By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
Clover creeps into thin lawns fast, and most homeowners who want to get rid of it eventually reach for a herbicide for clover in lawn use. The problem is that not every product labeled for broadleaf weeds handles clover well, and some options carry more risk to pollinators than others. This guide compares three products built around active ingredients that are known to work on clover and other broadleaf weeds. We selected them using published label specifications, brand reputation with turf professionals and homeowners, and recurring owner feedback patterns about how each formula performs in real lawns.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAtticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide (8 oz)View on Amazon - 2
Best for large lawnsBASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & TurfView on Amazon - 3
Best budget pickTZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide for Tough WeedsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Before you buy any product, it helps to know how clover is actually controlled. Clover is a broadleaf plant, so herbicides that target broadleaf weeds are the right category, but white clover and Dutch clover respond differently to different chemistries. If you are still deciding whether to treat clover at all, our guide Get Rid of Clover on Lawn: 6 Steps Without Harming Bees walks through when removal makes sense and when a clover lawn is worth keeping.
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide (8 oz) | Overall clover and broadleaf control | Mesotrione active ingredient, post-emergent |
| BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | Large lawns and mixed weed pressure | Quinclorac active ingredient, 30-day residual |
| TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide | Budget-conscious spot treatment | Broadleaf-focused formula, 1-quart size |
Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide (8 oz)
Post-Emergent Weed Killer Concentrate for Lawns, Crabgrass Killer, Clover, Foxtail Killer, Dandelion, Nutsedge and More Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide (8oz) – (Compare to Tenacity)
Best for: Overall clover and broadleaf control in established lawns
This concentrate suits homeowners who want a single post-emergent product covering clover along with dandelion, foxtail and nutsedge. It is a good match for lawns where clover is one of several broadleaf problems.
Key specs
- Active ingredient: mesotrione
- Form: liquid concentrate, 8 oz
- Application: post-emergent, applied to actively growing weeds
- Labeled as a compare-to alternative to Tenacity
Pros
- Covers clover along with several other common lawn weeds
- Concentrate format means one bottle treats a sizable area at label rates
- Owners often report visible clover decline within a couple of weeks when applied to young, active growth
Cons
- Mixing and measuring must be precise, and the concentrate requires careful dilution
- Results are slower on heavily established, mature clover patches
Bottom line: A strong pick for homeowners who want broad broadleaf coverage in one product and are comfortable measuring a concentrate carefully.
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf, Post Emergent Grassy & Broadleaf Weed Control, Active Ingredient Quinclorac, 30 Day Residual, Herbicide, Concentrate 64 Ounce
Best for: Large lawns and mixed weed pressure
This 64-ounce concentrate is aimed at people treating a big lawn or managing both grassy and broadleaf weeds in the same season. The residual activity makes it useful when weeds keep coming back.
Key specs
- Active ingredient: quinclorac
- Form: concentrate, 64 oz
- Labeled for post-emergent grassy and broadleaf weed control
- Manufacturer lists a 30-day residual
Pros
- Large bottle size suits extended or whole-lawn treatments
- Covers both grassy and broadleaf weeds
- Residual activity helps reduce repeat germination for several weeks
Cons
- Quinclorac is primarily associated with crabgrass, so clover control can be less consistent than with a dedicated broadleaf product
- Label restrictions on timing and temperature apply, so read carefully before use
Bottom line: Best for homeowners treating a large lawn with both grassy and broadleaf weeds who want a longer residual window.
TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide for Tough Weeds
TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide for Tough Weeds – 1 Quart
Best for: Budget-conscious spot treatment of broadleaf weeds
This quart-size broadleaf product fits people who have a few clover patches rather than a whole-lawn problem, and who want a targeted option without a large commitment.
Key specs
- Size: 1 quart
- Category: broadleaf herbicide for tough weeds
- Intended for post-emergent use on actively growing broadleaf weeds
Pros
- Focused broadleaf formulation suits clover-specific spot work
- Smaller volume is practical for localized treatments
- A common choice among homeowners who want a simple, single-purpose product
Cons
- Coverage is limited, so larger clover infestations may need multiple quarts
- Specific active ingredient details should be confirmed on the label before purchase
Bottom line: A sensible choice for spot treatment of clover patches in a mostly healthy lawn.
