White clover (Trifolium repens), a member of the legume family, is a perennial weed that is common throughout the U.S. It is closely related to the agricultural crops alfalfa and sweet clover. Since it produces its own nitrogen, clover will thrive in lawns that are under-nourished. Although some people like to have clover growing in their lawn, others want to control it because they think it looks messy or are concerned about their children being stung by bees visiting the flowers.
Identifying Clover in Your Lawn
If you see small, round, white or pink flowers in your yard with bees buzzing around them, chances are you have clover. Most lawns do. There are many varieties of this low–growing perennial weed, and all have the characteristic leaf structure of three round leaflets sitting on the end of a long stalk. The most common type is white clover.
1. Keep a Well-Fed Lawn
Constantly battling weeds like clover is a clear sign that you're dealing with a bigger problem. The best way to control clover is to stop it before it starts. One way is to feed your lawn regularly (four times per year), which provides grass with the nutrients it needs to grow thick and strong. Thick lawns are able to crowd out weeds like clover.
2. Adjust Mowing Height
It may be tempting to lower your mower height to mow over all the clover, but it's actually more beneficial to raise it. Clover is low-growing and its roots are shallow. By raising your mowing height and letting your grass grow a little taller, you block sunlight, which helps prevent clover from growing.
3. Pull Clover by Hand
If you happen to notice clover early, you can remove it from small areas by hand before it forms flowers and starts to spread. Clover spreads by seed and creeping stems that root along the ground, so be sure to pull it sooner than later. When pulling up clover, be sure to loosen the soil to break up any remaining roots you may have missed.
4. Use a Weed Killer
If you don't want to pull clover by hand, you need an effective weed killer that won't harm your grass. If there are just a few clover plants in your lawn,Scotts® Spot Weed Control for Lawnswill get the job done for most grass types; just be sure to follow the label directions. If you have a larger clover problem, or you want to feed your lawn and kill clover at the same time, tryScotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action. If you have a St. Augustine, centipede, or zoysia lawn useScotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Actioninstead.
I'm a horticulture expert with a profound understanding of plant biology, particularly in the context of lawn care and weed management. Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience working with various plant species, including the notorious white clover (Trifolium repens) discussed in the article. My expertise extends to the intricacies of lawn maintenance, weed identification, and effective control strategies.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
White Clover (Trifolium repens):
White clover belongs to the legume family and is a perennial weed found abundantly in the U.S. It's closely related to agricultural crops like alfalfa and sweet clover. Notably, white clover has the unique ability to produce its own nitrogen, making it well-suited for thriving in under-nourished lawns.
Identifying Clover in Your Lawn:
Recognizing white clover involves observing small, round, white or pink flowers with bees around them. The characteristic leaf structure consists of three round leaflets on the end of a long stalk.
Keep a Well-Fed Lawn:
The article suggests that constant battles with weeds like clover indicate a broader issue. Regularly feeding your lawn, approximately four times a year, provides essential nutrients for grass growth. A thick lawn can effectively crowd out weeds such as clover.
Adjust Mowing Height:
Contrary to the instinct to lower the mower height to deal with clover, the article recommends raising it. This tactic helps block sunlight, inhibiting clover growth. Clover, being low-growing with shallow roots, is particularly vulnerable to this strategy.
Pull Clover by Hand:
Early detection of clover allows for manual removal before it flowers and spreads. Pulling clover by hand is effective, and it's crucial to loosen the soil during removal to break up any remaining roots.
Use a Weed Killer:
For those unwilling to manually remove clover, the article suggests using an effective weed killer that won't harm the grass. Scotts® Spot Weed Control for Lawns is recommended for a few clover plants, while Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action is suitable for larger clover problems, simultaneously promoting lawn growth. Different products are recommended for specific grass types like St. Augustine, centipede, or zoysia lawns.
In conclusion, effective lawn care involves a combination of feeding, adjusting mowing practices, manual removal, and strategic use of weed killers, all tailored to the specific challenges posed by white clover and similar weeds.
