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You want clover out of your lawn, but you do not want to hurt the grass you have worked to grow. The right herbicide for clover in lawns tells the difference between a broadleaf weed and your turf, so you can spray the clover without turning your yard brown. You need a selective chemical that kills clover at the root while leaving your Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue alone.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are facing a patch of creeping Charlie or an entire lawn dotted with clover, picking the right herbicide for clover in lawns matters — the wrong formula either does nothing or leaves bare dirt behind. Below you will find the top six options ranked by performance, coverage, and how fast you see results.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Herbicide For Clover In Lawns
Not every weed killer is built for clover. Many products only knock down the top growth, leaving the root system ready to regrow in a few weeks. Clover is a broadleaf plant with a sturdy taproot (a deep, central root that goes straight down), so you need a selective herbicide that travels through the leaves and into the roots. The most reliable active ingredients for clover are Trimec (a three-way blend of 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba) and Mesotrione. Both kill clover without harming common cool-season turf grasses when used correctly.
Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use
Ready-to-use formulas come in a spray bottle and are great for spot-treating a few patches, but they cost more per square foot. Concentrates require mixing with water in a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer and give you far more coverage for the same money. If your lawn has more than small scattered clumps, a concentrate is the better value in the long run.
Application Timing and Weather
For the best kill rate, apply when clover is young and actively growing, which is typically in spring or early fall. Avoid spraying when temperatures climb above 90°F or when rain is expected within 24 hours, because the chemical needs time to absorb into the leaf. Most users see wilting within 24 hours, but full root death can take two to three weeks.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Liquid Volume | Active Ingredient | Coverage | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilome Weed Free Zone★ Best Overall | Fast knockdown clover | 32 oz | Dicamba | Full | Amazon |
| PBI/Gordon TrimecMaximum Coverage | Maximum coverage | 1 gal | Trimec | 32,000 to 64,000 sq ft | Amazon |
| Southern Ag Trimec | Budget clover control | 32 oz | Trimec | — | Amazon |
| Ortho WeedClear Comfort Wand | Easy spot treating | 1.33 gal | Broadleaf complex | — | Amazon |
| Bonide Chickweed Clover & Oxalis | Large clover areas | 128 oz | Dicamba, Triclopyr | 10,000 sq ft | Amazon |
| Liquid Harvest Mesotrione | Stubborn weeds & reseeding | 16 oz | Mesotrione | 2,000 sq ft | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Fertilome Weed Free Zone (32 oz)
Our pick — 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The fastest clover killer that spares every major grass type you probably have.
This concentrate hits clover with Dicamba, and buyers report they see injury within hours, not days. Fertilome claims it controls over 80 broadleaf weeds including clover, spurge, chickweed, and thistle, all while staying safe on Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and Zoysiagrass. Unlike the slower-acting Ortho WeedClear below, this one starts working the same day you spray.
The liquid volume is 32 Fluid Ounces, the same container size as the Southern Ag Trimec below, but Fertilome packs a higher concentration of the active ingredient. One reviewer noted: “This product sets the gold standard as the ONLY product that kills creeping charlie overnight.” That speed is a real advantage if you are watching clover spread week by week.
The trade-off is that you need to mix it yourself, and some users found the label mixing instructions too weak for heavy infestations, requiring a second application at a stronger ratio. Still, for rapid, grass-safe clover control across a wide range of weed types, this is the one to beat.
Why it leads the list
- Visible wilting within hours of application
- Safe on 5 major turf types including Bermuda and Zoysia
- Controls over 80 different broadleaf weeds with one bottle
One real hurdle
- Label mixing rate may be too weak for established clover; some users needed a stronger mix
The short verdict: Reach for this if you want the fastest visible results and have a mix of clover plus other broadleaf weeds. Look elsewhere if you want a ready-to-use spray and prefer not to measure and mix.
Smart buyer note: Because it is a concentrate, you get more applications per bottle than a ready-to-use product, but you also need a separate sprayer.
2. PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer (1 gal)
The gallon-size workhorse that covers up to 64,000 square feet of clover-filled lawn.
If you have a big yard and do not want to buy a new bottle every month, the PBI/Gordon Trimec delivers the largest coverage of any product here at 32,000 to 64,000 square feet per gallon. It uses the proven Trimec formula (a patented three-way blend of 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba) known for killing hard-to-control weeds like clover and creeping Charlie while being safe for cool-season grasses.
At 1 gallon (128 Fluid Ounces), it holds 4 times the liquid volume of the Fertilome Weed Free Zone (32 oz) above, making it a far better value for whole-lawn treatment. Owners mention that it kills creeping Charlie in two to three days and Virginia Buttonweed in about two weeks on St. Augustine turf. A reviewer with decades of experience called it the best weed killer they had ever used.
