Help with Clover control on Lawn

[Linford]

I am pretty much a newbie to gardening, so bear with me...

I have recently moved into a new property and have a 100m2 lawn which was full of weeds. I have painstakingly hand removed the bigger weeds, but now the lawn is heavily covered in clover.

At this time of year, what would be the recommended steps? I was thinking about using a lawn feed (with weed killer) but having read some reviews, this is maybe not ideal for clover.

Any help or tips would be great!

 

[Linford]

 

[DirtMechanic]

I do not think that is clover? Can you take some great close up pics of the leaves and its growing habit that are not covered in grass?

 

[Linford]

Thanks for your quick reply, there are a lot of different types of weed but I’d say clover is the main culprit (pics attached) not sure what all of them are!

 

[DirtMechanic]

Does it smell strongly of onions when you cut the grass?

 

[Linford]

Can't say I have noticed any smell to be honest.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Can't say I have noticed any smell to be honest.

I was trying to identify that grass type. You cannot use everything on everything unfortunately. What grass is that? A fescue of some sort?

 

[Linford]

I was trying to identify that grass type. You cannot use everything on everything unfortunately. What grass is that? A fescue of some sort?

Ah sorry, I don't know to be honest as I recently moved into the property. I have attached another close-up photo of the grass if that helps?

 

[DirtMechanic]

Well The broadleaf looks like a spinach of some sort and I still suspect you have a fescue but I cannot stress how important the makers of weed control products feel about customers mis-identifying plants and then blaming them for all the following woe.

Fescue grows easily from seed, but you have snow perhaps? So you would reseed in the spring?

Or do you want to keep whats there and just use a spray of some sort?

I would think you are nearing the end of the lawn season about now?

 

[Linford]

Well The broadleaf looks like a spinach of some sort and I still suspect you have a fescue but I cannot stress how important the makers of weed control products feel about customers mis-identifying plants and then blaming them for all the following woe.

Fescue grows easily from seed, but you have snow perhaps? So you would reseed in the spring?

Or do you want to keep whats there and just use a spray of some sort?

We don't always have snow, but I was planning on re-seeding the spring anyways. I had wanted to get rid of as many weeds as I possibly could beforehand, though.

 

[DirtMechanic]

We don't always have snow, but I was planning on re-seeding the spring anyways. I had wanted to get rid of as many weeds as I possibly could beforehand, though.

I would suggest "Tenacity". It allows for application at the time of seeding. Or prior in the fall then again in the spring. The thatch is horrible in fescue generally, but its an insulator as well for winter warm root toes. I might dethatch it then use tenacity then spread compost and then await spring.

 

[Linford]

I would suggest "Tenacity". It allows for application at the time of seeding. Or prior in the fall then again in the spring. The thatch is horrible in fescue generally, but its an insulator as well for winter warm root toes. I might dethatch it then use tenacity then spread compost and then await spring.

Many thanks for your help, it is most appreciated. I will have a look to see if they sell this in the UK.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Many thanks for your help, it is most appreciated. I will have a look to see if they sell this in the UK.

Look up the chemical name. It may well have cheaper versions. I put it out at 3mL (yes 3) per 2 gallon hand held sprayer. Its a good time to use a soluble fertilizer or 7 as well. It seems expensive but goes a long way. I however have ST Augustine so your rate will be higher. You will probably use at least 5 ounces per acre.

 

[cpp gardener]

Anything with 2,4-D and/or MCPP will work on clover and English Daisy, your other major weed, without damaging the grass. It won't hurt seedlings in the spring, either.

 

[Linford]

Thank you both!