Many homeowners cherish a vibrant, green lawn, and for an increasing number, that vision includes the soft texture and ecological benefits of clover. Clover, particularly varieties like microclover or white clover, offers numerous advantages, from natural nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, to improved drought tolerance and a softer feel underfoot. However, the pursuit of a weed-free lawn often clashes with the desire to preserve this beneficial plant. Traditional broadleaf herbicides, designed to eliminate common lawn weeds, frequently kill clover along with the unwelcome invaders, leaving a dilemma for eco-conscious gardeners. This article will delve into the nuances of selective weed control, identifying specific herbicides and application strategies that allow you to maintain your cherished clover while effectively tackling stubborn weeds.
The benefits of clover in your lawn
Before diving into weed control, it is essential to understand why you might want to keep clover in your lawn in the first place. Clover, particularly white clover (Trifolium repens), is more than just a weed for many; it is a desirable ground cover that contributes significantly to lawn health and environmental sustainability. One of its most celebrated benefits is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. This natural process significantly reduces or even eliminates the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, saving money and reducing chemical runoff.
Beyond its fertilizing capabilities, clover exhibits remarkable drought tolerance. Its deep root system allows it to stay green during periods when traditional turf grasses might turn brown and dormant, requiring less supplemental watering. Furthermore, clover’s dense growth habit helps to suppress other undesirable weeds by outcompeting them for space, light, and nutrients. It also provides a vital food source for pollinators like bees, supporting local ecosystems. For families, the soft, lush carpet of clover can be a pleasant, low-maintenance alternative to a pure grass lawn, offering a resilient surface that recovers well from foot traffic. Understanding these advantages underscores the importance of choosing a herbicide that can selectively target weeds without harming this beneficial plant.
Understanding selective herbicides and clover’s vulnerability
The vast majority of lawn herbicides are designed to be selective, meaning they target specific types of plants while leaving others unharmed. Most commonly, these products are formulated to kill broadleaf weeds without damaging desirable turf grasses, which are monocots. The challenge arises because clover, despite its benefits, is botanically classified as a broadleaf plant. This places it squarely in the crosshairs of many conventional broadleaf herbicides.
Herbicides often contain active ingredients such as 2,4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), and dicamba, either individually or in combination. These chemicals are highly effective at disrupting the growth hormones of broadleaf plants, leading to uncontrolled growth, wilting, and ultimately death. While excellent for eradicating dandelions, plantain, and chickweed, they unfortunately do not differentiate between these nuisance weeds and desirable broadleaf plants like clover. Therefore, applying a standard “weed and feed” product or a general broadleaf weed killer will almost certainly result in significant damage or complete eradication of your clover. The key to preserving clover lies in identifying herbicides that have a different mode of action or a higher degree of selectivity that allows clover to tolerate the chemical better than other broadleaf weeds.
Herbicides that are safer for clover
Finding a herbicide that won’t kill clover often means seeking out products with specific active ingredients known to be less damaging to this beneficial plant, especially when used at correct rates and timings. It is crucial to understand that “won’t kill” often implies “less likely to kill” or “allows for recovery,” as even clover-friendly options can cause temporary stress or yellowing if misapplied.
- Triclopyr: This active ingredient is frequently cited as a safer option for controlling many broadleaf weeds without severely harming clover. It is particularly effective against tough perennial weeds like ground ivy, wild violet, and unwanted brushy weeds. While clover might experience some temporary leaf curling or yellowing, it generally recovers well.
- Bentazon: Often found in products like Basagran T&O, bentazon is effective against certain broadleaf weeds and sedges. It is considered relatively safe for established clover, though temporary discoloration may occur. It works by interfering with photosynthesis in susceptible plants.
- Quinclorac: Primarily known for its effectiveness against crabgrass and some other grassy weeds, quinclorac also provides control for certain broadleaf weeds, such as speedwell and plantain. It is generally well-tolerated by clover, making it a useful component in a clover-safe weed management strategy, particularly if crabgrass is also a concern.
