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Clover - best way to get rid of?

Discussion in 'Lawns' started by TheMadHedger, Jul 27, 2020.

  1. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

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    I have a large amount of clover that's slowly invading my lawn. What's the best way to get rid of it (something which is safe for pets and wildlife, which won't affect the remaining grass and that doesn't involve huge amounts of digging)?

    Thanks
     
  2. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

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  3. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

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    Thanks very much, from doing some googling it also appears to be safe for pets as long as the area is left to dry first.

    However, animals can't graze it until after 3 cuts - I don't have any natural grazers but my dogs do like to eat grass at times. I may just have to fence off the area for a few weeks to be safe.

    How long does it take for the clover to start wilting? Within hours or is it days?
     
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    • JR

      JR Chilled Gardener

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      I used to cut my lawn close, but these days I'm much more laid back (bit lazy fighting the mower out from the shed too) but I've noticed over lock down just how many bees visit the clover in my lawn.
      Also i get some nice daisies.
      Adam Frost mentioned this very topic last week on Gardners world.
      Whilst a quality lawn obviously needs a close shave, mine is a monthly cut now and the wild life loves it and so do i.
      When it just starts to look very untidy, i cut it down to around 3" with the mower set appropriately..i appreciate this will not suit everyone!
       
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      • TheMadHedger

        TheMadHedger Gardener

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        I've got so many wild plants and flowers in my garden that I don't think the bees will miss the clover too much. :)
         
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        • Redwing

          Redwing Wild Gardener

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          Why would you want to get rid of clover? It’s an excellent plant, fixes nitrogen and pollinating insects, who are struggling, benefit from it.
           
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          • TheMadHedger

            TheMadHedger Gardener

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            Because it's taking over my lawn.
             
          • Redwing

            Redwing Wild Gardener

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            What’s wrong with that?
             
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            • Nikolaos

              Nikolaos Total Gardener

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              Lucky you, bumblebees and honeybees love it! A lawn full of clover buzzing with bees is a wonderful sight, I hope mine spreads and covers all of it, only about 60% is covered now... :biggrin:

              Nick
               
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              • ricky101

                ricky101 Total Gardener

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                As above, If you dare ...:biggrin: , will probably take a few days, but more effective if you can avoid cutting the grass for at least 4-5 days.
                Stubborn weeds may need a second treatment, but follow the treatments instructions very carefully !
                 
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                • CanadianLori

                  CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                  I too expect that my lawn will be grass. Not clover, not dandelions, not anything but grass. It is a small area compared to the gardens and pots filled with bee friendly plants. I feel that growing lots of plants for my winged friends makes up for my insistence on a lawn of grass. Take a little, give a lot!

                  If you allow clover to take over, then next thing you've got creeping charlie, madoc, hogweed and on and on because selective weeding is far harder than normal "everbody goes" weeding. Fine for those who like the "natural" look and have lots of property but for me, a simple back yard gardener, I like tidy on the lawn areas. The rest is a jumble that the bees, hummingbirds and other buzzers enjoy!

                  And running your toes through grass is lovely :spinning:
                   
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