By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
If clover has crept into your turf, you need a selective herbicide that removes it without wiping out the grass around it. The best herbicide to kill clover in lawn use depends on how much clover you have, what grass you grow, and whether you want a ready-to-spray bottle or a concentrate you mix yourself. This guide compares five widely sold lawn weed killers from Ortho, Bonide and Roundup, judged on selectivity for lawn grass, the range of weeds each label lists, coverage per container, and how easy each one is to apply without drift. Each pick is based on manufacturer label claims and common owner feedback patterns, not on our own testing.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallOrtho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer ConcentrateView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for ready-to-use convenienceBonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer, 128 oz.View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for large lawnsOrtho WeedClear Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray, 32 fl. oz.View on Amazon - 4
Best for northern cool-season grassesRoundup for Lawns1 Tough Weed Killer with Extend Wand, 1.33 gal.View on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickOrtho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Spray with Comfort Wand, 1 gal.View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer Concentrate, 16 fl. oz. | Mixing your own sprayer batch | Concentrate that kills weeds to the roots |
| Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Spray with Comfort Wand, 1 gal. | Spot treating mixed weed patches | Lists over 250 weeds, including clover and dandelion |
| Roundup for Lawns1 with Extend Wand, 1.33 gal. | Cool-season lawns in northern climates | Extend wand for reaching low clover without stooping |
| Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer, 128 oz. | Large areas with no mixing | Ready-to-use spray targeting clover and oxalis |
| Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray, 32 fl. oz. | Covering up to 16,000 sq. ft. | Ready-to-spray with wide labeled coverage |
Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer Concentrate
Weed Killer Concentrate for Sprayer, Kills Weeds to the Roots, Also Kills Creeping Charlie and Wild Violet Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate, 16 fl. oz.
Best for: Overall clover control in established lawns when you want to mix your own spray.
This concentrate suits gardeners who already own a hose-end or pump sprayer and want to control the cost per treated square foot. It is labeled for clover, chickweed and oxalis, which makes it a practical choice when clover shows up alongside other broadleaf lawn weeds.
Key specs
- Format: liquid concentrate, must be diluted before use
- Container size: 16 fluid ounces
- Targets clover, chickweed and oxalis, and is labeled to kill weeds to the roots
Pros
- Concentrate stretches over more lawn area than ready-to-spray bottles
- Targets the clover root system, not just the leaves
- Works with standard pump and hose-end sprayers
Cons
- Requires measuring and mixing, which adds a step
- Smaller container, so it suits small to medium lawns best
Bottom line: A strong first choice for homeowners who are comfortable mixing and want targeted clover control.
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Spray with Comfort Wand, 1 gal.
Lawn Weed Killer Spray, Won't Harm Grass When Used as Directed, Kills over 250 Listed Weeds Including Dandelion and Clover Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns with Comfort Wand, 1 gal.
Best for: A budget-friendly, all-purpose option for mixed weed patches in a lawn that also has clover.
This is a broad lawn weed killer for people who deal with clover along with dandelions, plantain and other broadleaves. Its wand design makes it easier to target individual clover patches without drenching the surrounding turf.
Key specs
- Format: ready-to-use liquid spray
- Container size: 1 gallon
- Label lists over 250 weeds, including clover and dandelion
Pros
- Ready to spray with no mixing
- Comfort wand helps with targeted application
- Wide list of labeled weeds covers mixed infestations
Cons
- Gallon size can run through quickly on larger yards
- Label directions must be followed closely to protect desirable grass
Bottom line: Good for homeowners with a moderate weed mix who want simple application at a budget-friendly level.
Roundup for Lawns1 Tough Weed Killer with Extend Wand, 1.33 gal.
Tough Weed Killer for Use on Northern Grasses, Kills Crabgrass, Dandelion, Clover, Yellow Nutsedge Roundup for Lawns1 with Extend Wand, 1.33 gal.
