Clovers

General description and types 

🌿Clovers, depending on the species, can be either annual or perennial weeds and are characterised by three (or if you’re lucky) rarely four leaves. 

🌿The most common of these is White Clover (perennial) which is identifiable by white or pinkish flowers in growing season it also has a recognisable white band on its leaves. 

🌿Other common types in turf are Red Clover (perennial) which has larger pink flowers and arrow banded leaves when compared to White Clover. 

🌿Other commonly seen members of the clover family include Black Medick (annual) and Trefoils (annual). 

🌿All typically flower between May and September. 

✅In what conditions do they thrive? 

Clovers generally thrive in non-acidic soils although White Clover in particular is incredibly common in most soils where there is a deficiency in nutrients notably low in Nitrogen. Whilst they favour moist soils they tend to proliferate during drought where grass becomes stressed, and clovers can outcompete easily. They also adapt to mowing height so are common on sports fields that are not maintained in such a way that its establishment is discouraged. 

⚽ What are the effects on turf? 

White Clover in particular is very aggressive covering large areas quickly where conditions are helpful. Runners (stolons) creep overground rooting at regular intervals creating new plants. Whilst not that aesthetically problematic in comparison to broad leaved weeds like plantains its control is essential given its ability to quickly overcome weakened grass swards. 

Management 

Cultural 

🌿As previously mentioned, turf that receives adequate amounts of Nitrogen through fertilisation will be less susceptible to clover ingress. 

🌿Regular mowing will help prevent seed heads from forming helping reduce further spread. 

🌿Surface grooming can help to weaken the weed, if done prior to mowing it will help stand up the stems and flower heads to be mown although this is more effective if collecting clippings. 

🌿Be particularly conscious of turf stress in periods of dry weather irrigating if available to maintain turf health. 

🌿Hand weeding clovers is not practical in affected sports turf as it is usually too widespread if present. 

Chemical 

🧪Where populations are widespread, clovers should be controlled through application of selective herbicide when growing. (Do not apply under drought conditions, application will not be effective and may damage the grass sward) 

🧪Unlike some other common weeds clovers can be more challenging to control and a repeat application may be necessary in the same growing season although adequate time must be left between applications. 

🧪Selective herbicides should only ever be applied by a fully qualified professional with the appropriate equipment and paperwork. 

🧪 Work with the appointed individual or contractor to ensure the selective herbicide to be used is effective for the treatment of clover not all are! You can look up the product label online to see what weeds it controls and at what quantity the chemical should be applied to control the identified weed/s. 

🧪Always try and minimise use of chemicals wear possible. Seek guidance from BASIS certificated advisors and use contractors abiding by The Amenity Standard scheme.