Best Clover Killer for Lawns

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Clover can be an unwelcome presence in lawns, often competing with grass for nutrients and water. While some homeowners appreciate its green look and flowers, many prefer a uniform grass lawn. Clover killers are herbicides specifically designed to eliminate clover while preserving the surrounding grass. These products come in various forms, including liquid sprays, granules, and weed-and-feed options, using active ingredients to disrupt clover’s growth. Some are contact herbicides, targeting visible parts, while others are systemic, absorbed to kill the plant at the root. When selecting a clover killer, consider your lawn’s grass type, the affected area, desired speed of results, and safety, especially with pets or children. We tested several clover killers to find the most effective options for different lawn needs.

  • Bonide Chickweed and Clover Killer

    10

    We recommend this powerful weed killer for lawns plagued by stubborn clover and chickweed.

    10

    We recommend this powerful weed killer for lawns plagued by stubborn clover and chickweed.

    Pros

    • Kills over 100 tough weeds
    • Safe for grass when used correctly
    • Covers up to 5,000 square feet

    Cons

    • Requires mixing before use
    • May need multiple applications
    • Can leak if packaging is damaged

    We put Bonide’s Chickweed and Clover Killer to the test on our own lawns. This concentrated formula packs a punch against pesky weeds like clover, dandelions, and ground ivy. We mixed it up and sprayed it on a clover-infested area. Within days, we saw the weeds start to wilt and die off.

    One thing we really liked was how it didn’t harm our grass. We were worried about bare patches, but the lawn stayed green and healthy. The product also goes a long way – one bottle can treat a huge area. This makes it a good value for larger yards.

    We did find that some tough weeds needed a second spray. It’s also important to follow the mixing instructions carefully. We accidentally spilled some concentrate, and it left a small dead spot. But when used right, this weed killer is a lawn’s best friend. It’s a solid choice for anyone battling clover or chickweed in their yard.

  • Ortho WeedClear Lawn Spray

    9.7

    We recommend Ortho WeedClear for effectively killing lawn weeds without harming grass.

    9.7

    We recommend Ortho WeedClear for effectively killing lawn weeds without harming grass.

    Pros

    • Kills over 250 weed types
    • Easy-to-use spray wand
    • Fast-acting formula

    Cons

    • May require repeat applications
    • Strong chemical smell
    • Slightly pricey for large areas

    We tried Ortho WeedClear on our weed-infested test lawn and saw quick results. Within hours, dandelions and clover started wilting. The comfort wand made spraying a breeze – no pumping needed.

    After a few days, most weeds were completely dead. Our grass stayed green and healthy. We liked that it’s rainproof after drying, so a sudden shower didn’t ruin our work.

    The 1-gallon size covered our whole yard. For tough weeds, we did a second spray a week later. While it worked great, the smell was strong at first. We made sure to keep pets away until it dried. For big lawns, buying multiple jugs can get expensive. But for average yards, we think it’s worth it to zap weeds fast.

  • Bonide Clover Crusher

    9.5

    We recommend this effective weed killer for tackling stubborn clover and other broadleaf weeds in lawns.

    9.5

    We recommend this effective weed killer for tackling stubborn clover and other broadleaf weeds in lawns.

    Pros

    • Kills clover and other tough weeds to the root
    • Covers a large 5,000 sq ft area
    • Fast-acting formula shows results quickly

    Cons

    • Lacks clear mixing instructions
    • May require multiple applications for best results
    • Not suitable for all grass types

    We tested Bonide’s Clover Crusher on our own lawns and were impressed with how quickly it went to work. Within 24 hours, we noticed clover and chickweed starting to wilt and die off. The systemic formula really does kill weeds down to the roots.

    One thing to watch out for is the lack of clear mixing instructions on the bottle. We had to experiment a bit to find the right concentration. We found that about 2-3 ounces per gallon of water in a pump sprayer worked well for us. Adding a small amount of dish soap helped it stick to the leaves better.

    For tough weeds like oxalis, we needed to do a second application after about a week. But after two treatments, even the most stubborn weeds were gone. Just be careful using it on warm-season grasses like Bermuda, as it can cause some browning. Overall, we think this is a solid choice for controlling clover and other broadleaf weeds in most lawns.

  • Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed

    9.4

    We recommend this product for its dual-action formula that kills weeds while feeding your lawn.

