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You water and mow on schedule, yet clover keeps spreading like it owns the place. Most weed and feed formulas are built to kill generic broadleaf weeds, but clover has a waxy leaf surface and a deep root system that shrugs off weak herbicides. If you’ve ever watched a product turn dandelions to dust while clover stays green, you know the frustration. Killing clover requires a specific active ingredient strategy — and feeding clover-infested turf without encouraging the weed itself demands a different NPK approach.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing herbicide labels, cross-referencing active ingredient concentrations, and studying owner-reported results to isolate which products actually suppress clover without wrecking your lawn.
This guide cuts through the marketing and names the formulas that work on clover’s biology. Whether you prefer a granular spread or a liquid concentrate, this review of the best weed and feed for clover will help you make a precise, effective choice.
How To Choose The Best Weed And Feed For Clover
Clover is a resilient broadleaf weed with a waxy cuticle that repels many standard herbicides. To kill it, you need active ingredients that penetrate that barrier. Here are the key factors to evaluate before buying.
Active Ingredients That Work on Clover
Look for products containing Dicamba, Triclopyr, or Mesotrione. Dicamba is systemic and moves through the plant to the roots, making it effective against clover. Triclopyr is especially good on waxy-leaved weeds. Mesotrione bleaches clover by inhibiting photosynthesis. Avoid formulas that rely on 2,4-D alone — clover often survives it.
Liquid Concentrate vs Granular
Liquid concentrates allow you to spot-treat clover patches and control the dosage precisely. Granular weed and feed products are easier to broadcast across a whole lawn, but they depend on the granules sticking to clover leaves — which is less reliable if the clover is dense. For heavy clover infestations, a liquid concentrate is usually more effective.
Application Timing and Temperature
Clover is most vulnerable in early spring and fall when it is actively growing. Apply when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F, and avoid spraying if rain is expected within 24 hours. Some products require activation with water within a few days — check the label carefully.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Source Triad TZ | Liquid Concentrate | Stubborn clover & tough broadleaf weeds | 4 active ingredients: 2,4-D, Dicamba, Triclopyr, Sulfentrazone | Amazon |
| Liquid Harvest Mesotrione | Liquid Concentrate | Pre-emergent & post-emergent control | 8 oz bottle; treats up to 5,000 sq ft | Amazon |
| Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed | Granular | Full-lawn feeding with clover suppression | Covers 5,000 sq ft; Weedgrip Technology | Amazon |
| Fertilome Weed Free Zone | Liquid Concentrate | Fast kill on creeping charlie & clover | 32 oz; controls 80+ broadleaf weeds | Amazon |
| Ortho GroundClear Super Concentrate | Liquid Concentrate | Non-selective spot treatment | 32 oz; treats up to 1,120 sq ft | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Select Source Triad TZ (Quart)
Triad TZ is a four-way herbicide combining 2,4-D, Dicamba, Triclopyr, and Sulfentrazone. That combination is a direct attack on clover’s waxy defenses — Triclopyr penetrates the cuticle while Dicamba moves systemically to the roots. Users report visible wilting within hours and complete kill of dense clover patches in under two weeks.
It is labeled for use on residential lawns, athletic fields, and commercial turf. A single quart mixes to cover between 48 and 96 fluid ounces per acre depending on the target weed. Clover on bluegrass or fescue lawns disappears without damaging the turf when applied at the correct rate.
The main downside is the odor — reviewers note it smells strong during application. It also requires protective gear (gloves, long sleeves) and careful handling since it is toxic if absorbed through skin. For clover that other products missed, this is the most reliable solution.
What works
- Four active ingredients tackle clover from multiple angles
- Visible results within hours on most broadleaf weeds
- Safe on common cool-season turfgrasses
What doesn’t
- Strong chemical odor during and after application
- Requires careful mixing and full protective gear
2. Liquid Harvest Mesotrione (8 oz)
Mesotrione is unique — it bleaches susceptible plants by blocking photosynthesis. It works both pre-emergent (preventing clover seeds from germinating) and post-emergent (killing existing clover). Liquid Harvest’s 8 oz bottle is a direct alternative to the branded Tenacity formula, offering the same active ingredient at a lower cost.
Application requires activation — if no rain falls within 10 days, you need to water in 0.15 inches. It works best on cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Reviewers note it kills clover effectively but often requires a higher dose for root kill on mature clover plants.
A key caution: Mesotrione can temporarily bleach grass if over-applied. Follow the label rate precisely. It is also selective — avoid use on Bermuda grass and zoysia. For clover that keeps returning, this product addresses both the current plants and the seeds in the soil.
What works
- Both pre and post emergent — stops clover seeds too
- Affordable alternative to name-brand Tenacity
- Works on 46 weed species including crabgrass
What doesn’t
- May require 4x dose for complete clover root kill
- Can temporarily bleach grass if applied too heavily
3. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed (5,000 sq ft)
Scott’s updated formula claims up to 2x more powerful clover and dandelion control than its previous version. The granular format uses Weedgrip Technology, meaning the particles stick to weed leaves they contact. This is a decent choice if your clover is scattered across a large lawn and you want a single broadcast pass.
