What Weed Spray Kills Clover?
As you stare out over your clover-covered lawns, with bees buzzing all over its white flowers, you may be wondering, what weed spray kills clover?
Given that clover is one of our country’s most crucial pasture plants, it might seem cruel. Why kill something that we rely on for stock feed and nitrogen-fixing abilities?
As much as our farmers adore it, many of our urban-dwellers do not. So, having a way to give it its marching orders before it takes over can offer much-needed peace of mind to homeowners. Read on to learn what your options are regarding the removal of clover.
What is White Clover?
There are bound to be many plants in your garden that you can’t identify. White clover may even be one of them. Clover is a creeping weed that takes up residence in garden beds and lawns throughout New Zealand. It’s also an excellent way for kids to pass the time – looking out for those elusive four-leafed clovers.
White clover has distinctive, small leaves and creeping stems. It is also commonly accompanied by bees who love to feast on the clover flower heads. Now that you know what it is, you can set about removing it.
Why Get Rid of White Clover in Your Lawn?
If you’ve got an overabundance of white clover, that often means your lawns are poorly fertilised. White clover loves fixing nitrogen levels, and it does this by spreading far and wide over your once-healthy lawn.
It’s the spreading that’s the problem. Many homeowners want lush, green lawns – not clover-covered ones with white flowers. It’s a personal choice, but people ask what weed spray kills clover because they just don’t like having it take over.
In saying that, it’s worth being aware of the benefits of clover before you send it packing. Clover can feed the honey bees, crowd out weeds, and provide free fertiliser for your lawns.
What Weed Spray Kills Clover?
Fortunately, you aren’t short of options if you’re wondering what weed spray kills clover. Depending on your brand preference, there are various options at your local garden store. One of the best weed sprays for taking care of clover is a selective herbicide. It doesn’t affect your lawn but will take care of your white clover with no problems at all.
In saying that, how well you follow the instructions of that weed spray can make all the difference to your outcome. We recommend getting in touch with a lawn care expert if you’re not sure. Some clover weed spray also advises that you spray it when weeds are growing, such as in Spring and Autumn.
Killing Clover in Garden Beds
Killing clover in lawns with weed spray is one thing, but killing it in your garden bed is another. You may require a product that won’t harm your shrubs but will take care of the clover. Some people also prefer herbicide granules that penetrate deep into the soil.
These products, like those for your lawns, work best during times of weed growth like Spring and Autumn.
For Driveways and Paths
Having clover on your driveways and paths is a frustrating problem to have, but it’s not a permanent one. There are plenty of selective herbicide products on the market that can tackle the clover that seems to grow wild on your pathways. Some of these products can tackle clover and other weed types while preventing growth for up to a year.
Killing Clover Naturally
Not everyone likes the idea of using weed spray around their sensitive plants – or even at all. In that case, you do have options. Clover tends to grow out of control when your grass isn’t fertilised. So, it makes sense to get rid of it by making it feel unwelcome.
Fertilise your lawn during Spring or Autumn. Your grass will have all the energy it needs to thrive. You can then mow your lawn high, rather than short. Your lawn prefers a bit of length, while your clover prefers it to be short. Give your lawn what it needs, not your white clover.
Leave it Alone
If you’re tired of fighting a losing battle against your clover, then lose. Clover may take over your lawn, but it can offer a myriad of different benefits that may make it worth your while to keep. Believe it or not, clover used to feature in many lawn seed mixtures.
You can manage it by mowing your lawns as you usually would and adding fertiliser to your lawns on a schedule. Over time – or maybe not – the clover may decide to leave on its own.
Leave it to the Experts
For any homeowner who refuses to give up, the alternative to weed spray and battle of wills is to leave it to the lawn experts. They know all the ins and outs of lawn weeds and can offer advice and solutions to send them packing.
You may not have the time or inclination to achieve that bowling green-like lawn, but there is always someone who does. Why not get in touch with a lawn mowing service provider to assist?