Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

Japanese clover (Kummerowia striata) is an annual legume that spreads through thin, low lawns and crowds out turfgrass in late summer. You can get rid of it by pulling it while it is young, changing how you mow, improving soil and grass density, and reseeding bare patches. None of these steps requires a synthetic herbicide, so the approach stays safe for bees and the other pollinators that may visit your yard.

Identify Japanese Clover Before You Act

Japanese clover is easy to confuse with white clover, but it behaves differently. It has three narrow, oval leaflets with a slightly fuzzy texture, and its stems grow flat and wiry, often reddish. It produces small pink to purple flowers in late summer and then sets seed, which is why it looks like it appears overnight in August. Because it is an annual, it dies out each winter, but the seeds it drops guarantee a return the following year. If you are unsure whether you have a different weed, compare it against Lawn Weed Looks Like Clover: How to Identify and Remove It (2026) before you start.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Way to Get Rid of Clover in Lawns: Best Weed Killers Compared (2026).

Step-by-Step Removal Process

  1. Pull early. Hand-pull plants in spring, when the root system is shallow and soil is moist. Work from the base of each plant and try to take the whole root.
  2. Remove before seed set. In late summer, pull or mow plants before flowers turn into seed pods. Seeds left behind will sprout the next year.
  3. Bag what you pull. Do not compost plants that have set seed. Put them in a bag for the trash.
  4. Raise your mower height. Set the blade to 3 to 3.5 inches for most cool-season and warm-season grasses. Taller grass shades out clover seedlings.
  5. Reseed thin areas. Japanese clover thrives where turf is sparse. Overseed in early fall with a grass blend suited to your region, and keep the seedbed moist until germination.
  6. Test and correct your soil. A soil test will show whether pH or fertility is weak. Lawns that are low in nitrogen or compacted give clover an advantage over grass.

Long-Term Prevention in Your Lawn

Once the clover is gone, the goal is a lawn dense enough that new seedlings have no room to establish. Aerate compacted soil once a year, water deeply but less often, and feed grass with a slow-release organic fertilizer rather than a quick-release product that pushes lush growth in spring only. Watch the seasonal pattern too: many lawn owners find Japanese clover gains ground after a dry summer, so keep the lawn irrigated during hot spells. For a broader view of replacing weedy clover with a deliberate planting, see Microclover Before and After Clover Lawn: What Changes and How to Get There.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mowing too short, which exposes soil and invites new seedlings.
  • Waiting until August to act, when seed has already formed.
  • Pulling only the top of the plant, leaving roots that regrow.
  • Ignoring thin patches, which will refill with clover every season.
  • Overwatering shallow lawns, which encourages weak, shallow grass roots.
  • A stand-up weed puller lets you remove plants with roots intact without bending over. View on Amazon
  • A soil test kit helps you check pH and nutrient levels before adding amendments. View on Amazon
  • A lawn aerator loosens compacted soil so grass roots can outcompete clover. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does Japanese clover come back every year?

Yes, it can. Because it is an annual, the existing plants die in winter, but they leave behind seed that germinates in spring. Removing plants before they set seed is the most effective way to break the cycle.

Will mowing alone get rid of Japanese clover?

Mowing helps, especially when you raise the blade height, but it rarely eliminates the plant on its own. Combine mowing with hand removal and reseeding for better results.

Is it safe to use organic methods around bees?

Hand pulling, mowing, aeration and overseeding involve no pesticides, so they are safe for pollinators. If you have a serious infestation or health concerns about your lawn, consult a local extension office or a licensed lawn professional.

Conclusion

Japanese clover is manageable once you pull it early, mow higher, and fill bare spots with dense grass. Consistent steps across two or three seasons will make the difference. Keep your soil healthy and your turf thick, and the clover will have very little room to return.

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Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our pollinator-safe lawn care guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.