Buying Guide
Choosing a herbicide for clover in lawn use comes down to a few practical factors. Work through these before you buy, and always follow the label directions for rates, timing and safety.
Active ingredient and clover response
Clover responds best to broadleaf-active chemistries. Check the active ingredient on the label, and confirm that clover is listed among the target weeds. Products that list many broadleaf species are generally more reliable for clover than grass-focused products.
Good picks for this: Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide, TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide
Concentrate versus ready-to-use
Concentrates cover more ground per bottle but require accurate mixing. Ready-to-use sprayers are simpler for small patches. Measure your lawn area in square feet before buying so you know how much product you need at the label rate.
Good picks for this: Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide, BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
Lawn size and bottle volume
A small patch of clover may need only a quart. A full lawn often needs a 64-ounce concentrate or more. Match the bottle to your coverage so you are not buying more than you will use before the product degrades.
Good picks for this: BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer, TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide
Residual activity
Some products keep working after application and suppress new seedlings for weeks. This helps when clover keeps reseeding from nearby patches. Check whether the manufacturer lists a residual period and whether it fits your watering and mowing schedule.
Good picks for this: BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
Pollinator and pet safety
Because this site focuses on bee-friendly yards, timing matters. Apply on calm, dry days, avoid spraying when bees are actively foraging on flowering clover, and keep pets and children off treated areas until the spray has dried according to the label. Clover is a valuable forage plant, so many homeowners treat only the patches they want removed rather than the whole lawn. Our article Killing Clover in the Lawn: 6 Steps That Work Without Harming Bees covers timing and spot-treatment methods in detail.
Good picks for this: TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide, Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide
Label instructions and rates
Every herbicide has specific rate, temperature and mowing restrictions. Read the full label before use. Applying more product than directed does not kill clover faster and can damage turf and harm beneficial organisms.
Good picks for this: BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer, Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide
Lawn type and overseeding plans
If you plan to overseed or plant a clover lawn later, consider how long residual activity lasts, since some products can interfere with new seed. Our guide White Clover Lawn Seed: How to Plant It for a Thick, Bee-Friendly Lawn explains timing for reseeding after treatment.
Good picks for this: TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide, Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide
FAQ
Will a herbicide for clover in lawn kill grass as well?
Broadleaf herbicides are formulated to target broadleaf plants and are generally safer for established turfgrass when used as directed. However, applying at the wrong rate, temperature or stage of grass growth can cause injury. Always follow label directions.
When is the best time to apply herbicide to clover?
Apply when clover is actively growing, usually in spring or early fall, and when temperatures are within the range listed on the label. Avoid treating during extreme heat or drought stress.
How long does it take to see results?
Owners often report that clover begins to yellow and decline within one to three weeks after application, with full die-back taking longer on mature patches. Repeat treatment may be needed for established clover.
Is it safe to mow after applying?
Most labels specify a waiting period before mowing, often a few days, so the product can be absorbed by the target weeds. Check the specific label for the product you choose.
Can I use these products around bees?
Treat clover in the early morning or evening when bees are less active, avoid spraying flowering clover, and choose spot treatments over whole-lawn applications where possible. Consult your local extension office for guidance specific to your area.
Should I remove clover entirely?
Clover fixes nitrogen and supports pollinators, so many homeowners choose to keep some. If you want a uniform turf lawn, removal may make sense. A licensed lawn care professional or your local cooperative extension office can help you decide based on your soil and goals.
Conclusion
For most homeowners, the Atticus Torocity Mesotrione Herbicide offers the broadest broadleaf coverage in a single product and suits general clover control. The BASF Drive XLR8 fits large lawns with mixed grassy and broadleaf weeds and offers a longer residual window. The TZONE SE Broadleaf Herbicide is a practical choice for spot treatment of small clover patches. In every case, read the label, time your application to protect foraging bees, and treat only what you need.
Sources
- Pesticide product labeling, safety information and pollinator protection guidance (epa.gov)
- Research-based lawn weed management and turf care from university extension specialists (extension.org)
- Information on pollinator health and weed management in agricultural and landscape settings (usda.gov)
Related reading
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.
