Granular herbicides do not work as well as liquids. Clover is an indication of low nitrogen and liquid herbicides are best.

 

Is applying fertilizer also applying nitrogen?

 

Yea
But you need the right amount of N per thousand, not quiet as simple as applying fert, but essentially, yes

 

Most granular ferts have nitrogen. The ratios of N P K are listed on the bags. N = Nitogen, P = phosphorus and K = potassium. You'll want a slow release nitrogen product. Something like a 22-0-4.

 

Rochester NY location

I planted my lawn 2 years ago which used to be a corn field. Lawn came in decent but could use some re seeding and probably some fertilizer. I've never put anything on my lawn. Clover seems to be getting worse and would like to get ride of it.

Id prefer granular and not liquid. Is it too late in the year now to use Scott's weed and feed? It's been very wet and not too hot so far this year. Not really any other weeds besides clover

Then this fall i was going to over seed the lawn

Thanks

View attachment 345691

I wonder how much of a lawn you have vs clover. Be careful what you wish for

 

Clover is actually good for the soil--it takes nitrogen out of the air and adds it to the soil. If you don't mind a few white flowers--then all you need is attitude adjustment--cheap.
Sure you can use a good weed and feed at this time. It should kill dandelions and other weeds--clover sometimes.
Sow Scotts seed. Do not use cheap seed--can be stringy, disease prone, and contain weed seeds. I would avoid Vigro.
Best overseed date is about 8 weeks before frost--sow seed about August 15 in your town.

 

Agree with Riggle. I would add this:

If you do not have irrigation buy Tirf Type Tall Fescue. You will know it is TTTF because it will say Tall Fescue and NOT contain Kentucky-31 on the bag where it lists the percentages of each variety of seed. Buy at least double the seed listed on the bag

 

I have been doing this for 35 years or so. Some of the best lawns have clover, not thick clover but mixed in. It is fine as long as the clover is not over taking the lawn, which IMO yours is not, at least not yet.

Liquid applications are best way to apply herbicides that will control it. I suggest you touch the thicker areas and leave the thin areas alone until your grass fills in. White flowers do not last all summer.

Do not use Kentucky 31 a commonly sold seed. Lay it heavy if you can have it watered do it. And do not let up for at least two weeks then back off. It is better to start early as Riggs suggests. Two reasons it has time establish itself and you will have time to replant if needed.

Back to the clover....if you are dead set on eradicating it, spray with a surfactant and spray 10 days apart doing so at least twice. You will need a sprayer of sorts do not try with granular.

Keep us posted, share photos, mow tall at least 3 inches and measure that too make sure you are.

Good luck

 

ps...watch out for the sedge in the bottom left corner of your photo. If it puts on a plume or flowers producing a seed. It may send them into your yard. Which may cause you problems !! It a year or two when your lawn if full and nice...you will at this time of year notice a your mowing seems to tear not cut.

This stuff is not a grass but a sedge. It does not look good in the lawn.

Read into it.

 

If you decide to spray (the best way to get rid of it) look for a liquid herbicide containing dicamba as one of the active ingredients. It should not be difficult to get rid of. Fertilize first.

 

Liquid is safer if applied properly disapates much faster.

 

Or...just hire someone from here

 

Is spraying something that would have to be done every year? I don't want to spray every year. Does Clover die during the winter? I'm going to over seed/ ree seed in August which should help more grass compete against cover correct? Hard to tell from pics but Clover is at least 50% of lawn

U put down granular fert for the first time last week 28-0-4

 

Does Clover die during the winter? I'm going to over seed/ ree seed in August which should help more grass compete against cover correct?

No and no

 

You can eliminate it but it might pop back up from seed.
It takes two applications about a week apart of the right herbicide to knock it out...but even then you might see it again.

 

For best results, hire a pro.

 

ps...watch out for the sedge in the bottom left corner of your photo. If it puts on a plume or flowers producing a seed. It may send them into your yard. Which may cause you problems !! It a year or two when your lawn if full and nice...you will at this time of year notice a your mowing seems to tear not cut.

This stuff is not a grass but a sedge. It does not look good in the lawn.

Read into it.

99.99999999% sure that is miscanthus, not sedge. Most sedges don't get that tall.

And the self-seeding from ornamental grasses was from pennisetums, not sedge or miscanthus.

 

Thank you Mark.

I am certain you are correct.

 

Forgot to say that I sprayed Amine 2-4d last summer(alot left)...which turned the tops of the Clover red..but apparently didn't kill it as it's back again.. it also stunted my lawn but last year ended up being the driest summer on record here so that couldn't have helped the grass.

The best part of the lawn..also where least Clover is, was the best moisture spot(lower ground) during a very dry initial planting.

I think the Clover filled in the weak areas where seed didn't take off as well

 

Update: After applying fert 2 weeks ago..the grass has took off and is starting to out compete the Clover.

How will Amine 400 24d affect the remaining Clover with spot treatment hand sprayer?

Then I will over seed in a month and more fert next spring?