Got clover in your lawn? You’re in luck! There are benefits of these three-leafed plants, and there are also easy ways to get rid of it if you prefer.

Lucky Clover in Your Lawn

Depending on your situation, you may actually grow clover in your grass on purpose. Here are some useful uses:

• source of natural nitrogen for fertilizing fields,
• protein-rich food for cattle and goats,
• flowers are a source of nectar for pollinators, like the honey bee.

Getting Rid of Clover in Your Yard

If you’d rather not have clover in your yard, there are ways to get rid of it. It has the ability to take over your lawn, and could hamper growth of garden plants. So, if you want it gone, start the process ASAP.

A healthy, well-fertilized lawn will keep out clover and other weeds. If dense enough, healthy grass will help prevent anything else from growing. A lack of nitrogen is what allows plants like clover to thrive. Overly compact sod can also lead to weeds. Regularly fertilizing, mowing, aerating, and de-thatching your lawn will help get rid of clover, and even prevent it from growing in the first place.

If you have a small area of clover, manually remove it before it spreads. Clover reproduces quickly, so the sooner you pull it up, the better your chances for controlling the problem. To get it all out, loosen the soil around the roots before you pull.

A broad-leaf herbicide helps kill clover in larger areas. Be careful when applying any chemicals, as they can kill your grass and other plants too. Whether it’s a large patch of clover or your entire lawn, apply an even coat of herbicide, till the soil, add some mulch and fertilizer, and start over with sod or reseeding.

If you’re feeling out of luck witg the war on clover, contact Cardinal Lawns for more ideas on how you can deal with your specific issue.