How to identify and control white clover?

What is White Clover (Trifolium repens)?

White clover, a member of the legume family, is a common weed in managed turf areas.

How to Identify White Clover?

There are many varieties of this low-growing perennial weed, but white clover is the most commonly found in lawns. It is easily identified by its characteristic trifoliate leaf structure, with three leaflets at the end of a long stalk. Each leaf is vaguely tear-shaped, often featuring a white crescent towards the bottom. The flowers are white, sometimes tinged with pink, and attract many insects. They bloom between May and October, measuring around 15-20 mm in diameter.

How Does White Clover Grow?

This low-growing perennial weed has creeping, spreading stems along which roots readily grow. White clover thrives in all types of soil but is most commonly found in medium to heavy alkaline soils with low fertility. It can tolerate dry conditions due to its deep taproot, which anchors it into the ground. Its ability to ‘fix’ nitrogen and store it in its root nodes allows it to remain green during dry summers, even when the grass turns brown.

How to Control White Clover in Cultural Lawns?

White clover is a persistent weed, often tolerant of close mowing and difficult to control with cultural methods alone.

• Hand Removal: Remove small plants by hand before they become too widespread.
• Adequate Nutrition: Ensure grass plants receive adequate nutrition by applying a suitable lawn fertilizer at regular intervals throughout the growing season. This creates a dense, healthy sward, minimizing spaces for weed invasion and maintaining competition against the clover. Avoid fertilizers containing phosphorus, which can favor clover growth.
• Pre-Mowing Preparation: Rake or brush the sward before mowing to lift flowers and leaves for easier removal. Always box off clippings to retain plant debris.
• Regular Mowing: Mow regularly and at an appropriate cutting height to remove flower heads before the clover sets seed and to maintain sward density.

Chemical Control Solutions for White Clover

White clover can be controlled relatively easily using a selective herbicide. Products containing the active ingredients mecoprop-P and/or dicamba provide the most reliable control, usually eliminating clover after one or two applications. Apply when the weed is actively growing, typically between April and October. Repeat if necessary.