By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
Clover control in lawn care is a balancing act. Many homeowners want clover gone because it crowds out turf and looks patchy, yet bees and other pollinators depend on those same blossoms. The products below are selective broadleaf herbicides that target clover while aiming to leave your turfgrass intact. We weighed each option against four criteria: active ingredients and how they are labeled, suitability for home lawns, ease of application, and the consistency of owner feedback about results on clover specifically. This is a research-based comparison, not a field test, so always read the label before you buy or apply.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer, 16 oz ConcentrateView on Amazon - 2
Best for hose-end convenienceScotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed ControlView on Amazon - 3
Best for mixed weed problemsScotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn (Dandelion, Clover, & Crabgrass Killer)View on Amazon - 4
Best for Southern lawnsOrtho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-SprayView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer, 16 oz Concentrate | Targeted clover removal in established lawns | Concentrate that is mixed before use |
| Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn, 24 fl oz | Clover mixed with dandelions and crabgrass | Ready-to-use spray for spot treatment |
| Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control, 32 fl. oz. | Feeding turf while controlling clover | Hose-end applicator with fertilizer |
| Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray, 32 fl. oz. | Southern grasses with clover and dandelions | Hose-end application on Southern turf |
Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer, 16 oz Concentrate
Controls Weeds and Roots Without Harming Lawn Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer, 16 oz Concentrate
Best for: Targeted clover removal in established lawns
This concentrate suits homeowners who want to address clover directly rather than blanket-treat the whole yard. Owners often report that it works best when clover is actively growing and temperatures are moderate.
Key specs
- Size: 16 oz concentrate
- Targets chickweed, clover and oxalis
- Requires mixing with water before application
Pros
- Specifically labeled for clover and related broadleaf weeds
- Concentrate allows you to mix only what you need
- Works as a spot treatment, limiting drift onto flowering plants
Cons
- Requires measuring and mixing, which adds steps
- Usually needs repeat applications for heavy infestations
Bottom line: A good pick for homeowners who want a focused clover treatment and don’t mind mixing a concentrate.
Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn (Dandelion, Clover, & Crabgrass Killer)
Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn (Dandelion, Clover, & Crabgrass Killer) (Not Sold in HI), 24 fl oz
Best for: Clover mixed with dandelions and crabgrass
If your lawn has several weed types and clover is only part of the problem, this spray covers more ground in one pass. It is aimed at homeowners who prefer a ready-to-use product for spot work.
Key specs
- Size: 24 fl oz
- Labeled for dandelion, clover and crabgrass
- Not sold in Hawaii
Pros
- Covers several common lawn weeds at once
- Ready to spray, with no mixing
- Useful for spot treatment of small patches
Cons
- Broader target list means more care is needed around desirable plants
- Bottle size suits small areas better than large lawns
Bottom line: Best for homeowners with mixed weed problems who want one spray for the common culprits.
Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control
Liquid Weed Killer and Grass Fertilizer, Hose-End Applicator Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control, 32 fl. oz.
Best for: Feeding turf while controlling clover
This hose-end product combines feeding and weed control, which appeals to people who want a single application that supports thicker turf. It suits larger lawns where a hose-end applicator saves time.
Key specs
- Size: 32 fl. oz.
- Hose-end applicator format
- Combines lawn fertilizer with weed control
Pros
- Feeds turf and controls weeds in one step
- Hose-end use makes coverage of large areas quicker
- Well-known brand with broad lawn-care guidance
Cons
- Fertilizer content is not ideal for those seeking purely organic care
- Requires careful timing to avoid stressing turf in heat
Bottom line: Ideal for owners who want to feed and weed in a single application and are comfortable with a synthetic fertilizer blend.
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
Weed Killer Spray, Kills Dandelion and Clover, Weed Control for Lawns, Use on Southern Grasses, Hose-End Application Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray3, 32 fl. oz.
Best for: Southern grasses with clover and dandelions
This ready-to-spray product is labeled for use on Southern grasses and is designed for hose-end application. It fits homeowners in warm climates where clover and dandelions compete with St. Augustine, Bermuda or Zoysia turf.
Key specs
- Size: 32 fl. oz.
