Managing clover while keeping your lawn lush can be challenging. This guide compares five popular products that help control unwanted grasses and broadleaf weeds in clover-rich turf. Each option targets clover and related weeds while supporting a healthy lawn. Read on to see how these products perform, their application notes, and which may fit your yard’s needs.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pennington Smart Seed Clover and Grass Mix 7 lb | Pennington Store | Self-fertilizing Durana clover with fast establishment |
| Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed3 | Scotts Store | Kills dandelion and clover; feeds lawn |
| Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray | Ortho Store | Fast-acting broadleaf weed control |
| O.M. Scott and Sons Clover Seed | Scotts Store | Natural nitrogen-fixing clover for low maintenance |
| Scotts Weed Control for Lawns | Scotts Store | Controls over 200 weed types including clover |
Pennington Smart Seed Clover And Grass Mix 7 Lb
The Pennington Smart Seed Clover and Grass Mix combines turf grass with self-fertilizing Durana clover, delivering rapid establishment and long-lasting performance. It is designed to thrive on slopes and hills, making it a versatile option for uneven yards. The mix is pollinator-friendly, supporting beneficial insects while providing a stable ground cover that reduces erosion. This product targets accenting lawn density with clover’s nitrogen-fixing properties, helping your lawn stay greener with less intensive input over time. Application is suitable for areas where both grass and clover are desired components of the turf.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed3
This Scotts product combines broadleaf weed control with lawn fertilization, targeting dandelion and clover while nourishing existing grass. It’s designed for lawns up to 5,000 square feet and aims to reduce broadleaf weeds in spring and fall when they’re actively growing. Use as directed to minimize impact on desirable grasses and to help maintain a lush, weed-resistant turf. The formula supports ongoing lawn health, helping you manage clover presence without sacrificing overall grass vigor.
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray
The Ortho WeedClear Ready-To-Spray is a fast-acting option for killing broadleaf weeds in lawns, including clover, dandelion, and chickweed. It targets listed weeds down to the root and is designed for broadcast lawn treatment without harming most common grasses when used as directed. This product is suitable for a variety of lawn types, including Bermudagrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, making it a flexible choice for homeowners dealing with Clover-heavy patches and other unwanted weeds. One application can deliver visible reductions in weed presence with proper timing.
O.M. Scott And Sons Clover Seed
O.M. Scott and Sons Clover Seed offers premium strawberry clover seed for a naturally green, low-maintenance lawn. Strawberry clover thrives with drought tolerance and can contribute to self-fertilization by converting atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertilizer needs. This seed mix is designed for lawns up to 1,000 square feet and emphasizes a lawn that remains vibrant through long dry periods. It contains no artificial or pest control additives and is intended for use where pets and people may be present, as directed.
Scotts Weed Control For Lawns
Scotts Weed Control for Lawns is a broad-spectrum option that starts working on contact to kill weeds down to the root. It claims effectiveness against over 200 listed weeds, including clover, dandelion, and other common lawn invaders. Ideal for spring or early fall applications when broadleaf weeds are actively growing, this product helps reduce weed pressure in a variety of turf types. While targeting a broad range of weeds, it’s important to follow label directions to protect desirable grasses and maintain lawn health while managing clover presence.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Weed spectrum: If clover is your primary concern, choose products specifically labeled for clover control or broadleaf weed suppression, and consider combining a weed killer with a lawn fertilizer to maintain grass health.
- Lawn type and area: Check square footage and whether the product is formulated for cool-season or warm-season grasses. Some products target up to 5,000 square feet, others are seed blends or seed-safe options for lawns on the drought-prone side.
- Application timing: Apply during active weed growth in spring or fall for broadleaf weeds like clover. Seed mixes may require different installation windows and aftercare for best establishment.
- Safety and usage: Always follow label directions, especially around pets and children. Some products are ready-to-spray, while others require mixing or specific coverage patterns.
- Environmental impact: Seed-based Clover options can contribute to nitrogen fixation and soil health. Consider pollinator-friendly blends if you value ecological benefits.
- Long-term strategy: For long-term clover management, combine lawn care with proper mowing height, irrigation practices, and selective fertilizer use to discourage excessive clover growth while keeping turf dense.
In selecting a product, consider whether you prefer a seed-based approach that enhances clover presence alongside grass or a targeted herbicide that reduces clover and other weeds while nourishing lawn health. The right choice depends on your yard’s climate, grass type, and maintenance goals. Always consult product labels and, if needed, a local extension service for best practices in your area.