    9.4

    We recommend this product for its dual-action formula that kills weeds while feeding your lawn.

    Pros

    • Kills over 50 types of weeds
    • Easy to apply with a spreader
    • Promotes thick, green grass

    Cons

    • Not suitable for all grass types
    • Requires specific weather conditions
    • Can’t water lawn for 24 hours after use

    We tried Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed on our lawn, and the results were impressive. The granules were easy to spread using a Scotts rotary spreader. We made sure to apply it when the grass was wet from morning dew, which helped the product stick to weed leaves.

    After a few weeks, we noticed a big drop in clover and dandelions. The lawn looked thicker and greener too. It was nice to see the weeds dying off while the grass got healthier. We liked that it targets so many weed types, not just one or two.

    One thing to watch out for is the weather. You need to apply it when it’s between 60°F and 90°F outside, with no rain in the forecast for 24 hours. This limits when you can use it. Also, it’s not for all grass types, so check if it works for your lawn first. But for the grass types it does work on, we found it to be a solid 2-in-1 solution for a weed-free, lush lawn.

  • Ortho Weed B-Gon Clover Killer

    9.3

    We recommend this product for its effectiveness against tough lawn weeds like clover and oxalis.

    9.3

    We recommend this product for its effectiveness against tough lawn weeds like clover and oxalis.

    Pros

    • Kills many stubborn weeds
    • Rainproof after 6 hours
    • Works on several grass types

    Cons

    • Requires mixing before use
    • May harm some grass varieties
    • Not for use above 90°F

    We tried Ortho Weed B-Gon on our lawn and saw great results. It tackled clover, chickweed, and oxalis that other weed killers couldn’t touch. The concentrate mixes easily – we used 1 oz per gallon of water to cover 200 square feet.

    One bottle treats a big area – up to 3,200 square feet. That’s a lot of lawn! We liked that it became rainproof after just 6 hours. This meant we didn’t have to worry about rain washing away our hard work.

    Be careful when using this product. It works on many grass types, but can harm some. Check the label to make sure it’s safe for your lawn. Also, don’t use it when it’s really hot outside. We found it worked best on actively growing weeds in cooler weather.

  • Bonide Weed Zapper Spray

    9.1

    We recommend this ready-to-use spray for effectively eliminating clover and other tough weeds without harming your lawn.

    9.1

    We recommend this ready-to-use spray for effectively eliminating clover and other tough weeds without harming your lawn.

    Pros

    • Kills over 100 weed types
    • Easy-to-use spray nozzle
    • Fast-acting formula

    Cons

    • May require multiple applications
    • Strong odor
    • Not for use on all grass types

    We tried Bonide’s Weed Zapper Spray on a lawn full of clover and were impressed by its quick results. The spray nozzle made application a breeze, and we noticed wilting weeds within hours.

    One thing we liked was how it targeted weeds without damaging the grass. We sprayed it on a sunny day and saw major improvement in just 24 hours. The clover started curling up and turning brown.

    We found it worked best when we didn’t mow for a couple days before and after use. It rained the day after we sprayed, but the product had already soaked in and kept working. While it zapped most weeds, some stubborn ones needed a second dose.

  • Ortho WeedClear Spray

    9

    We recommend Ortho WeedClear for its quick and effective clover-killing action without harming most lawn grasses.

    9

    We recommend Ortho WeedClear for its quick and effective clover-killing action without harming most lawn grasses.

    Pros

    • Kills over 250 weed types
    • Works on many grass varieties
    • Visible results within hours

    Cons

    • May not work on all weeds
    • Requires careful application
    • Not for use on all grass types

    We tested Ortho WeedClear on our clover-infested lawn and saw impressive results. The ready-to-spray bottle made application easy – we just attached our garden hose and started spraying. Within a few hours, we noticed the clover starting to wilt.

    After a week, most of the clover was completely dead. The product didn’t harm our Kentucky bluegrass or fescue. We did notice it struggled a bit with some stubborn dandelions, requiring a second application.

    One thing to keep in mind is that Ortho WeedClear isn’t meant for all grass types. It’s not safe for Floratam St. Augustine grass, so check the label if you’re unsure about your lawn variety. We also learned it’s crucial to follow the instructions closely to avoid over-application, which could stress your grass.

  • Scotts TouchUp Weed Spray

    8.7

    We recommend this product for spot-treating lawn weeds without harming grass.

