Curbing clover in lawns requires targeted herbicides and proper lawn care practices. This article highlights five effective products that help control clover and other common weeds while protecting grass health. Each option below is designed for residential use, with varying application methods and coverage. Review the features and choose the approach that best fits your turf type and yard size.
| Product | Brand | Coverage/Size | Key Weed Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate | Ortho Store | 16 fl oz concentrate | Clover, chickweed, oxalis, creeping Charlie |
| Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns with Comfort Wand | Ortho Store | 1 gal | Dandelion, clover, other weeds (over 250) |
| Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray | Ortho Store | 32 oz bottle, treats up to 16,000 sq ft | Dandelion, clover, many common weeds |
| The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent | The Andersons Store | 18 lb bag covers up to 5,800 sq ft | Pre-emergent control for crabgrass, poa annua, etc. |
| Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed5 | Scotts Store | 4,000 sq ft, 11.32 lbs | Weed control plus fertilizer including clover |
Note: Product usage depends on your grass type and local guidelines. Always read labels for safety, timing, and lawn compatibility before applying any weed killer.
Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate
The Ortho Weed B Gon concentrate is formulated to target creeping Charlie (ground ivy), clover, chickweed, oxalis, and other listed weeds. It claims root-level kill and is designed for common lawn grasses, including Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass. Use according to the label to avoid harming desirable turf and to maximize weed kill at the root system. Suitable for larger lawns when prepared as a diluted spray per directions.
Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns with Comfort Wand
This product offers broad-spectrum weed control, capable of killing over 250 listed species, including dandelion and clover, with a fast-acting formula that works down to the root. The Comfort Wand helps target individual weeds while protecting surrounding grass. It’s designed for St. Augustinegrass (without Floratam), Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and several cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall/Fine Fescue when used as directed.
Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray
This ready-to-spray option targets weed roots with three proven ingredients and is designed to spare most lawns when used as directed. It claims visible results within hours and can kill more than 250 common weeds, including clover and dandelion, across a wide range of turfgrasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and both tall and fine fescues. Designed for convenient spray application on established lawns.
The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent
The Barricade pre-emergent is designed to prevent weeds rather than eliminate existing ones. It targets grassy and broadleaf weeds, including crabgrass and poa annua, by applying it during early spring or fall. The product uses DG Technology (dispersible granules) for rapid soil dissolution, delivering active ingredients to the root zone to prevent germination of weed seeds.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed5
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed5 combines weed control with lawn fertilizer. It targets over 50 listed weeds, including clover, and helps thicken grass to crowd out future weeds. Application timing matters—apply when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F. Do not exceed two applications per year to protect lawn health and nutrient balance.
Buying Guide: Clover Control For Lawns
- Confirm that the product is labeled for your grass type (cool-season versus warm-season, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Bermudagrass, or Zoysiagrass). Some formulas are specifically designed for certain grasses and may harm others if misapplied.
- If clover is the primary target, look for products that actively kill clover down to the root. For broader weed control, choose formulas rated for 250+ common lawn weeds.
- Consider whether you prefer a concentrate, ready-to-spray, or granular pre-emergent. Concentrates and ready-to-spray deliver quick results; granular pre-emergents prevent weeds before they germinate but do not treat existing weeds.
- Apply during active weed growth and under suitable weather conditions per the label. Avoid extreme heat, drought, or rainy periods that can reduce efficacy or cause runoff.
- Some products pair weed control with fertilizer, potentially reducing the need for a separate feeding. Balance nutrient input with soil tests to avoid over-fertilization.
- For isolated clover patches, spot treatments minimize lawn exposure. For widespread clover across the lawn, blanket treatments may be more efficient.
- Follow safety guidelines, store out of reach of children and pets, and avoid applying near water sources or edible gardens. Use protective gear as recommended on the label.
- Some products permit mowing after a specified downtime. Check the label to determine safe re-entry intervals and mowing schedules.
Effective clover control often combines an appropriate herbicide with good lawn maintenance: proper mowing height, irrigation, overseeding, and timely fertilization help establish dense turf that resists weed encroachment. Always follow label directions for the safest and most effective results, and consider a soil test to guide nutrient management for your specific lawn conditions.