- Mesotrione: Sold under brand names like Tenacity, mesotrione is a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide that can be used to control a wide range of broadleaf and grassy weeds. It is often used in turf renovation or when seeding new lawns. While it can cause temporary whitening or bleaching of clover due to its mode of action (interfering with pigment synthesis), clover typically recovers. It requires careful application rates.
Always verify the product label to ensure it explicitly states safety for clover or lists clover as a tolerant species, and follow all instructions regarding application rates, timing, and safety precautions.
Here is a table summarizing common herbicide active ingredients and their general effect on clover:
| Active Ingredient | Primary Target Weeds | General Effect on Clover | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,4-D | Broadleaf weeds |
High risk of killing |
Very common in many broadleaf weed mixes |
| MCPP (Mecoprop) | Broadleaf weeds |
High risk of killing |
Often combined with 2,4-D and dicamba |
| Dicamba | Broadleaf weeds |
High risk of killing |
Effective against stubborn weeds like clover |
| Triclopyr | Broadleaf weeds (esp. ground ivy, wild violet) |
Safer, generally recovers |
Often recommended for clover-safe applications |
| Bentazon | Sedges, some broadleaf weeds |
Safer, may cause temporary yellowing |
Specific applications, not a general broadleaf killer |
| Quinclorac | Crabgrass, some broadleaf weeds |
Safer, generally recovers |
Primarily for grassy weeds, but has broadleaf activity |
| Mesotrione | Broadleaf weeds, some grasses |
Safer, may cause temporary bleaching |
Often used in new seedings; follow precise rates |
Application strategies and considerations for clover-friendly weed control
Beyond selecting the right herbicide, strategic application is paramount to effectively control weeds while preserving your clover. Even the most “clover-friendly” herbicides can cause damage if applied improperly. Consider these key strategies:
- Spot treatment: For isolated weed patches, spot treating is the most effective and safest method. Rather than broadcasting herbicide over the entire lawn, target only the undesirable weeds. This minimizes exposure for healthy clover and other desirable plants. A pump sprayer or a dedicated weed wand allows for precise application.
- Timing is critical: Apply herbicides when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are moderate (typically between 50-80°F). Avoid applying during periods of extreme heat, drought stress, or immediately before a heavy rain, which could wash away the product or stress the clover further. Ensure clover is well-established and healthy before treatment.
- Accurate dosage: Always measure the herbicide concentrate precisely according to label instructions. Overdosing can severely harm clover and other desirable plants, while underdosing can be ineffective against target weeds, wasting product and effort.
- Calibrate your sprayer: If you are treating a larger area, calibrating your sprayer ensures that you are applying the correct amount of herbicide per unit area. Incorrect calibration can lead to uneven coverage or incorrect dosage.
- Mowing practices: Maintain a higher mowing height (3-4 inches) to encourage a dense canopy of both grass and clover. A healthy, thick lawn is naturally more resistant to weed invasion, reducing the overall need for herbicides.
- Patience and multiple applications: Some weeds may require more than one application, or a combination of different clover-safe herbicides, to be fully controlled. Be patient and follow label intervals between applications.
By integrating these application strategies with the use of clover-friendly herbicides, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a weed-free lawn that still boasts the many benefits of healthy, thriving clover.
Maintaining a beautiful, weed-free lawn while preserving the benefits of clover is an achievable goal, not a contradiction. We’ve explored the invaluable contributions clover makes to a healthy lawn ecosystem and uncovered why many standard broadleaf weed killers pose a threat to its existence. The key lies in understanding and utilizing specific active ingredients, such as triclopyr, bentazon, quinclorac, and mesotrione, which offer a more clover-friendly approach to weed management. Beyond chemical selection, strategic application techniques like spot treatment, precise timing, and accurate dosage are paramount for success. Ultimately, a balanced approach—combining careful product selection with diligent application—allows you to enjoy a resilient, naturally fertilized lawn where clover thrives alongside healthy turf, free from unsightly weeds. Always remember to consult product labels for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
Image by: Plufow Le Studio