand. By opening up the soil with aeration, you create a better environment for healthy turf growth.

Overseed Bare or Damaged Areas

Once the clover has been cleared, you may be left with bare patches. Overseeding with quality grass seed helps fill those gaps quickly before new weeds take root. Choose a seed mix that matches your lawn's conditions, shade-tolerant, drought-resistant, or hard-wearing depending on how the area is used.

After seeding, water consistently and avoid mowing until the new grass is well established. Combined with regular feeding and proper mowing, this helps rebuild density and keep the lawn weed-resistant going forward.

Timing Makes a Big Difference

The best time to treat clover is when it’s actively growing typically late spring through early autumn. Applying weedkiller during dormancy (especially in colder months) will have limited impact. Also, always check for rain in the forecast. Clover treatment works best when applied in dry conditions and allowed to sit undisturbed for at least 6–8 hours.

Don’t Let Mowing Undermine Your Efforts

If you mow the lawn just before applying a selective weedkiller, you reduce the surface area the product can stick to. Instead, allow the clover to grow slightly taller, treat it, and wait 2–3 days before mowing again. This maximises the chemical’s absorption into the plant.

Organic Control Takes Persistence

For customers who prefer an organic or chemical-free option, repeated hand removal followed by improving soil health and consistent overseeding can workbut it’s a long-term approach. Organic vinegar-based herbicides may cause temporary wilting, but they rarely kill the root and often need reapplication. Natural control works, but only if combined with cultural lawn care strategies like feeding, mowing properly, and improving soil structure.

Use Iron-Based Herbicides with Care

Some lawn treatments contain iron sulphate as a moss killer, but they can also suppress clover temporarily. However, too much iron can blacken grass and affect soil balance. If you use it, apply it carefully and only as part of a broader treatment plannot a standalone fix for clover.

Why Clover Might Come Back

Even after treatment, clover will often return if the underlying soil condition hasn’t changed. If the lawn is consistently nitrogen-deficient or the grass is thin, clover fills the void quickly. Feed the lawn regularly with the right fertiliser for the season and address compaction or shade issues to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Some Clover Species Are More Persistent

Common white clover is the most recognisable, but there are other typeslike lesser trefoil or red cloverthat behave slightly differently. If clover keeps returning even after treatments, it may help to identify the specific species. Some may need different herbicide blends or longer control cycles.

Clover in New Lawns

If you’ve just seeded a new lawn and notice clover appearing, avoid using weedkiller right away. Most selective products are too harsh for young grass. Instead, wait until the lawn is established, typically after three monthsbefore applying any treatments. During early growth, focus on mowing correctly and improving density with overseeding and feed.

Final Word

Clover thrives in lawns that are underfed, compacted or cut too short. While it’s a tough competitor, it's not unbeatable. With the right combination of weed treatment, improved soil health and consistent lawn care, you can remove clover and restore a thick, green lawn that’s more resistant to future invasions. Treat the cause, not just the symptom, and your lawn will stay stronger for longer.