How do I get rid of clover in grass?

By Jorge Melo

A homeowner in Massachusetts asked me last week why clover keeps taking over their lawn. I hear the same thing every year. Clover moves in fast, spreads across every thin spot, and before you know it, the lawn looks patchy and uneven. What most people don’t realize is that clover isn’t the real issue. It’s a sign the lawn is struggling. Maybe the soil hasn’t been aerated in a while, maybe the lawn isn’t being watered correctly, maybe fertilizing has been inconsistent, or maybe bare patches were never reseeded. Clover grows wherever grass is weak.

The good news is that once you strengthen the lawn again, clover is easy to get rid of. The process is simple: treat the clover with a weed killer that won't kill grass, correct what caused it to spread, and build the lawn back up through better watering, fertilizing, aeration, and reseeding. These steps work extremely well on Massachusetts lawns, and they create long-term results instead of temporary fixes. Here’s exactly how to do it.

How to identify clover

White clover is the most common type we see in Massachusetts. It’s low-growing, produces white flower heads, and has three rounded leaflets marked with a faint green triangle. Red clover also appears occasionally, and that one has pink flowers. Both spread fast because they root along the ground and thrive anywhere grass is thin or stressed.

How to Get Rid of Clover on Your Lawn

Pull the clover by hand

Hand pulling works only for small patches. Loosen the soil first, then remove the entire root system. If even a small piece remains, clover comes right back. We rarely recommend this to local clients because it’s slow and often unnecessary when selective herbicides work so quickly.

Use a weed killer

Selective broadleaf products are the fastest way to eliminate clover without damaging turf. We use SpeedZone because it knocks clover down fast while protecting grass. This qualifies as a selective herbicide, which is exactly what most homeowners need. When applied correctly, it begins shrinking clover within days and usually kills it entirely in a few weeks.

Spray when the lawn is dry and temperatures are moderate. Avoid windy days and rain in the forecast. If the infestation is severe, expect to spray more than once. Clover spreads aggressively, so staying consistent matters when planning a weed control program.

What causes clover to grow in your lawn?

Underwatering

Overwatering or underwatering stresses turf and encourages clover. We see this often in towns where lawns sit in shade or heavy soil. Most lawns in Massachusetts need about one to two inches of water per week.

Nitrogen

Clover shows up fast when a lawn isn’t getting enough nutrients. It fills the weak spots because the grass isn’t strong enough to compete. When your fertilizing schedule is inconsistent, clover spreads, but when the lawn is fed properly, it grows thick enough to push clover out naturally.

Compacted soil

Compaction makes it harder for turf roots to breathe and spread. Clover handles compacted soil better than grass, especially in yards with heavy foot traffic. Aeration helps reverse this and improves your overall weed control program.

Bare patches

Thin areas are open invitations for clover. Once it roots into a bare spot, it spreads outward like a mat.

Unbalanced soil pH

White clover thrives in acidic soil. Grass prefers a balanced range between 6 and 7. Soil testing is the best way to identify this issue before it gets out of hand.

How to prevent clover in your lawn

Pre-emergent herbicide

Pre-emergents block clover seeds from germinating. They don’t kill mature clover, but they’re excellent for spring weed control and preventing new outbreaks. Avoid using them if you plan to seed soon.

Keep a well-fed lawn

Regular fertilization is one of the most effective forms of weed removal and prevention. When grass is thick and strong, clover has no room to grow. This is exactly why lawns under our lawn care services in Rochester, MA stay fuller and greener throughout the season.

Adjust mowing height

Clover grows low, so mowing too short weakens turf and invites weeds. Keep your grass on the taller side so it shades out clover and protects the soil.

FAQ's about Lawn Care

Should you remove clover?

Some homeowners like clover. Most don’t. In Massachusetts, clover spreads fast and often attracts bees, which can be a problem for families with children. Since clover competes with turf and weakens the lawn, we recommend removing it in most residential yards.

Does vinegar really kill clover?

Not effectively. Vinegar burns the top but rarely kills the roots. Clover will regrow within days. This is why selective herbicides and a strong weed control program outperform household remedies every time.

What are some other non-toxic ways to get rid of weeds?

You can use mulch, solarization, boiling water, or physical removal. These methods are slower but work in certain situations.

What’s the best fertilizer to get rid of clover?

A high-nitrogen fertilizer is the most effective option because it strengthens the grass and makes it harder for clover to spread. For most Massachusetts lawns, a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal. Look for something in the 24-0-10 or 30-0-4 range. These formulations push steady, healthy growth without burning the lawn, even in warmer weather. If the lawn is thin or has bare spots after clover treatment, you can also use a starter fertilizer (around 18-24-12) after reseeding to help new grass establish quickly. The stronger and thicker the turf becomes, the less room clover has to return.

