Question
Upstate ny- zip 12203

I'm confused about the instructions-- I hope
I'm in the right place:

I live in ALbany ny - I have a lawn that's
inundated with clover.  How can i get rid of it?
it looks ok when it doesnt flower, but the flowers make it look overgrown.

Any suggestions?

thanks!

David  

Answer
Good evening David:
You are in the right place.
There are a number of broadleaf weed herbicides (weed killers) available for use on lawns to control clover. Only apply to actively growing clover. Choices found in garden centers typically include 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid called Weed-Be-Gone); mecoprop or MCPP (2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid); or dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid); with two and three-way combinations available.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide labels. There are general guidelines for using broadleaf herbicides on lawns. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn). Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow for few days before and after application. Consider spot treating rather than broadcasting herbicide over the entire area. Use caution on newly seeded areas; wait 4 mowings before treating a newly seeded lawn and wait 30 days before seeding an area treated with broadleaf herbicides. Refer to the label regarding any potential hazards when used on lawns over the root zone of trees (such as with dicamba).
Early to mid fall can be a good time to control clover. Spring and early summer applications may not provide as good of control as fall. In addition, warmer temperatures increase the chance of lawn injury. Regardless the time of the year, clover needs to be actively growing for herbicides to work.
My suggestion would be to begin late in late August using broadleaf herbicides to eliminate the clover. If you can spot treat that would be better and more economical. In late September to early  October begin to overseed the lawn in the bare areas.
Have a good lawn!
Floyd McMahon