The catch is that it is a concentrate designed for sprayers, not a grab-and-go bottle. Some users recommend doubling or tripling the mixture rate for thick, stubborn clover, which means you need to be comfortable adjusting ratios yourself.
Best for the big lawn: The coverage numbers alone make this the economical choice if your clover problem spans more than a few patches.
Not ideal for: Small yards or apartment balconies where a gallon will last years and the mixing instructions feel like overkill.
The big-yard verdict: This is the one to buy if you want to kill clover across an entire acre without buying multiple bottles. skip it if you have a small urban lawn and hate mixing chemicals.
3. Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer (128 oz)
A ready-to-use spray that targets chickweed and clover by name on the label.
Bonide puts its mission in the product name: it is specifically designed for chickweed, clover, and oxalis, and it covers 10,000 square feet per bottle. The active ingredients are Dicamba and Triclopyr, a combination that attacks both the leaves and the root system. The liquid volume is 128 Fluid Ounces, which is 4 times the 32-ounce size of the Fertilome and Southern Ag concentrates above, though those are concentrates that make more solution, so the comparison is about convenience rather than raw power.
Customers note it is effective on clover, dandelions, and chickweed, with visible dying by the next day. One buyer mentioned that the hand sprayer that comes with the bottle is poor for large lawns, so you may want to use a separate pump sprayer for better coverage. Another noted that it did not work well on their clover, but that experience seems less common across the 969 ratings.
The real advantage here is that it is ready to use — no mixing, no measuring, just attach the hose and spray. That convenience makes it a good middle-ground between the cheap concentrates and the premium gallon jug.
Convenience factor
- Ready-to-use with no mixing needed
- Covers 10,000 sq ft out of the bottle
- Active ingredients are the same proven combo (Dicamba + Triclopyr)
Limits to know
- Included spray wand is not great for large lawns; a pump sprayer works better
- Mixed reviews on clover specifically — some users saw no effect
Best for the grab-and-go buyer: If you do not want to mix chemicals and just want a hose-attachment solution for clover patches in a medium yard, this is a strong balanced pick.
Not for you if: You have a very heavy clover infestation that needs a stronger concentrated mix.
4. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use (1.33 gal)
A battery-powered wand that makes spot-treating clover feel less like a chore.
The Ortho WeedClear stands out because of its battery-powered Comfort Wand, which triggers the spray automatically without you having to squeeze a handle. This makes spot-treating individual clover clumps in a mixed grass lawn easier on your hands and gives you a consistent spray pattern. The 1.33-gallon container holds 170.24 Fluid Ounces, roughly 33% more liquid than the 128-ounce Bonide bottle, giving you extra runtime before you need a refill.
The formula kills clover, crabgrass, dandelion, and creeping Charlie down to the root. Reviewers point out that results can be slow — one owner reported it took two applications and about six weeks after the last application for their lawn to be 100% clear. Another reviewer in the Chicago area said it kills thistle and prickly weeds slowly over weeks to a month without harming the grass.
That slow action is the main trade-off. While the Fertilome shows injury in hours, Ortho requires patience and sometimes a second application. But for someone who wants to walk around the lawn and spot-spray without mixing chemicals, the wand convenience is a real comfort win.
Bang for the buck: The battery wand saves effort, but you pay for that convenience with a slower kill and a per-ounce cost that is higher than concentrates.
Best for: A homeowner who likes to walk the yard weekly and spray as they see weeds, rather than doing a whole-lawn treatment all at once.
Reach for this if: You want the easiest possible way to spot-treat clover without mixing or pumping. Look elsewhere if you want fast knockout and do not want to wait weeks for results.
5. Southern Ag Lawn Weed Killer with Trimec (32 oz)
A proven Trimec formula that wipes out dandelions and clover while staying affordable.
If you want the lowest entry cost into effective clover control, the Southern Ag Trimec delivers the same patented three-way blend of 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba that professionals trust. It comes in a 32-fluid-ounce concentrate that mixes with water, so it goes further than the ready-to-use options. One customer observed: “Killed dandelion invasion in 2 weeks with no harm to lawn,” which matches the experience of most users — the product works, but clover can be slightly more stubborn than dandelions.
Compared to the Fertilome Weed Free Zone above, which also comes in a 32-ounce bottle, the Southern Ag is priced lower and uses the Trimec blend instead of straight Dicamba. The Trimec blend is tried and tested across many turf types including the 9 grasses listed on the label. Shoppers say it works well with a hose-end sprayer and has no smell.
