Lawn Problem Solver

Clover Most Common

Trifolium repens, commonly known as white clover.

Clover is a common broadleaf lawn weed that spreads low across the ground and produces small white flowers. It often shows up in thin, low-nitrogen lawns where turf is not dense enough to outcompete it.

Broadleaf WeedPerennialWeed
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Clover

What Clover Looks Like

Clover grows low to the ground in spreading patches. It has small rounded leaflets, usually grouped in threes, and often produces white or light pinkish-white flowers. In lawns, it can stand out as lighter green patches compared to the surrounding turf.

Why It Spreads

Clover often becomes a problem when the lawn is thin, under-fertilized, or low in nitrogen. It can spread by creeping stems and seed, filling open areas where grass is weak or stressed. Poor fertility, compacted soil, drought stress, and mowing too low can all make clover more noticeable.

How to Prevent It

The best way to prevent clover is to grow a thick, healthy lawn with proper mowing, fertilization, watering, and soil improvement. Clover is harder to prevent with pre-emergent products because it is a perennial broadleaf weed, so prevention is mostly about reducing open space and improving turf density.

Best timing: Year-round lawn thickening, with strongest focus during the main growing season for your grass type.

How to Control It

Clover is usually controlled with a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for clover and for your specific lawn type. Best results usually come when clover is actively growing and not drought-stressed. Multiple applications may be needed, especially on established patches. Always read and follow the product label. Highly suggest using spray booster as surfactant for best results.

Best timing: Spring and fall when clover is actively growing and temperatures are mild.

Recommended Solution

Step 1: Confirm the weed is clover by looking for low-growing patches with three rounded leaflets and small white flowers.

Step 2: Check your lawn type before applying any weed control product. Not every herbicide is safe for every grass.

Step 3: Treat clover when it is actively growing and the lawn is not under heat or drought stress.

Step 4: Use a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for clover and your specific turfgrass.

Step 5: Recheck the area after a few weeks. Established clover may require a second labeled application.

Step 6: Improve the lawn with proper fertilizer, mowing height, watering, and overseeding where appropriate to help the grass fill back in.

Product Recommendations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have so much clover in my lawn?

Clover often shows up when the lawn is thin, low in nitrogen, or stressed. It fills open areas where grass is weak and can spread into larger patches over time.

Can clover be controlled in all lawn types?

Clover can often be controlled, but the right product depends on your lawn type. Always choose a product labeled for clover and safe for your specific grass, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, Centipede, Tall Fescue, or Kentucky Bluegrass.

Will clover come back after treatment?

It can come back if the lawn stays thin or under-fertilized. Weed control helps remove existing clover, but a thicker lawn is the best long-term defense.