How do I kill the clover and not the tree?

ArchitectThom · May 16, 2023

I have an Italian Cypress planted in a xeroscape flower bed with small stone as the topper. Lots of clover has grown in this bed under the cypress tree and I want to know what I can spray on it or apply to it that will kill the clover without killing the cypress tree. Anyone have any ideas?

Most of the commercial clover weed killers I've seen apply only to lawns and say they shouldn't be applied around trees.

Youngandfree · May 16, 2023

Glyphosate doesn't stay active in the soil, just what it lands on. Have you tried that? Use some cardboard as a shield to protect the tree.

ArchitectThom · May 16, 2023

I haven't tried anything yet. I wanted to get expert advice. So, just to be clear, I can spray Glyphosate herbicide on the clover, being careful not to spray it on the tree itself and it should be ok, correct? It will kill the clover but it won't sink into the soil and kill the tree?

Youngandfree · May 16, 2023

ArchitectThom said:
I haven't tried anything yet. I wanted to get expert advice. So, just to be clear, I can spray Glyphosate herbicide on the clover, being careful not to spray it on the tree itself and it should be ok, correct? It will kill the clover but it won't sink into the soil and kill the tree?

Correct. Also known as Roundup. Get the higher percentage of glyphosate.

Andrew H · May 16, 2023

Clover is a legume, so a good fertilizer program with nitrogen will help reduce it, also you don’t need gly to kill clover. They’re are plenty of other products out there such as Quinclorac, which will be safer on your turf depending on what turf you have.

Edit:
You need to be careful what roundup you’re putting in, if it has imazypyr in it, it will leach and smoke that tree.

phasthound · May 17, 2023

You might try a propane flame torch.

RigglePLC · May 17, 2023

Phasthound has the best idea.
You cannot apply a pesticide like Roundup, except on your own property--unless you have pesticide applicator license. So...non-pesticide methods...
Torch?
Boiling water?
Cover with black plastic for a few days.
Vinegar?
Did you use hay for mulch? Pasture mixes often contain some clover.
If you are licensed, then a preventative like Snapshot would prevent new clover plants from arising.
Also you should have an expert check for the four or five clover look-alikes. Could also be: Oxalis, black medic, alfalfa, lespedeza and a couple more I do not remember.

godskudzukiller · May 30, 2025

ArchitectThom said:
I have an Italian Cypress planted in a xeroscape flower bed with small stone as the topper. Lots of clover has grown in this bed under the cypress tree and I want to know what I can spray on it or apply to it that will kill the clover without killing the cypress tree. Anyone have any ideas?

Most of the commercial clover weed killers I've seen apply only to lawns and say they shouldn't be applied around trees.

Hey, my name is Rick Araujo, and I am the owner of God’s Kudzu Killer, LLC. Our formulation is a fast-acting, eco-friendly solution that kills Kudzu in just 3 hours, along with many other invasive weeds and grasses. Trusted by landowners and backed by results, our videos at godskudzukiller.com show you exactly how it works. Take back your land — safely, naturally, and powerfully."

Our solution will kill clover and is eco-friendly!!! I hope this helps you... Rick

Mark Oomkes · May 30, 2025

godskudzukiller said:
Hey, my name is Rick Araujo, and I am the owner of God’s Kudzu Killer, LLC. Our formulation is a fast-acting, eco-friendly solution that kills Kudzu in just 3 hours, along with many other invasive weeds and grasses. Trusted by landowners and backed by results, our videos at godskudzukiller.com show you exactly how it works. Take back your land — safely, naturally, and powerfully."

Our solution will kill clover and is eco-friendly!!! I hope this helps you... Rick

EPA registration number?

Label for usage?

Both required by law for pesticides.

BTW..this would fall under the 5th Commandment of obeying those in authority over you. Federal law requires EPA registration for pesticides and a label with the appropriate information.

How do I kill the clover and not the tree?

ArchitectThom

Youngandfree

ArchitectThom

Youngandfree

Andrew H

phasthound

RigglePLC

godskudzukiller

Mark Oomkes

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