How to Get Rid of Clover in Your Lawn Organically

If you have a lawn, chances are you’ve dealt with weeds before. One of the most common weeds to infiltrate lawns is clover. While some people may enjoy the look of clover, others may see it as a nuisance and want to get rid of it. Fortunately, there are several organic methods you can use to remove clover from your lawn without relying on harmful chemicals.

1. Manual Removal

The simplest and most straightforward way to remove clover from your lawn is to do it manually. While it may be time-consuming and labor-intensive, it’s also the most organic method. Start by digging up as much clover as possible with a hand trowel or other gardening tool. Be sure to get the entire root system, or the clover will likely grow back.

• Pros: Organic, inexpensive, no harmful chemicals
• Cons: Time-consuming, labor-intensive

2. Increase Mowing Height

Another organic way to get rid of clover in your lawn is to simply increase your mowing height. Clover thrives in short lawns, so raising the height of your lawn will make it harder for clover to take root and grow. Additionally, a taller lawn has more shade and can retain moisture better, making it more difficult for clover to grow.

• Pros: Organic, easy, no harmful chemicals
• Cons: May not completely eliminate clover

3. Apply Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is a natural, organic weed preventer that can also help control clover. It works by inhibiting root growth, preventing weeds from establishing themselves in your lawn. Apply corn gluten meal in early spring before the clover has a chance to grow. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully, as applying too much can harm your lawn.

• Pros: Organic, effective weed preventer
• Cons: May not kill existing weeds, can harm lawn if applied incorrectly

4. Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful, natural herbicide that can help kill clover and other weeds in your lawn. Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle, and spray it directly onto the clover. Be careful not to spray any plants you want to keep, as vinegar will kill them as well.

• Pros: Organic, effective weed killer
• Cons: May harm other plants, can be time-consuming to apply

5. Apply Compost

Compost is a natural fertilizer that can help improve the health of your lawn and make it less hospitable to clover and other weeds. Apply a thin layer of compost to your lawn in the spring or fall. The compost will help improve the soil quality, making it more difficult for clover to grow. Additionally, a healthy lawn is less prone to weeds in general.

• Pros: Organic, improves soil quality, improves overall lawn health
• Cons: May not eliminate clover completely

6. Use Boiling Water

Boiling water is another simple yet effective way to get rid of clover in your lawn. Boil a pot of water, and carefully pour it directly onto the clover. The hot water will kill the roots and prevent the clover from growing back.

• Pros: Organic, easy, no harmful chemicals
• Cons: May not completely eliminate clover, can be dangerous if not handled properly

7. Use a Natural Herbicide

If none of the organic methods seem to be working, you may want to use a natural herbicide. Natural herbicides are made from ingredients such as clove oil or citrus oil, and are generally less harmful to the environment than chemical herbicides. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions closely.

• Pros: Organic, less harmful than chemical herbicides
• Cons: May not be as effective as chemical herbicides, can still harm other plants

8. Solarize Your Lawn

Solarizing your lawn is a process that involves covering your lawn with clear plastic to trap heat and kill weeds, including clover. To solarize your lawn, cut the grass as short as possible and water it well. Cover the entire lawn with clear plastic and anchor the edges with soil or rocks. Leave the plastic in place for six to eight weeks, then remove it and reseed your lawn if necessary.

• Pros: Organic, effective weed killer
• Cons: Can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, may harm good plants if not done properly

9. Hire a Professional

If all else fails, you may want to consider hiring a professional lawn care service to help you get rid of the clover in your lawn. A lawn care professional will have the expertise and tools necessary to effectively remove the clover and keep it from coming back.

• Pros: Fast, effective
• Cons: Expensive, may use chemicals

10. Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with clover in your lawn is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Regular lawn maintenance, including mowing, watering, and fertilizing, can help keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds like clover from taking hold. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, as this can create an environment that is conducive to clover growth.

• Pros: Organic, prevention is key
• Cons: May not be enough to completely prevent clover growth

FAQs

What is clover?

Clover is a common weed that is often found in lawns. It has small, white or pink flowers and three-lobed leaves.

Is clover harmful to my lawn?

While clover is not harmful to your lawn, some people consider it a nuisance and want to remove it.

Can I just pull the clover out of my lawn?

Yes, manual removal is one of the most organic ways to remove clover from your lawn.

Will increasing my mowing height help get rid of clover?

Yes, raising your mowing height can make it harder for clover to take root and grow.

What is corn gluten meal?

Corn gluten meal is a natural, organic weed preventer that inhibits root growth and prevents weed establishment.

Can I use vinegar to kill other weeds?

Yes, vinegar can be an effective natural herbicide for several different types of weeds.

Do natural herbicides work as well as chemical herbicides?

While natural herbicides may not be as effective as chemical herbicides, they are generally less harmful to the environment.

How long should I solarize my lawn?

You should leave the plastic in place for six to eight weeks.

Can lawn care professionals remove clover from my lawn?

Yes, a professional lawn care service will have the expertise and tools necessary to effectively remove clover from your lawn.

How can I prevent clover from taking hold in my lawn?

Regular lawn maintenance, including mowing, watering, and fertilizing, can help prevent clover from taking root in your lawn.

Conclusion

If you have clover in your lawn and want to get rid of it, there are several organic methods you can use. From manual removal to applying compost and natural herbicides, there are ways to remove clover without relying on harmful chemicals. Additionally, regular lawn maintenance can help prevent clover from taking root in the first place. Remember to choose the method that works best for you and your lawn, and always follow instructions carefully.

Method	Pros	Cons
Manual Removal	Organic, inexpensive, no harmful chemicals	Time-consuming, labor-intensive
Increase Mowing Height	Organic, easy, no harmful chemicals	May not completely eliminate clover
Apply Corn Gluten Meal	Organic, effective weed preventer	May not kill existing weeds, can harm lawn if applied incorrectly
Use White Vinegar	Organic, effective weed killer	May harm other plants, can be time-consuming to apply
Apply Compost	Organic, improves soil quality, improves overall lawn health	May not eliminate clover completely
Use Boiling Water	Organic, easy, no harmful chemicals	May not completely eliminate clover, can be dangerous if not handled properly
Use a Natural Herbicide	Organic, less harmful than chemical herbicides	May not be as effective as chemical herbicides, can still harm other plants
Solarize Your Lawn	Organic, effective weed killer	Can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, may harm good plants if not done properly
Hire a Professional	Fast, effective	Expensive, may use chemicals
Prevention is Key	Organic, prevention is key	May not be enough to completely prevent clover growth