White clover, while often considered beneficial for lawns and gardens, can become invasive and compete with desirable plants. The best herbicide for white clover is essential to control its growth and maintain a balanced landscape.

This guide highlights the top herbicides for white clover control, focusing on both selective and non-selective options. Whether you are dealing with a small patch or a widespread infestation, there is a solution tailored to your needs.

Best Herbicides for White Clover

1. 2,4-D Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in lawns

2,4-D is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like white clover while sparing most grasses. It is commonly used in lawns and turf areas to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of 2,4-D is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

2. Triclopyr-Based Herbicides– herbicide for white clover in gardens

Triclopyr-based herbicides are selective herbicides that target broadleaf plants like white clover while sparing most grasses. They are particularly effective for controlling white clover in gardens and landscaped areas.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of triclopyr is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable plants. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

3. Dicamba Herbicide– herbicide for tough white clover infestations

Dicamba is a selective herbicide that targets tough broadleaf weeds like white clover. It is often used in combination with other herbicides for enhanced control.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of dicamba is its ability to control a wide range of broadleaf weeds. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

4. MCPA Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in pastures

MCPA is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like white clover. It is commonly used in pastures and rangelands to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of MCPA is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

5. Clopyralid Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in turf areas

Clopyralid is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like white clover. It is commonly used in turf areas and lawns to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of clopyralid is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

6. Fluroxypyr Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in lawns

Fluroxypyr is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like white clover. It is commonly used in lawns and turf areas to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of fluroxypyr is its selectivity, which makes it safe for use in areas with desirable grasses. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

7. Glyphosate-Based Herbicides– herbicide for white clover in non-crop areas

Glyphosate-based herbicides are non-selective herbicides that provide effective control of white clover. They are commonly used in non-crop areas like driveways and fence lines.

This herbicide works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the key advantages of glyphosate is its ability to penetrate the plant’s system and kill it from the roots up. This ensures that the white clover does not regrow, providing long-lasting control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

8. Aminopyralid Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in pastures

Aminopyralid is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like white clover. It is particularly effective in pastures and rangelands.

This herbicide works by mimicking a plant hormone, causing uncontrolled growth that leads to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray or directly to the soil around the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of aminopyralid is its residual activity, which prevents regrowth for an extended period. This makes it an excellent choice for large-scale white clover control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

9. Metsulfuron-Methyl Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in large areas

Metsulfuron-methyl is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants like white clover. It is often used in large areas to control invasive weeds.

This herbicide works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the benefits of metsulfuron-methyl is its ability to control a wide range of weeds. It is also rainfast within a few hours of application, ensuring that it remains effective even after rainfall. Always follow the label instructions for optimal results.

10. Imazapyr Herbicide– herbicide for white clover in non-crop areas

Imazapyr is a non-selective herbicide that provides long-lasting control of white clover. It is commonly used in non-crop areas like roadsides and fence lines.

This herbicide works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the white clover. It is best applied as a foliar spray, directly onto the leaves of the plant. For best results, apply during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients.

One of the key advantages of imazapyr is its residual activity, which prevents regrowth for an extended period. This makes it an excellent choice for large-scale white clover control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

Buyer’s Guide for the Best White Clover Herbicide

• Choose a Selective White Clover Herbicide — Opt for a White Clover herbicide that specifically targets this invasive plant without harming your desirable plants like grass or shrubs. Selective formulas are designed to eliminate white clover while keeping your garden healthy.
• Check Active Ingredients in White Clover Herbicide — Ensure the White Clover herbicide contains proven active ingredients such as Triclopyr or 2,4-D. These ingredients are particularly effective at killing white clover, ensuring complete eradication when applied directly to the foliage.
• Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent White Clover Herbicide — Choose a White Clover herbicide based on your needs—pre-emergents work to prevent the germination of white clover seeds, while post-emergents are formulated to tackle established white clover plants. Consider which stage of growth you need to target.
• Consider Application Method for White Clover Herbicide — Decide whether you need a spray or granular White Clover herbicide. Sprays are ideal for large, sprawling infestations of white clover, while granules are perfect for more targeted treatments around trees and shrubs.
• Look for Long-Lasting Control in White Clover Herbicide — Choose a White Clover herbicide with residual control properties. A long-lasting formula will help prevent regrowth and maintain a weed-free lawn by continuing to work even after the initial application, giving you extended protection against white clover.
• Eco-Friendly White Clover Herbicide Options — For an environmentally conscious approach, select a bio-based White Clover herbicide. These eco-friendly options are designed to minimize damage to non-target plants, soil, and wildlife, offering an effective solution that’s gentler on the environment.
• Check for Rainfastness in White Clover Herbicide — Ensure the White Clover herbicide is rainfast within a few hours of application. This feature ensures that rain won’t wash away the herbicide, allowing it to be fully absorbed by the plant for maximum effectiveness in eliminating white clover.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently choose the best White Clover herbicide to control and eliminate this invasive plant from your yard.

Conclusion

Choosing the right herbicide for white clover is crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape. Whether you need a selective herbicide to target white clover specifically or a non-selective one for broader control, proper application is key.

With the information provided in this guide, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a white clover-free garden or lawn. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and effective use of the herbicides.