Best for: Cool-season lawns, particularly northern grasses, where clover competes with fescue and bluegrass.
Roundup’s lawn line is widely known among homeowners, and this version is labeled for use on northern grasses. The extend wand is useful for reaching clover mats in tight spots and along edges.
Key specs
- Format: ready-to-use liquid spray
- Container size: 1.33 gallons
- Labeled for northern lawn grasses; targets crabgrass, dandelion, clover and nutsedge
Pros
- Extend wand reduces bending and improves reach
- Covers a range of common lawn weeds beyond clover
- Larger container suits medium to large lawns
Cons
- Labeled for northern grasses, so check compatibility before using on warm-season turf
- Ready-to-spray formulas cost more per square foot than concentrates
Bottom line: A practical pick for cool-season lawns that need broad weed control in one bottle.
Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer, 128 oz.
Controls Weeds & Roots Without Harming Lawn Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer, 128 oz Ready-to-Use Spray
Best for: Treating larger clover-infested areas without mixing a concentrate.
This 128-ounce ready-to-use spray is a good fit when clover covers a broad section of lawn and you want to skip dilution. It is labeled for controlling weeds and roots while being marketed as safe for the lawn when used as directed.
Key specs
- Format: ready-to-use liquid spray
- Container size: 128 fluid ounces (1 gallon)
- Targets chickweed, clover and oxalis
Pros
- No mixing required, so application starts right away
- Large volume is convenient for bigger lawns
- Labeled to control weed roots as well as foliage
Cons
- Narrower weed list than some all-purpose lawn sprays
- Bulky to store and transport
Bottom line: Best for owners who have a clover-heavy lawn and want a ready-to-use product in a large container.
Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray, 32 fl. oz.
Weed Killer Spray, Won't Harm Grass When Used as Directed, Kills Dandelion & Clover, Treats up to 16,000 sq. ft. Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray, 32 fl. oz.
Best for: Larger lawns that need broad coverage in a ready-to-spray format.
This Ortho ready-to-spray formula is labeled to treat large areas, with coverage listed for up to 16,000 square feet. It targets dandelion and clover, making it a solid match for homeowners whose main problem is those two weeds.
Key specs
- Format: ready-to-spray liquid
- Container size: 32 fluid ounces
- Labeled coverage: up to 16,000 square feet
Pros
- Ready-to-spray with no mixing
- Labeled coverage is generous for the container size
- Targets both clover and dandelion
Cons
- Fewer labeled weeds than the 1-gallon Comfort Wand version
- Requires a good sprayer attachment to apply evenly over large areas
Bottom line: A good choice for owners who want easy application over a sizable lawn with clover and dandelion as the main targets.
Buying Guide
Selectivity for your grass type
A clover herbicide should be labeled as safe for the grass you actually grow. Cool-season lawns such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass tolerate different products than warm-season lawns like Bermuda or zoysia. Always read the label before you buy and confirm the turf list.
Good picks for this: Roundup for Lawns1 with Extend Wand, Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray
Active ingredients and how they work
Most lawn clover killers are selective broadleaf herbicides that act on the plant’s growth hormones. Clover is a broadleaf plant, so these products can control it while leaving most turfgrass unharmed when applied as directed. Check the active ingredient list if you have sensitivities or want to compare formulations.
Good picks for this: Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer Concentrate, Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer
Concentrate versus ready-to-spray
Concentrates cost less per treated square foot but require accurate mixing. Ready-to-spray bottles save time and reduce mixing errors, but cost more per square foot. Choose based on how often you treat and how much area you cover.
Good picks for this: Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer Concentrate, Ortho WeedClear Ready-To-Spray
Container size and coverage
Match the container to your lawn size. A 16-ounce concentrate treats a small patch, while a 1.33-gallon bottle or a 32-ounce ready-to-spray container suits a larger yard. Compare the labeled coverage area on the bottle before purchase.
