Clover is one of the most common weeds that are found in lawns across different regions, especially in lawns that are not well maintained or if they are not well fed.
Even though clover is mostly harmless by itself but many people don’t like clover in their lawns and just want to maintain or keep grass exclusive lawn. Clover belongs to the legume family and is the perennial weed which is commonly found across the board. Clover has the capability of producing nitrogen of its own and it can thrive in under-nourished lawns.
The clover looks messy and is often visited by bees that might potentially bite people, especially children on the lawn. This is the reason why many people choose to get rid of the clover from their lawns and backyards.
There are several ways or methods in which you can choose to get rid of clover. There are commercial products, herbicides, and chemicals available in the market that does the work of removing clover from the garden. However, if you want to do it naturally then it is possible to get naturally rid of the clover.
Different ways of removing clover
It is crucial to have information and necessary knowledge about the different methods as well as multiple aspects of clover removal if you are looking to get rid of it from your lawn or garden. Some of the methods of clover removal include the application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer, treating the clover with herbicide, using ammonia for burning the clover amongst others.
Alternatively, if you want to get rid of the clover naturally then there are also some effective as well as efficient ways in which you can do it.
Some of these methods include spraying clover with soap and vinegar mixture, using corn gluten on clover, placement of plastic over clover. If you want to prevent the rise and spread of clover then some of the common ways in which you achieve that include lawn fertilization for keeping clover away, pulling clover with hand fork for prevention from spreading, mowing the lawn high to keep out clover and watering the lawn regularly. Now let us have a look at some of these natural methods of removing clover and keeping clover away from your gardens, lawns, and backyards.
Soap and vinegar to remove clover
Spraying clover with soap and vinegar mixture: In this method, you must get 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon dish soap and 180 ml water in a spray bottle.
Then spray the clover with this solution as a form of spot treatment which will lead to the killing of clover.
One important point to consider here is that you must avoid spraying the solution on any of the surrounding grass or plants as it might cause harm and damage them.
Corn gluten to remove clover
Using corn gluten on clover: The corn gluten is a form of natural herbicide that can be used to get rid of the clover by killing it. You must specifically lookout for the powdered form of corn gluten to sprinkle on the clover.
In terms of quantity ideally, you should go for 9.1 kg corn gluten for each 1000 sq feet of the lawn. Once you have applied the corn gluten over the clover you must water it and then allow the area to be dry for a period of 2 to 3 days so that the gluten will be able to kill off the clover.
However, if you notice that the clover has not died after 4 to 6 weeks you can apply the gluten again.
Plastic sheet to remove clover
Placement of plastic sheet over the gluten to kill it: You can choose to put a plastic tarp or the garbage bag over clover and make sure the ends are secured with the rocks. You will then have to leave it as it is for a few weeks so that clover can be deprived of the oxygen and sunlight.
You have to ensure that the clover remains covered in the tarp all the time so that it doesn’t get the necessary light or oxygen and it ends up and dies. This method is a good option for you especially if you have a large area of the lawn occupied by clover since it can be covered by the massive tarp of plastic sheet.
If you are tired of clearing and removing clover from your lawn all the time then you must take the necessary steps which will prevent the clover from growing and spreading in your lawn. Let us have a look at some of the ways and methods in which you can prevent the growth as well as the spread of clover.
Fertilization to stop the spread of clover
Fertilization of lawns to help keep clover away: Using the nitrogen-rich fertilizer on your lawn will help in maintaining it and preventing the weeds such as clover from growing.
The fertilization of the lawn every year, especially in the spring, helps the lawn stay healthy by making it less prone to pests and weeds.
Tools to remove clover
Pulling clover with your hand or fork for prevention from spreading: If you are inspecting the lawn and find that their patches of the clover that are growing in the lawn then you can choose hand fork for digging them out. When you are digging the clover out you have to ensure that the roots of the clover are removed too so that it does not grow back.
Lawnmower high to prevent clover
Mowing the lawn high to keep out clover: When mowing the lawn setting your mower at a setting of 3-3.5 inches of height and ensure that the grass is not being cut too short, the mower shouldn’t be made to go lower than the measurement of 1-1.5 inches at the time of mowing the lawn.
When you keep the grass tall it helps in blocking out the sunlight which essentially feeds the clover as well as other weeds and thus when you deprive them of the sunlight it prevents them from growing and spreading.
Can watering lawn prevent clover?
Watering the lawn regularly to prevent clover: One way in which you can keep clover as well as other weeds away from your lawn is by ensuring that the grass is always green and well-watered.
You must regularly water the lawn in terms of 1 inch of water, once or twice, every week, early morning so that it remains healthy as well as vibrant. A dry lawn is deprived of the necessary nutrients and therefore will never be strong enough to fight or tackle the weeds such as clover.
So the maintenance and the health of the lawn also play a vital role in ensuring that weeds stay away from the lawn and you get the desired results.
Purchasing clover removal products from the market
You can find several products that are natural and organic for removing clover in the lawn.
For instance, Natural Weed Killer is one such natural product that does the job of removing the clover from the soil.
If you are looking to purchase such products from the market then it is imperative that you do some research to see if products are working for others and this one doesn’t disappoint it seems.
First of all, you must find out the ingredients that have been used in the manufacture of the product so that you can understand the impact it can have on your soil as well as other plants and vegetations.
Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer seems to fit the bill on the natural front it says it’s made from ocean saltwater and you can’t get much more natural than that. As well as this you must also look out for the manufacturer and their expertise in producing good quality lawn care products.
This is important because there are many products out there in the market that are sub-standard and which end up doing more damage than good. Thus you must always purchase products from the manufacturer that is trusted and which has a reliable track record of producing the desired effect as well as good quality products.
Something that you can also do is read the reviews as well as feedback from the customers who have already purchased and used that specific product. Many customers provide their honest opinion on the quality as well as the effectiveness of the product and which helps a great deal in guiding other potential customers in their choice.
When purchasing any weed killer from the market it is also important for you to read all the instructions on how that specific product must be used and how it will affect the crops or greens.
You must also check out any potential side effects or similar warnings that might come with the product.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you in finding a way on how to get rid of clover naturally, we have tried to cover as many different ways as possible.
Weeds can be hard to shift from your lawn and clover is no different at times but be president and you will win the battle.
We wish you the best of luck in getting rid of your clover problem.