Clover responds best to selective herbicides designed for broadleaf weeds, or to non-selective sprays if you are willing to kill the grass around it

Clover is a broadleaf plant, which means it has wider leaves than grass and a different internal structure. This matters because most lawn herbicides target either broadleaf weeds or grassy weeds, not both. If clover is your main problem, a selective broadleaf herbicide will kill it while leaving your grass standing. If you want to kill clover in a small patch without saving the surrounding grass, a non-selective spray like glyphosate works faster but will damage or kill anything it touches.

The spray you choose depends on whether you want to keep the grass underneath, how much clover you have, and how quickly you need results. Some sprays work in days; others take weeks. Some require repeat applications; others work in a single pass.

Key Takeaways

  • Selective broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D, MCPA, or dicamba kill clover while leaving grass alive, and work best on young clover in active growth.
  • Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate kill clover faster but also kill grass and other plants they contact, so use them only on isolated patches.
  • Spray clover when it is actively growing in spring or fall, not during drought or extreme heat, because stressed plants absorb herbicide poorly.
  • Most broadleaf herbicides take 7 to 14 days to show full effect; clover may look worse before it dies completely.
  • Clover often returns because seeds remain in the soil, so follow up with lawn care practices like raising mowing height and improving soil nitrogen.

Selective broadleaf herbicides: the standard choice for clover in grass

If you want to kill clover and keep your lawn, use a selective broadleaf herbicide. These products contain active ingredients like 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), MCPA, or dicamba. They are absorbed by broadleaf plants like clover but do not harm grass when used at label rates. Many lawn herbicides combine two or three of these ingredients to hit a wider range of weeds at once.

Common products include Weed B Gon, Ortho Weed B Gon, Spectracide Weed Stop, and store-brand equivalents. Read the label to confirm it lists clover as a target weed—most do, but some are formulated for other broadleaf weeds. Liquid concentrates are cheaper per process than ready-to-spray bottles, but require mixing and a sprayer.

explore selective herbicides when clover is actively growing, ideally in spring or early fall when temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Clover under stress—drought, extreme heat, or fresh mowing—absorbs herbicide poorly and may not die. Wait at least a few days after rain so the leaves are dry, but do not spray if rain is forecast within 24 hours, because the spray needs time to be absorbed before it washes off.

Expect results in 7 to 14 days. The clover will yellow, wilt, and eventually brown out. Do not be alarmed if it looks worse before it disappears—that is the herbicide working. A second process 2 to 3 weeks later catches any clover that survived the first spray or has sprouted from seed.

Non-selective herbicides: faster kill for isolated patches

Glyphosate (Roundup and generic equivalents) is a non-selective herbicide that kills almost any plant it touches. It works faster than selective herbicides—often showing visible damage within 3 to 5 days—and is cheaper per ounce. The trade-off is that it will kill grass, clover, and anything else in the spray zone.

Use glyphosate only on clover patches you do not mind killing the grass around, or on clover growing in cracks, gravel, or other areas where grass is not a concern. Spray on a calm day so drift does not reach plants you want to keep. Like selective herbicides, glyphosate works best on actively growing plants in moderate temperatures, and rain within 24 hours can reduce effectiveness.

Glyphosate is absorbed through the leaves and moves through the plant's vascular system, so it kills the whole plant including the roots. This means regrowth from the same root is less likely than with selective herbicides, though new clover can still sprout from seed in the soil.

Timing and weather conditions that affect spray success

Herbicide effectiveness depends heavily on when and how you spray. Clover in active growth absorbs and translocates (moves through) herbicide much faster than dormant or stressed clover. Spring and early fall are ideal because clover is growing vigorously and temperatures are mild. Avoid spraying during drought, heat waves, or within a few days of mowing, because the plant is stressed and less responsive.

Spray when the soil is moist but the leaves are dry. Wet leaves dilute the herbicide and reduce absorption. If it rains within 24 hours of spraying, the herbicide may wash off before it is fully absorbed—check the label for the exact rainfast window, which varies by product. Most modern formulations are rainfast within 1 to 2 hours, but older products may need 24 hours.

Temperature matters too. Herbicides work slowly or not at all below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 85 degrees, some products become less effective or may damage grass. Aim for 60 to 75 degrees if possible. Early morning or late afternoon spraying is often recommended because the plant is less stressed and the spray has time to dry before the heat of midday.

Why clover comes back and how to prevent repeat infestations

Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant—it pulls nitrogen from the air and stores it in the soil, which is why it thrives in lawns that are low in nitrogen. Killing the clover with herbicide removes the plant but not the seeds already in the soil. Those seeds can germinate for years, especially if conditions remain favorable for clover.

To reduce regrowth, explore a lawn fertilizer with nitrogen after the clover dies. This strengthens the grass and makes it more competitive against clover seedlings. Raise your mowing height to 3 to 3.5 inches—taller grass shades the soil and prevents clover seeds from germinating. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep grass roots; clover prefers shallow, moist soil.

If clover returns in the same spot within weeks, it usually means new seeds are germinating rather than the old plant regrowing. A second herbicide process will kill those seedlings, but you may need to repeat this cycle a few times before the seed bank is exhausted. Patience and consistent lawn care practices are more effective long-term than herbicide alone.

Mixing and explore herbicide safely

If you are using a liquid concentrate, mix it with water according to the label instructions. Use a pump sprayer or backpack sprayer for even coverage. Spray until the clover leaves are wet but not dripping—oversaturation wastes product and increases runoff.

Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling herbicides, and avoid breathing the spray. Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the spray has dried. Some herbicides have a waiting period before the lawn is safe for pets or play—check the label. Store herbicides in a cool, dry place away from food and animal feed, and keep them in their original containers.

Do not spray on windy days, because drift can damage nearby plants. Do not spray near water sources like ponds or streams, because many herbicides are toxic to aquatic life. If you spill herbicide, clean it up when ready with absorbent material and dispose of it according to local hazardous waste guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same herbicide spray for clover that I use for dandelions?

Most selective broadleaf herbicides kill both clover and dandelions, so yes. Check the label to confirm clover is listed as a target weed. Some products are formulated for specific weeds, so reading the label takes 30 seconds and prevents wasting money on the wrong product.

How long after spraying can I mow the lawn?

Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after spraying before mowing. The herbicide needs time to be absorbed and move through the plant. Mowing too soon can remove the treated leaves before the herbicide has done its work, reducing effectiveness. Check your product label for the exact waiting period.

Will clover die if I spray it in winter?

Clover grows slowly or goes dormant in winter depending on your climate. Dormant plants absorb herbicide poorly, so winter spraying is usually ineffective. Wait until spring when clover is actively growing. In mild climates where clover stays green year-round, winter spraying can work, but spring and fall are still more reliable.

What if I spray clover and it rains the next day?

If rain falls within the rainfast window listed on your label (usually 1 to 24 hours depending on the product), the herbicide may wash off before it is fully absorbed and the spray will be less effective. You may need to reapply after the lawn dries. Modern formulations are rainfast faster than older products, so check your specific label.

Is it safe to spray clover if I have a vegetable garden nearby?

Selective broadleaf herbicides can drift and damage vegetables, especially young plants. Spray on a calm day and keep the spray away from the garden. Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate are even riskier—a single drift droplet can kill a vegetable plant. If your garden is close, hand-pulling or spot-treating clover with a brush-on herbicide is safer than spraying.