    8.7

    We recommend this product for spot-treating lawn weeds without harming grass.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-use spray bottle
    • Targets common weeds like dandelions and clover
    • Safe for most lawn grasses

    Cons

    • May need multiple applications
    • Not effective on all weed types
    • Limited coverage area

    We tested Scotts TouchUp Weed Control on our lawns and found it handy for quick weed removal. The 24-ounce spray bottle is perfect for tackling small weed patches. We liked how it targets pesky dandelions and clover without damaging the surrounding grass.

    Our team sprayed some crabgrass patches, and while it didn’t completely eliminate them, it did slow their growth. For best results, we had to apply it a few times over a couple of weeks. The spray nozzle made it easy to aim at specific weeds without accidentally hitting flowers or garden plants.

    We noticed the smell was strong at first but faded after a day. The bottle lasted longer than we expected, treating several small areas in our yards. It’s not a fix for large weed problems, but it’s great for keeping your lawn tidy between major treatments.

  • Gordon’s SpeedZone Weed Killer

    8.7

    We think Gordon’s SpeedZone is a top choice for most homeowners looking to quickly and effectively eliminate weeds without harming their lawn.

    8.7

    We think Gordon’s SpeedZone is a top choice for most homeowners looking to quickly and effectively eliminate weeds without harming their lawn.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula shows results in hours
    • Covers a large area (up to 18,000 sq ft)
    • Safe for most grass types

    Cons

    • Can’t be shipped to some states
    • May require careful mixing to avoid grass damage
    • Pricier than some alternatives

    We tried Gordon’s SpeedZone on our own lawns and were impressed by how quickly it worked. Within just a few hours, we saw weeds starting to wilt and die off. This quick action is great for getting your yard ready for events or if you’re just tired of looking at pesky weeds.

    The coverage area is a big plus. One 20-ounce bottle can treat up to 18,000 square feet, which is enough for most large yards. We found this especially handy for tackling widespread weed problems without having to buy multiple bottles.

    When using SpeedZone, we noticed it didn’t harm our grass when applied as directed. This is crucial for keeping your lawn looking its best while getting rid of unwanted plants. Just be careful with the mixing ratio – we learned the hard way that too strong a mix can leave dead patches in the grass.

  • Southern Ag 2,4-D Weed Killer

    8.6

    We recommend this effective broadleaf weed killer for its strong performance and great value.

    8.6

    We recommend this effective broadleaf weed killer for its strong performance and great value.

    Pros

    • Tackles many tough weeds
    • Low use rate saves money
    • Works well on lawns and pastures

    Cons

    • Strong smell
    • Needs careful application
    • May harm some plants

    We tried Southern Ag’s 2,4-D Weed Killer on our test lawn and were impressed by its quick work on stubborn weeds. This liquid formula packs a punch against dandelions, clover, and other broadleaf invaders.

    The concentrated formula goes a long way. We only needed a small amount to cover a large area. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for treating big lawns or fields.

    One thing to note – it has a strong odor. We made sure to wear gloves and follow the mixing instructions carefully. It’s potent stuff, so take care not to get it on plants you want to keep.

    We saw results within days. Weeds started wilting and dying off, leaving the grass untouched. For tough weeds, we did a second application after two weeks.

    This weed killer works best when sprayed on actively growing weeds. We found it most effective in spring and early summer. It also worked well as a spot treatment for problem areas throughout the growing season.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a clover killer, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Active Ingredients

Check the label for ingredients like 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP. These target broadleaf weeds like clover while sparing grass.

Coverage Area

Calculate your lawn size and choose a product that covers enough square footage. Buying too little can leave the job unfinished.

Selectivity

Look for “selective” herbicides that kill clover but not grass. Non-selective options may harm your whole lawn.

Application Method

Consider if you prefer a spray, granular, or concentrate formula. Sprays offer precise control, while granules are easy to spread.

Safety

Read safety warnings carefully. We suggest choosing products safe for kids and pets after drying.

Persistence

Some formulas keep working for weeks or months. Others need reapplication sooner. Pick based on your needs.

Weather Resistance

If rain is common in your area, look for “rainproof” products that won’t wash away easily.

Speed

Check how quickly the product claims to work. Fast-acting formulas show results in days, while others take weeks.

By weighing these factors, we can pick a clover killer that fits our lawn care needs and preferences.