Controlling small patches of clover

Small patches respond quickly when sprayed with a selective herbicide. Once the clover dies, rake out debris and overseed to fill gaps.

Controlling widespread clover

If clover blankets the lawn, spray in sections and follow up with seeding. We’ve fixed full-lawn clover takeovers in a few weeks by combining herbicide, seeding, and proper mowing.

Reseeding your lawn after removing clover

Rake lightly, apply quality seed, fertilize, and water twice daily until germination. This is one of the most reliable ways to strengthen turf after weed removal.

Lawn aeration & overseeding

Aeration opens the soil, reduces compaction, and helps new grass grow thicker. When we perform weed control services near New Bedford, MA, this step improves long-term results by supporting healthier, thicker grass.

What is the best lawn fertilizer?

The best fertilizer depends on your soil test, but most Massachusetts lawns perform best with a high-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer. These products help the grass thicken and grow strong enough to outcompete weeds like clover. For most properties, a blend in the 24-0-10, 26-0-12, or 30-0-4 range works well. These ratios give the lawn steady nitrogen without pushing growth too fast or risking burn during warm weather.

If the lawn is thin or patchy, especially after removing clover, you can also apply a starter fertilizer after overseeding. A common example is an 18-24-12 blend, which helps new grass roots grow quickly and fill in bare areas. Once the lawn is established, staying consistent with fertilizing in spring, summer, and fall supports strong growth, improves autumn weed control, and reduces the chance of clover returning.

How to get gravel out of grass

Use a leaf rake or landscape broom to pull gravel back toward paths or driveways. Avoid mowing over gravel because it can damage the blades.

When to aerate lawn

Fall is ideal because temperatures are cooler and moisture levels support recovery. Spring is also fine if the soil isn’t too wet.

How to get rid of lawn bugs

Use selective insect control products or call a professional if the infestation is severe. Correct watering and mowing habits help prevent pest activity.

How to treat yard for weeds

Use a targeted herbicide that matches the type of weed present. A post-emergent weed killer for lawns eliminates existing weeds without harming turf.

Can Roundup kill grass?

Yes. Roundup kills almost anything it touches. Never use it on your lawn unless you intend to kill both weeds and grass.

When to apply weed killer to lawn

Apply weed killer during active growth when temperatures are moderate. Avoid heat waves and heavy rain.

Do organic herbicides work on clover?

Organic herbicides rarely work well on clover because they don’t reach the roots.

We’ve seen many homeowners try them without success.

Does lawn fertilizer expire

Most fertilizers last a long time if kept dry and sealed. If it clumps or smells off, check the bag for storage instructions.

FAQ's About New England Tree & Landscape

Who is New England Tree & Landscape?

New England Tree & Landscape is a family-operated landscaping company based in Fairhaven, MA. For over 35 years, we’ve helped homeowners build healthier lawns with services that include fertilizing, aeration, overseeding, grading, drainage, hardscaping, and full lawn restoration.

Do you offer weed control services?

Yes. We offer targeted weed control services that include selective herbicide applications designed to eliminate clover, crabgrass, broadleaf weeds, and other invasive plants without damaging healthy turf.

Do you handle both lawn care and landscaping projects?

Yes. Our team manages full-service lawn care like fertilizing, mowing schedules, aeration, and seeding, along with larger design and installation work, including patios, walkways, plantings, and complete landscape renovations.

What lawn treatments do you recommend for clover control?

For clover, we use a combination of selective broadleaf herbicides, high-nitrogen fertilizer, aeration, and overseeding. This approach strengthens turf so clover can’t return.

Can you help if my lawn is thin or has bare patches?

Absolutely. We offer overseeding, slice seeding, soil improvement, grading, and fertilizing programs that rebuild density and improve long-term lawn health.

Do you offer seasonal lawn programs?

Yes. We offer structured programs with spring weed control, summer nutrient support, and autumn weed control to prepare the lawn for winter and prevent clover the following year.

Conclusion

If clover has taken over your lawn or you want a thick, healthy yard that naturally resists weeds, our team can help. New England Tree & Landscape provides reliable weed control services near Rochester, MA, and lawn care services in New Bedford, MA that keep lawns strong through every season. Call us today at 508-763-8000 or email request@newenglandtreeandlandscape.com. You can also visit our website at www.newenglandtreeandlandscape.com to request a free estimate.

Sources

“Benefits of Planting a Clover Lawn.” Scotts.Caayao, Janine. “How to Get Rid of Clover on Your Lawn.” Lawn Love.“How to Get Rid of Clover in Your Lawn.” NaturaLawn of America.“How to Get Rid of Clover in Your Lawn Once and for All.” MissionGreen Services.“Clover Taking Over: How to Get Rid of White Clover in Your Lawn.” Seacoast Turf Care.