- Labeled for Southern grasses
- Hose-end application
Pros
- Labeled specifically for Southern lawn grasses
- Ready to spray with a hose-end format
- Targets clover and dandelions together
Cons
- Not suited to every grass type, so check the label carefully
- Hose-end use can be uneven if the applicator is not calibrated
Bottom line: Best for Southern lawns that need a hose-end product for clover and dandelions.
Buying Guide
Your Grass Type
Check the label for grass compatibility before buying. Some broadleaf herbicides can injure certain turf species, especially in heat. Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Zoysia have different tolerances than cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.
Good picks for this: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray, Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer
Target Weed Range
Some products target clover alone, while others cover dandelions, crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds. Choose a product that matches your actual weed mix, since broader products may require more care around ornamental plants.
Good picks for this: Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn, Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer
Application Method
Concentrates need mixing and a sprayer. Ready-to-spray bottles are convenient for spot treatment. Hose-end applicators are efficient for large lawns but require calibration to avoid uneven coverage.
Good picks for this: Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control, Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
Fertilizer Content
Some weed-control products also contain fertilizer. If you want to keep your lawn feeding separate from weed control, choose a pure herbicide. If you prefer a combined approach, a feeding-plus-weed-control product saves a pass.
Good picks for this: Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control, Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer
Lawn Size
For small patches, a spray bottle or concentrate works well. For lawns of several thousand square feet, a hose-end applicator reduces labor. Match the product format to the area you need to treat.
Good picks for this: Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control, Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn
Timing and Weather
Most broadleaf herbicides work best when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are moderate. Avoid application during extreme heat or drought, and keep pets and children off treated areas until the spray has dried, as the label directs.
Good picks for this: Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer, Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
Pollinator Considerations
Bees visit clover flowers, so timing matters. Many gardeners apply treatments before clover blooms or spot-treat rather than spraying the whole lawn. Read the label for bee precautions and avoid spraying when bees are actively foraging. For a bee-friendly approach, see How to Control Clover in a Lawn: 6 Steps Without Harming Bees for a step-by-step method.
Good picks for this: Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer, Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn
FAQ
Can I control clover without killing bees?
Yes, with careful timing and spot treatment. Avoid spraying clover in bloom, keep sprays off flowering plants, and follow the label’s pollinator precautions. Some homeowners also mow to remove flowers before treating.
When is the best time to treat clover in a lawn?
Treat when clover is actively growing and temperatures are moderate, typically in spring or early fall for cool-season lawns. Avoid heat waves and drought stress, which can injure turf.
Will clover control products harm my grass?
Selective broadleaf herbicides are designed to leave most turf grasses unharmed when used as labeled. Injury is more likely in extreme heat or when products are applied at high rates. Check the label for grass compatibility.
How long does it take for clover to die after treatment?
Owners often report visible wilting within several days, with full die-back over one to two weeks. Heavy infestations may need a second application after a few weeks.
Do I need to re-treat clover every year?
Clover seeds persist in soil, so new plants can emerge. Regular monitoring and spot treatment help keep it under control. Improving turf density also reduces clover establishment.
Is a hose-end product better than a spray bottle?
It depends on lawn size. Hose-end applicators cover large areas quickly but need calibration. Spray bottles give more control for small patches and spot work.
Should I consult a professional before using herbicides?
If you have pets, young children, a septic system, or sensitive plantings nearby, consider consulting a licensed lawn care professional or your local extension office before applying any herbicide.
Conclusion
For a focused clover treatment, Bonide Chickweed, Clover and Oxalis Killer suits homeowners who want precision. Scotts TouchUp Weed Control for Lawn fits mixed weed problems, while Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Lawn Food Plus Weed Control suits owners who want feeding and weed control in one pass. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray is the choice for Southern lawns. Whatever you pick, read the label, time applications to protect bees, and keep pets off treated areas until dry.
Sources
- Pesticide labeling rules, pollinator protection guidance and safe-use information (epa.gov)
- University-based guidance on lawn weed identification and control (extension.org)
- Information on pollinators and their role in agriculture (usda.gov)
Related reading
- White Clover for Lawn: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Bee-Friendly Yard
- White Clover Lawn Seed: How to Plant It for a Thick, Bee-Friendly Lawn
- 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.
