How to kill clover in buffalo grass

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Buffalo grass is prized for its thick, soft texture and ability to thrive in Australia’s unique climate. But even the most resilient lawns can fall victim to one of the most stubborn invaders—clover. Those tiny white flowers may look harmless, but clover can quickly outcompete your buffalo grass, leaving you with a patchy and uneven lawn. So, what’s the secret to banishing clover without damaging your prized buffalo turf?

In this guide, we’ll explore practical, effective ways to remove clover from your buffalo grass, from natural solutions to selective herbicides that target clover without harming your lawn. We’ve also created a visual guide that details all the expert tips you need to restore your lawn to its lush, green glory.

Why does clover grow in buffalo grass?

Clover tends to thrive in lawns with low nitrogen levels, compacted soil, or poor lawn health. It can quickly take over patches of grass, especially in areas where buffalo grass is thinning or stressed. Understanding why clover is growing is the first step in getting rid of it.

Key causes of clover growth

When it comes to clover weeds, here’s why they commonly occur: 

• Low nitrogen levels: Clover can fix its own nitrogen from the air, which allows it to thrive in low-nitrogen soils.
• Compacted soil: Poor soil aeration prevents buffalo grass from growing properly, giving clover the upper hand.
• Drought stress: Buffalo grass weakens when it’s deprived of water, creating space for clover to spread.

Are there different types of clover?

Yes, there are several types of clover that can invade buffalo grass, and knowing which type you’re dealing with can help with removal. The most common one is white clover, easily recognised by its small white flowers and creeping growth.

Another variety is red clover, which has larger, pinkish-red flowers and grows more upright—though it’s less common in lawns. Strawberry clover looks similar to white clover but has pink flowers, and it can also spread aggressively in buffalo grass.

How do you get rid of clover in buffalo grass?

Now that we understand why clover grows, let’s look at some proven ways to remove it from your entire lawn. When dealing with weed control, it's essential to find a method that targets clover specifically without damaging the buffalo grass. Here are some of the most effective solutions on how to get rid of clover in buffalo grass:

1. Improve soil health 

A healthy lawn is the best defence against clover. Improving your soil quality will help any buffalo grass, including our Sir Walter turf, grow stronger and more resistant to clover infestations.

• Aerate the soil: Aeration helps alleviate compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your buffalo grass.
• Fertilise regularly: Apply a nitrogen-rich lawn fertiliser to promote healthy grass growth. Clover thrives in nitrogen-deficient soil, so fertilising will help discourage it from spreading.

2. Hand-pull clover patches

For small patches of clover, manual removal is a simple and effective solution. Here's how to do it properly:

• Use a weeding tool: A sharp tool helps to remove the entire clover plant, including the root system.
• Water the lawn first: Moist soil makes it easier to pull out clover without breaking the roots.
• Dispose of the clover: Remove the pulled clover from the lawn to prevent it from re-establishing itself.

3. Mow high 

Buffalo grass thrives when kept at a higher length. Mowing your lawn too short stresses the grass and gives the clover more room to spread.

• Recommended height: Keep your buffalo grass between 40mm and 50mm in height.
• Benefits: Taller buffalo grass shades the soil, reducing the sunlight clover needs to grow.

What kills clover but not buffalo grass in Australia?

How do you kill clover in buffalo grass? Well, it’s easier than you think. 

Finding a herbicide that targets clover without harming buffalo grass is essential. Using the wrong product can weaken your lawn or even kill the buffalo grass. Here are some selective herbicide options that are safe for fertilising buffalo lawns in Australia.

Herbicide application tips 

• Test first: Always test herbicides on a small patch of your lawn before widespread application.
• Follow label instructions: Ensure proper dilution and application timing to avoid lawn damage.
• Avoid overuse: Overusing herbicides can lead to stress on buffalo grass and other parts of your lawn ecosystem.

Are there natural or organic ways to kill clover in buffalo grass?

There are several natural and organic methods to remove clover from buffalo grass without resorting to harsh chemicals. One option is to spread corn gluten meal, which acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide, preventing clover seeds from sprouting. Vinegar solutions can also be used as a spot treatment for small patches of clover, though care must be taken to avoid harming surrounding buffalo grass.

Preventing clover from growing in buffalo lawns in the future

The best way to deal with clover and other weeds is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Follow these steps to keep your lawn in top condition.

Regular lawn maintenance

• Mow correctly: As mentioned earlier, keep your buffalo grass at an optimal height of 40–50mm to discourage clover growth.
• Fertilise consistently: Clover hates nitrogen. A well-fed lawn with nitrogen-rich fertilisers is less likely to develop clover.
• Water deeply: Deep, infrequent watering strengthens buffalo grass roots and helps maintain healthy growth.

Dethatching buffalo grass

Thatch can create an ideal environment for clover leaves to thrive. Dethatching your buffalo lawn periodically will help reduce the chance of weed growth. 

Keep your buffalo grass clover free with help from Lilydale 

Clover is a common lawn weed and can be a persistent problem in buffalo grass lawns, but with the right approach, you can keep your lawn healthy and free from invasive weeds. Whether you prefer hand-pulling small patches or using selective herbicides, maintaining strong, well-fed buffalo grass is the ultimate solution.

If you’re struggling to get rid of clover or want professional advice on lawn care, Lilydale Instant Lawn can help. We offer expert services to ensure your buffalo grass remains lush and beautiful year-round. Contact us today to learn more about our lawn care solutions or to get a free quote on buffalo grass installation.