White Clover (Trifolium repens)

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General Information: One of the most recognisable weeds in lawns and turf White Clover is a perennial weed and is very common on lawns throughout in the UK. This low growing weed has creeping runners that travel along the surface and can quickly colonise a lawn and choke out the grass in a short period of time.

Leaf: The leaves are divided into three leaflets with a whitish band near the base of the leaf.

Flower: The flowers can be seen between May and October. The flowers are white or pinkish in colour and more often than not grow above the leaves.

Preferred Habitat: White Clover prefers nutrient rich, moist soils. It does not like dry and shady sites.

Control: In most cases chemical control will be needed to control white clover as it is difficult to dig out by hand unless there are very few plants. You should, choose a selective weed killer that contains mecoprop-p or fluroxypyr, a further application about 6 weeks later may be needed for clover. Aim to treat White Clover during late May or early June when growth is strong for the best results. Visit our weed control page for advice and information on the application of selective weed killers. Once the weed has been removed or controlled the bare area can be filled with a mixture of suitable soil and grass seed to aid recovery.

Recommended selective weed killers for White Clover.

Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Westland Resolva lawn weed killer (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba).
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax lawn clear (fluroxypyr & mecoprop-p)
Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).
Evergreen Complete (MCPA, mecoprop-p).
Evergreen feed + weed liquid (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.

When applying chemicals to lawns always follow the manufacturers application & health and safety guidelines for the best results.

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