Clover is a weed that often grows unnoticed in unkempt or less fertile yards. Although it is harmless to the yard, some people want to eradicate it and just keep the grass in their yard. To get rid of clover, you can use a commercial or natural pest control product. You can also prevent clover from growing and spreading again by keeping the yard lush and tidy.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Commercial Products
Step 1. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer
Clover cannot thrive in a high nitrogen environment so nitrogen fertilizers can kill it. Look for a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content from a hardware store or the internet. Spray the fertilizer directly on the plants and follow the directions on the label.
- Choose an organic fertilizer with a slow release system if the clover covers only a small part of the yard.
- If the area of the yard affected by clover is large enough, choose a quick release type of fertilizer so that you can immediately eradicate the existing pests.
- You can apply fertilizer once a month, or according to the directions on the product label. Applying fertilizer in the spring is also a great preventative measure to prevent clover from growing and spreading in the yard.
Step 2. Kill existing clover plants directly using herbicides
Look for products containing 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and Dicamba as these can prevent the growth of and kill the clover. Spray the herbicide directly on the plant. Make sure the product does not get on other plants.
- Spray the herbicide on the clover once a month or until the plant dies.
- You can buy herbicides from hardware stores or the internet.
Step 3. Use the ammonia on the clover to burn it
Ammonia can heat and kill clover plants. Only use ammonia sulfate formulated for lawns when the soil feels damp after a rain. You can also wet the lawn with a hose before using the ammonia if you don't want to wait until it rains. Use the ammonia directly on the clover so you don't kill other plants in the yard.
- Use ammonia once a month or until the clover dies.
- Purchase garden-specific ammonia from a hardware store or the internet.
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Products
Step 1. Spray a mixture of vinegar and soap on the clover
Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap and 180 ml of water to the spray bottle. After that, spray the mixture on the clover directly as a spot treatment product to kill the plant.
Do not spray the mixture on the plants or grass around the clover so it doesn't get damaged or killed
Step 2. Sprinkle corn gluten on the clover
Corn gluten is a natural herbicide that can be used to kill clover. Look for powdered corn gluten that you can sprinkle on the clover directly. Use 9 kilograms of gluten for an area of 93 square meters.
- Water the gluten after sprinkling it on the clover and allow the lawn to dry for 2-3 days for the gluten to kill the plant.
- You can reuse gluten after 4-6 weeks if the clover plant is still not eradicated.
Step 3. Place a plastic sheet over the plant to kill it
Cover the clover with a garbage bag or plastic sheeting, and secure the sides with a rock. Leave it for a few weeks so that the clover is deprived of sunlight and oxygen. Make sure the plant is always covered so that it dies.
This method can be a good option if the clover is spreading and growing over a large enough area, but can be easily covered with sheets or large plastic sheeting
Method 3 of 3: Keep the Yard Free from Spreading Clover Plants
Step 1. Fertilize the lawn in spring to prevent clover development
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to treat the lawn and prevent the development of weeds such as clover. Fertilizing once a year in the spring also helps keep the grass healthy and makes the lawn less susceptible to clay weed and pests.
Step 2. Remove the clover using a small rake to prevent it from spreading
If the clover starts to spread and grow in a small area of the yard, use a small rake to pull it out. Also, make sure you lift the roots of the plant from the soil to prevent the clover from growing back.
Step 3. Use the high setting on the lawn mower to allow the grass to “beat” the clover
Set the mower to a height of 7.5-9 centimeters to prevent the grass from being cut too short. When tidying the lawn, the tool should not cut grass lower than 2.5-4 centimeters. By keeping the grass high, you can block the sunlight that hits the clover and other weeds from growing.
Step 4. Water the lawn 1-2 times a week to prevent clover growth
Make sure the lawn is kept moist and damp to prevent weeds such as clover from growing. Water the yard until the water pools to a height of 2.5 centimeters (before it sinks into the ground), 1-2 times a week in the morning to keep the grass healthy. A dry lawn doesn't have many nutrients and doesn't fight off weeds like clover.
