Clover: Identification and Treatment in Georgia
Clover thrives in under-fertilized lawns. Learn why it’s there, how to eliminate it, and how proper fertilization keeps it from coming back.
Weed profile
What Is Clover?
White clover is a low-growing perennial weed that spreads through stolons and seeds. Its presence usually signals low nitrogen in the soil. While some homeowners tolerate it, clover competes with grass and attracts bees to the lawn.
Identification
How to Identify Clover
Three-part (trifoliate) rounded leaflets on thin stems
White globe-shaped flower heads from spring through fall
Grows low to the ground in patches
Dark green leaves, often with a lighter V-shaped mark
Most visible in thin, under-fertilized lawns
Commonly Confused With
Oxalis (Wood Sorrel)
Oxalis has heart-shaped leaflets and yellow flowers. Clover has rounded leaflets and white flowers.
Treatment
How to Get Rid of Clover
Prevention
Maintain proper fertilization — clover thrives in low-nitrogen soil
Mow at the correct height for your grass type
Keep turf thick and healthy to outcompete clover
Pre-emergent can reduce new clover from seed but won’t stop existing plants
Professional Treatment
Post-emergent broadleaf herbicide eliminates existing clover. Combined with proper fertilization, the grass fills in the gaps left behind. Centipede grass requires carefully selected herbicides to avoid damage.
DIY vs pro
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
Store-bought broadleaf weed killers can damage sensitive grasses like centipede if you choose the wrong product. Professional treatment uses selective herbicides matched to your grass type and addresses the underlying nitrogen deficiency.
Affected grasses
Grass Types Clover Invades
Why Attaboy
Professional Clover Treatment from Attaboy
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Clover
Why does my lawn have clover?
Clover thrives in low-nitrogen soil. It fixes its own nitrogen from the air, giving it an advantage over nitrogen-starved grass. Proper fertilization is the long-term solution.
Is clover bad for my lawn?
Clover competes with grass for space and light. While it’s not destructive, it creates an uneven appearance and attracts bees. Most homeowners prefer a uniform grass lawn.
How do you get rid of clover without killing the grass?
Selective broadleaf herbicides kill clover without harming your grass. The specific product depends on your grass type — centipede requires different products than bermuda.
Related weeds
Other Weeds Active in the Same Season
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