The active ingredients (2,4-D and Mecoprop) are less aggressive on clover than Dicamba or Triclopyr, but the new formulation improves adherence. Reviewers report slower results compared to liquid concentrates — visible die-off takes 1-2 weeks. The fertilizer component (high nitrogen) helps thicken grass, which naturally crowds out clover over time.
Granular products depend on granules landing on clover leaves — dense clover mats can shield lower leaves. It also requires the lawn to be damp for granules to stick. This is a maintenance tool for mild clover pressure, not a cure for heavy infestation.
What works
- Easy broadcast application for large lawns
- Fertilizer thickens grass to prevent clover return
- Improved Weedgrip Technology for leaf adhesion
What doesn’t
- Slower results compared to liquid concentrates
- Less effective on dense, established clover patches
4. Fertilome Weed Free Zone (32 oz)
Fertilome Weed Free Zone is a Dicamba-based concentrate known among gardeners for killing creeping charlie — a notoriously tough broadleaf weed with similar waxy leaf traits to clover. It controls over 80 broadleaf weeds including clover, spurge, chickweed, and thistle. Users report visible injury within hours of application.
It is safe on many common turfgrasses: Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda, Bahia, and Zoysia. The label recommends spraying when weeds are young and actively growing. For clover, some reviewers found they needed roughly double the recommended concentration plus a few drops of dish soap as a surfactant to get full kill on mature plants.
The odor is less offensive than the Triad TZ, and the cost per ounce is reasonable for a specialty product. The main limitation is availability — it can be harder to find in local stores. For clover with resistant characteristics, the Dicamba concentration in this product delivers reliable results.
What works
- Proven to kill creeping charlie and waxy-leaf weeds
- Safe on a wide range of warm and cool season lawns
- Fast — visible wilting within hours
What doesn’t
- May need higher concentration for mature clover
- Harder to find in big-box stores; best ordered online
5. Ortho GroundClear Super Concentrate (32 oz)
Ortho GroundClear is a non-selective herbicide containing 2,4-D and Dicamba. While it lists clover among its target weeds, this product kills all vegetation it contacts — including grass. Use it for spot treatment of clover in driveways, patios, or bare soil areas, not for broadcast use on your lawn.
It comes as a super concentrate — 32 oz treats up to 1,120 square feet. Users love that it starts working immediately and is rainfast in only 15 minutes. It kills clover to the root, preventing regrowth for several weeks. The formula is effective but requires careful targeting to avoid damaging desired plants.
This is not a weed and feed — there is no fertilizer component. For clover growing in sidewalk cracks, gravel paths, or flower bed edges, this is a fast and cost-effective solution. But if you need to clear clover from your lawn without killing the grass, choose a selective product from earlier in this list.
What works
- Works within hours; kills clover to the root
- Rainfast in 15 minutes — ideal for unpredictable weather
- Good value as a concentrate; makes 5+ gallons
What doesn’t
- Non-selective — kills grass and desirable plants
- No fertilizer component for lawn health
Hardware & Specs Guide
Active Ingredient Penetration
Clover’s waxy leaf cuticle blocks weak herbicides. Dicamba and Triclopyr are the most effective penetrants — Dicamba is systemic (moves to roots) while Triclopyr breaks surface wax. Mesotrione works by photosynthesis inhibition and requires good leaf coverage. Products with 2,4-D alone often leave clover alive.
Concentration and Coverage
Liquid concentrates are measured in fluid ounces per gallon of water. Most formulas treat between 1,000 and 6,000 square feet per bottle at the standard rate. Granular products are measured by weight per square foot. Always read the label for your specific grass type — rates vary for cool-season vs warm-season turf.
Application Method
Use a pump sprayer for liquid concentrates — a 2-gallon battery-operated sprayer with a spray dye indicator is ideal for even coverage. Granular products require a broadcast or drop spreader calibrated to the product’s setting. Apply liquids when wind is below 5 mph to prevent drift onto flowers or vegetables.
Safety and Re-entry Interval
Most herbicides require a re-entry interval of 24-48 hours for people and pets. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection when mixing concentrates. Wash application tools thoroughly after use — residues can damage desirable plants in later applications.
FAQ
Can I use a standard weed and feed on clover?
Should I apply liquid or granular for clover?
What temperature is best for applying clover herbicide?
Will clover killer also kill my grass?
How long does it take for clover to die after spraying?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the weed and feed for clover winner is the Select Source Triad TZ because its four-active-ingredient formula attacks clover from multiple angles and delivers fast, reliable results. If you want both pre and post emergent control, grab the Liquid Harvest Mesotrione. And for a simple broadcast application across a large lawn, nothing beats the convenience of the Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed.