If your lawn looks completely overrun with little white Clover flowers, it might be time to do something about them. Maybe you're worried that the Clover weeds will attract bees and sting you or your children.
On the other hand, perhaps you don't like their look and want to know how to get rid of Clover in a lawn without chemicals.
If you want to remove this unsightly weed from your lawn, you'll be glad to know that there are several natural ways to get rid of Clover in the yard without chemicals.
Is Clover bad for your lawn?
Before you consider all the ways you can remove Clover from your lawn, it's important to question if this deceptive little weed has any benefits.
So give these tiny white Clover flowers a moment of appreciation before you dispatch any harsh chemicals.
Clover is surprisingly beneficial to your lawn, even if some do consider it an invasive and fast-growing weed. As it decays, the Clover releases great nitrogen levels into the soil, which helps your soil grow. Therefore, Clover serves as a natural fertilizer for your lawn due to its symbiotic relations with beneficial bacteria.
What's more, you'll also find that Clover acts like an umbrella and a perfect weed prevention system. When you keep your lawn between two and a half to three inches long, the Clover grows and acts as the ideal shade for your grass.
How do I rid my lawn of Clover?
If you're still not convinced and like to know how to get rid of Clover plants in your lawn without chemicals, we've got some of the best natural weed killers for homeowners looking to preserve their green lawn.
So, carry on reading for easy and natural methods to remove Clover from your lawn.
1. Block out all oxygen and sunlight
Why not use what the planet and the sun provide us by blocking direct sunlight and all oxygen. You can throw plastic sheeting or even garbage bags over the patch of Clover. Just place some rocks or bricks in the corners, or whatever you have handy, to ensure it doesn't fly up.
You'll have to be patient, as this approach can take a few weeks. But it will eventually eliminate all Clover. Although a natural and effective way to kill Clover, be mindful that this method will also remove all grass under the plastic.
2. Use your hands
This may not be the quickest method; however, pulling the Clover out by hand can be pretty effective when the patches are minimal. It's likely not to return if you can't get the Clover out by the root.
For the best chance of stopping the Clover from returning, use a spade to loosen the soil and then tug the Clover out by the roots.
3. Try an Organic Herbicide
If you're wondering how to get rid of Clover in a lawn without killing all the precious grass around it, try applying an organic weed killer.
Spraying organic herbicides and weed control products like Weed Beater Fe or ADIOS means the Clover patches can die off gradually.
4. Make your own non-toxic weed killer
Sometimes, natural home remedies are the best. Spraying a homemade vinegar solution as a non-toxic weed killer is a perfectly natural way to get rid of Clover.
Mix one cup of water with one cup of vinegar and one drop of dish soap. Give it a shake and spray it onto any Clover patches plaguing your garden. You may need to spray this solution on several occasions over a few weeks, but it will eventually kill the Clover.
Unfortunately, it will also kill the grass, so spray carefully.
3 best killers for Clover
These are some of the best ways for you to get rid of Clover in your lawn naturally, but if none of these work for you, you can use a non-natural method.
Some of the best killers for Clover include;
- A chemical lawn killer (but be sure to use one that doesn't kill grass).
- Use Ammonia to burn the Clover.
- Employ a professional lawn care service.
4 ways to prevent Clover in my lawn
Knowing how to get rid of the white flowers on the lawn starts with knowing how to prevent it. Prevention is always better than cure, so follow the below steps to stop Clover from growing in the first instance.
1. Use organic fertilizer to create a less hospital environment for the Clover. Nitrogen-rich, slow-release, and organic fertilizer are best.
Don't be tempted by the cheaper, less effective, but fast-releasing fertilizer.
2. Make sure you regularly use fertilizer, as Clover does some of its best work when surrounding grass is underfed. Ensure you follow proper lawn care by feeding your lawn with organic fertilizer four times per year.
Doing so ensures you strengthen the grass with plenty of nutrients, subsequently keeping away the Clover.
3. Try cornmeal Gluten to release organic pesticides into the soil before Clover begins to grow. This method will stop any clover seeds from sprouting and prevent any grass seedlings from taking place.
So, be careful not to use this method on any recently reseeded lawns.
4. Keep your grass high. Mowing your grass nice and short won't do anything to rid yourself of Clover. Clover loves it, but the grass hates it. When your grass is under three inches tall, the grass gets a little stressed, and the Clover continues to thrive.
Mow your grass high so it can fight against the Clover.
Will Clover choke out grass?
Unfortunately, Clover can take over your lawn in no time in the right conditions. When the grass is low, the PH too high or the soil too compacted, Clover can thrive.
We hope you've learned that there are plenty of natural ways to stop Clover growth in its tracks, even if it's overrun your grass.
Whether you choose a natural weed-killer, a vinegar solution, removal by hand, or getting rid of sunlight or oxygen, I'm sure you'll be successful in removing Clover and getting your lawn looking spotless again.