Clover tends to grow continuously in a place where they once appeared. If they do not bother you, let them stay as they are beneficial. You can also keep track of them in a journal. If you don’t like how your lawn looks with the clovers growing in it, get rid of them.
But first, are there any benefits to having Clover in your lawn?
Benefits of Clover
Clovers have the following benefits to your lawn:
1. The plants will add fertility to your lawn
Clover has bacteria in their roots. The bacteria absorb nitrogen from the air, which they do not need to use. The nitrogen absorbed enriches your soil. When you plant clover together with grass, you will not have to incur additional expenses buying fertilizers, yet your grass will flourish as a result of the nitrogen available.
2. Clovers prevent other types of weeds from growing in your lawn
If you are fond of low mowing your loan, the umbrella-like leaves of clovers will provide shade for the ground, which prevents the growth of weeds.
If you don’t want the benefits that clovers come with, you have to get rid of the plants. Clovers are stubborn. Mowing them will be just a temporary fix, as they will sprout after some time.
Varieties of Clovers that can Grow in Your Lawn
1. White clover
This is the most common type and can grow in any soil condition. This type has tall stems and develops little white flowers which resemble a ball.
2. Yellow clover
This type is most common in lawns with weaker grass. It spreads very fast when not monitored closely.
Why does clover grow in lawns?
Clovers do not grow in your lawn out of coincidence. There are various factors which lead to their growth. They all have something to do with the quality of soil in the lawn. They include:
1. The soil has a deficiency of nutrients
Most plants require nutrients to grow and thrive. Clover is different. It gets nitrogen from the air; it does not need to get it from the soil, unlike other common plants. Low levels of nitrogen in the soil can be as a result of cold weather or excessive use of synthetic fertilizers. To avoid this, always use organic or slow-release fertilizers in your lawn. Compacted soil
Over time, the internal structure of soil gets compacted. Thus squeezes out essential nutrients and oxygen from the soil. Clover will not have problems growing n such kind of soil. You can provide aeration in the soil b digging it out.
2. Unsuitable soil PH
If the soil becomes too acidic, most plants and grass will not grow in it. Clover can grow in such soils. To balance the PH of your soil, you have to test its PH and use various chemicals such as lime to fix it.
3. Dry soil
If the soil does not get enough moisture, it encourages the growth of weeds, including clover. Always water your garden to discourage the growth of weeds.
4. Over irrigated soil
Excess water in the soil can wash out the nitrogen. Excessive rain or excessive irrigation may wash the nitrogen and invite the growth of clover.
How to Get Rid of the Clovers
1. Start by identifying the clover
Clover produces white or pink rounded flowers which attract bees and butterflies.
2. Deprive the clover of sunlight
If you use this method, you will also be sacrificing your grass. Simply get a large plastic sheet and put it on top of the lawn. Secure the perimeter of the sheet so that the wind will not make it fly off. Let it stay covered for a few weeks. Since it is not receiving sunlight or oxygen, the clover will die naturally. You can then start on new grass.
3. Uproot it
Uproot clover the first time you spot it growing on your lawn,. This will prevent further spread. Get rid of all the roots too. Uprooting your clover may not be effective if the clover has spread widely.
4. Add fertilizer to your lawn
A lawn whose soil is rich in nutrients will not support the growth of clover. The plant prefers soils which are deprived of nutrients.
5. Mow high
Low mowing provides ideal conditions for the growth of clover. If you mow high, the tall grass will provide shade of the clover, which discourages it from growing further. This is one of the easiest methods to get rid of clover. Clover grows laterally. If the grass is tall, it will starve it.
6. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer on your lawn
Spray the fertilizer directly on the clover. An organic slow-release fertilizer will be ideal if the spread of the clover is not significant in your lawn. If the lawn has spread significantly, use a quick releasing nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
7. Use herbicides
Using herbicides kills clover fast. Buy approved herbicides from trusted dealers and read the usage instructions carefully before using it. The herbicides contain chemicals which disrupt the growth patterns of the plants. Some of the herbicides do not cause any harm to your grass. However, they can be harmful to other plants and insects.
8. Use ammonia
The perfect time for applying ammonia on your lawn is a day after it rains. If not, water the lawn and then apply ammonia the next day. Buy ammonium sulfate for lawns and follow the usage instructions. Avoid applying it on your grass.
9. Douse the clover
Dousing involves the mixing of vinegar and dish soap. Us a spray bottle to spray the clovers with the mixture. Avoid spraying on the surrounding plants. Only spray where you spot the clover. The vinegar eats the cuticle of the leaves. The dish soap helps the vinegar to stay long on the leaves, promoting the effectiveness of this method.
10. Apply organic fertilizers regularly
Make organic fertilizers from animal waste or plants. They help in the addition of nitrogen in the soil. The frequency of fertilizing the soil will be determined by various factors such as the climatic conditions of your area. Generally, apply the fertilizer at least four times a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There are some herbicides which will only kill the clovers. Still, you can use a homemade herbicide and spray it on the clovers only.
You can kill the clover if you feel like your lawn is not appealing any more, mostly when the clover has spread widely.
Yes. The roots release nitrogen which encourages the growth of the grass.
Yes. The roots release nitrogen which encourages the growth of the grass.
Although clover will not overtake grass in your garden, it acts as a competitor for water. Since it grows laterally and spreads fast, it can appear to be exceeding the grass.
Vinegar will kill clovers and won’t spare your grass. When applying it, be careful not to apply it on the grass. Being an acid, it damages the cuticles of the surface of the leaves and the stems. This makes the plants dry out, and eventually dry.
Wrapping it up
Although clover may be beneficial in your lawn, it makes it less appealing, mainly when it has spread widely. Since it is very stubborn, it is hard to get rid of it, unlike other common weeds. If you employ the methods discussed above, you will successfully eradicate clover from your lawn.
