How to Get Rid of White Clover Naturally and Prevent Future Growth

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a popular, low-growing perennial, known for its vibrant green appearance, white blooms, and soft texture. However, it is sometimes considered a broadleaf weed, as it can appear in lawns and gardens where it isn't wanted. For this reason, some homeowners choose to remove white clover from their landscapes, as it is a rapid grower and can outcompete grass and other preferred plants for nutrients and sunlight.

Despite these concerns, white clover offers several benefits worth considering, including enhancing soil quality and serving as a vital food source for pollinators. But for those who don't appreciate its appearance, we consulted gardening experts who offer tips on effectively getting rid of white clover from your yard.

What is White Clover?

White clover is a resilient, low-growing perennial legume that features sprawling stems and distinctive white, globe-shaped flower clusters, says Eric Nieusma, organic and regenerative farmer. It propagates through creeping, above-ground stems known as stolons, which take root at their nodes, creating dense mats that remain close to the ground. This charming ground cover is often used as a natural soil-enriching cover crop or a resilient lawn alternative.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of White Clover

While white clover offers several benefits to your lawn and gardens, there are times when you might wish to remove it entirely. This could be due to its ability to outcompete other plants or the attraction of bees near areas where children and pets play. Fortunately, there are natural ways to eliminate it without using chemical treatments.

Flame Weed

Flame weeding is an efficient method for eliminating specific plants. It works by using the intense heat from a propane torch to heat the water within plant cells. This rapid heating causes the cell walls to rupture, leading to wilting of the foliage and ultimately killing the plants without completely incinerating them. "Although flame weeding can immediately remove clover, it may not prevent it from re-growing," says Nieusma.

After flame-weeding the clover-covered area, Nieusma recommends immediately using a cardboard weed barrier, topping it with soil or compost, then covering it with straw, not hay, as hay contains grass seeds that will sprout. "Doing this will keep the area prepared, weed-free, and ready for you to develop as you wish," he adds.

Smother With Plastic

Nieusma says the best natural option for getting rid of white clover is to smother it with a silage tarp or pond liner. "Choose a heavier tarp, at least 6 millimeters thick, that blocks out all light," says Nieusma. He recommends leaving the tarp over the clover for three to four weeks or leaving it until you're ready to sow new seeds or develop the area, as this will help prevent the clover from returning. When you remove the tarp, you'll find bare soil that is ready for planting or development right away.

Hand Pull

If you have smaller patches of clover, such as in isolated garden beds, pulling it by hand can be effective, says Emily Scott, expert gardener and owner of Scott Farm in Maine. She emphasizes the importance of removing the entire root, as any remaining part can allow the clover to regrow quickly. To improve your chances of success, water the soil beforehand, which helps loosen the roots and makes them easier to pull out. When you're ready, grip the base of the clover firmly and pull up slowly to ensure you extract the entire root system.

Use a Vinegar Solution

Vinegar can destroy white clover, as it contains acetic acid, which acts as a natural herbicide by disrupting plant cell walls and stripping away moisture, resulting in plant death. "Mix equal parts water and vinegar with a splash of dish soap, and spray the solution directly onto the clover to eliminate it," says Scott. You may need to treat the area several times because the clover has extensive, deep roots. Keep the solution away from other plants, as vinegar is a non-selective weed killer that can damage desirable plants.

Apply Boiling Water

Boiling water is an effective way to kill white clover growing between hardscape, such as driveways, brick pavers, patios, and gravel walkways. The boiling water creates intense thermal shock that instantly ruptures the plant's cell walls, melting its protective waxy coating and causing the foliage to collapse and dehydrate, effectively cooking the plant tissue.

In loose soil, gravel, or cracks in walkways, boiling water can penetrate and scald the root system directly. To use this method, simply bring water to a boil, then carefully pour it over the targeted area. Hold the spout close to the clover to prevent any splashes on you or surrounding plants.

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How to Prevent White Clover from Returning

While these natural methods can remove white clover, there is a chance it may return. Using an integrated approach can prevent it from coming back.

• Add nitrogen: White clover is remarkable for its ability to fix nitrogen, making it an outstanding enhancer of soil quality. This trait allows it to flourish even in poor, nutrient-deficient soils where typical grasses might struggle to survive. If you find that white clover is starting to dominate your lawn, introducing nitrogen can undermine its primary advantage. This can lead to an overgrowth of grass that eventually shades out the white clover, shifting the competitive edge from the clover to the turf grass.
• Use a tarp: Laying a tarp over the targeted area for at least four to six weeks will prevent its return, says Nieusma. However, while this method effectively kills the vegetation it covers, it does not eliminate the viable seeds already present in the soil. To achieve the best results, it's ideal to cover the area for a prolonged period, followed by immediate coverage with fast-growing turf or sod. This would be the ideal time to add nitrogen to the newly planted grass, which can significantly enhance protection against the return of white clover.

Reasons to Let It Grow

Clover offers numerous benefits for your yard. "Not only does it act as a natural fertilizer by adding nitrogen into the soil, but it also attracts pollinators," says Scott.

She notes that white clover is drought-tolerant, helping to keep your yard green even in dry conditions. "The flowers and leaves are also edible and make a delicious addition to salads," she says. Additionally, it grows to about 4 to 8 inches tall, meaning it requires infrequent mowing.

While it all comes down to personal preference, letting clover grow creates a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn that naturally reduces water usage and yard work.