The honest catch is that some users report weeds returning faster than they hoped. One 4-star reviewer said, “the weeds tend to come back relatively quick,” meaning you may need to reapply every few weeks during the growing season. For a one-time knockdown, though, the value here is hard to argue with.
The value pitch
- Lowest price point among the concentrates for the same proven chemistry
- Easy to mix with a hose-end sprayer; no strong odor
- Safe on 9 different turf types
Where it falls short
- Weeds may return faster than with premium options like Fertilome
- Some users said it was not as effective on clover as on other broadleaf weeds
The budget pick: This is the smart choice if you want a low-risk first purchase for clover control and are fine with possible reapplication. pass on it if you want the fastest, longest-lasting knockdown and are willing to pay more.
6. Liquid Harvest Mesotrione (16 oz)
The science-heavy option that also acts as a pre-emergent and allows reseeding.
Mesotrione works differently than the Trimec-based products above — it stops photosynthesis (the process plants use to turn light into energy) in the weed, turning leaves white before they die, and it also prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating. This makes the Liquid Harvest Mesotrione unique on this list because it is both a post-emergent clover killer and a pre-emergent for grassy weeds. It targets 46 broadleaf species including clover, chickweed, and crabgrass, which is more than any other product here.
The 16-ounce bottle covers 2,000 square feet, much less coverage per bottle than the PBI/Gordon gallon, so you need to consider your lawn size. Activation requires rainfall or watering within 10 days, and full weed death takes two to three weeks. A buyer in Alabama noted that it killed stubborn broadleaf weeds and even crabgrass that nothing else would touch.
The catch is that Mesotrione can temporarily discolor your grass (turning it white or pale) for three to four weeks until it recovers with mowing. That cosmetic side effect is normal and not damaging, but it may alarm you if you have not used it before. It is also a premium product at a higher price point, but the dual pre-emergent and post-emergent action justifies the cost for serious lawn care enthusiasts.
What makes it special
- Kills clover while preventing new weeds from germinating
- Targets 46 weed species, more than any other pick here
- Safe to use before reseeding — does not prevent grass seed from growing
Things to plan for
- Temporary whitening of grass is normal and lasts 3-4 weeks
- Requires watering in within 10 days if no rain falls
- Smaller coverage area (2,000 sq ft per 16 oz) for the price
Best for the lawn enthusiast: If you are planning to overseed and want a herbicide that also stops crabgrass before it starts, this is the only product on the list that does both.
Not ideal if: You want a quick cosmetic fix without temporary discoloration of the turf, or if you have a very large lawn and want to minimize cost per square foot.
Understanding the Specs
Active Ingredients: Trimec vs Dicamba vs Mesotrione
Trimec is a blended formula with 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. It is the most common combination for clover, offering broad weed control with great grass safety. Dicamba alone (found in Fertilome Weed Free Zone) is highly effective on clover and works very fast, sometimes showing wilting in just hours. Mesotrione works by blocking photosynthesis — it turns weeds white before they die and also acts as a pre-emergent to stop new crabgrass seeds from growing. Each chemistry has its strength, so matching it to your lawn type and how fast you want results matters.
Concentrate vs Ready-to-Use: Which to choose
A concentrate like the Fertilome or Southern Ag Trimec requires you to mix a small amount of liquid with water in a hose-end or pump sprayer. This gives you more total applications per bottle and a lower cost per thousand square feet. Ready-to-use products like the Bonide and Ortho WeedClear come pre-mixed in a spray bottle or with a battery wand, so you open them and spray immediately. They are convenient for small yards or spot treatments but cost more per application. If your lawn has more than a few patches of clover, a concentrate almost always saves you money.
FAQ
Will these herbicides kill clover without killing my grass?
How long does it take for a clover herbicide to show results?
Can I reseed my lawn after using a clover herbicide?
What is Trimec and why is it good for clover?
How often should I reapply clover herbicide?
Is it safe to use these herbicides near flower beds or gardens?
What is the difference between a hose-end sprayer and a pump sprayer for these chemicals?
Can I use clover herbicide in the summer heat?
Which product has the most thorough coverage for a large lawn?
Will these products kill creeping Charlie or just clover?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the herbicide for clover in lawns winner is the Fertilome Weed Free Zone because it delivers the fastest visible knockdown with Dicamba, works on over 80 weed types, and stays safe on all the major grass families you probably own. If you want maximum coverage for a very large yard, grab the PBI/GORDON Trimec gallon jug that treats up to 64,000 square feet. And for an easy spot-treating experience where the wand does the work for you, the Ortho WeedClear with the Comfort Wand is a solid pick if you are willing to wait a little for full results.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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