Good picks for this: Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer, Roundup for Lawns1 with Extend Wand
Range of weeds controlled
If clover shares your lawn with dandelion, plantain or chickweed, a product with a wide labeled weed list saves you from buying multiple products. Products that list many weeds are useful for mixed infestations.
Good picks for this: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Spray with Comfort Wand, Roundup for Lawns1 with Extend Wand
Application tools
Wands with extensions let you target clover without drifting spray onto desirable grass. Pump sprayers and hose-end sprayers handle concentrates well. Match the product’s packaging to the tool you already own.
Good picks for this: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Spray with Comfort Wand, Roundup for Lawns1 with Extend Wand
Timing and weather
Clover is easiest to control when it is actively growing, usually in spring and early fall. Avoid spraying during drought stress, high heat, or when rain is forecast within the label’s dry-time window. Follow the label for temperature and rain guidance, and keep pets and children off treated turf until the spray has dried.
Good picks for this: Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer, Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer Concentrate
FAQ
Will these herbicides kill my grass?
These products are selective, meaning they target broadleaf weeds like clover while being labeled as safe for most lawn grasses when used as directed. Overapplication, spraying in extreme heat, or applying to stressed turf can still cause damage. Confirm your grass type is on the label.
How long does it take for clover to die?
Most labels describe visible browning and wilting over several days to a couple of weeks, with complete die-back taking longer on mature plants. Clover roots may need a second application for full control.
Can I use these products around pets and children?
Keep people and pets off treated areas until the spray has dried completely, following the label’s re-entry guidance. If you have concerns about pets or a health condition, consult your veterinarian or a qualified professional before application.
Do these herbicides harm bees?
Many selective broadleaf herbicides are less harmful to bees than some other pest products, but clover is a bee-attractive plant, so spraying flowering clover can expose pollinators. Apply in the early morning or evening when bees are less active, and avoid spraying when clover is in full bloom. Check the label for pollinator precautions.
Should I mix a concentrate or buy ready-to-spray?
Concentrates are more economical for larger lawns if you are comfortable measuring and mixing. Ready-to-spray bottles are simpler for spot treatments and beginners. Choose based on your comfort level and lawn size.
How many applications will I need?
Many clover infestations need one application followed by a re-treatment after a few weeks for new growth. Persistent or heavy clover may require repeated applications across a season. Track results and follow label limits on how often you can spray.
Is there a natural alternative?
Natural options exist but often need repeated application and may be less reliable on established clover. For a broader look at non-chemical approaches, see Top 7 Best Weed Killer All Natural Picks for Pollinator-Safe Lawns and How to Kill Clover on Lawn: 6 Steps That Work Without Harming Bees.
Conclusion
For most homeowners, the best herbicide to kill clover in lawn depends on lawn size, grass type and how you prefer to apply. The Ortho concentrate is a strong pick for targeted control if you are comfortable mixing. The Ortho Comfort Wand spray suits mixed weed patches on a budget. Roundup with Extend Wand fits cool-season lawns that need wide coverage. Bonide and the Ortho ready-to-spray bottle work well for larger areas where convenience matters most. If you are planning a broader lawn overhaul, see 7 Best Product to Kill Clover in Lawns: Bee-Safe Picks Compared (2026) and Getting Rid of White Clover in Lawn: 6 Best Weed Killers (2026) for more options. Always read and follow the label, and consult a professional for complex infestations.
Sources
- Federal guidance on pesticide labels, safe use and reading the EPA registration information for lawn herbicides (epa.gov)
- University extension guidance on identifying and controlling clover in cool-season turf (extension.psu.edu)
- Lawn weed management recommendations from a land-grant university turfgrass program (ncsu.edu)
Related reading
- Top 6 Fertilizers for Clover Lawn Picks Compared for Bee-Safe Yards
- Top 6 Clover Lawns for Dogs Options for a Pet-Friendly Yard
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.
