How do I get the clover out of my back yard?

Question

My yard is full of it and my kids can't play because of all the bees it attracts. We had a tree taken out last fall and there are spots and dips all over the yard. It needs big time help.

Answer 1

I feel for you as a parent and I saw noone had responded so I thought I would take a moment. Okay, first thing. Most folks on this site are good folks and mean well but have not gone to college for soil and turf management. If you needed heart surgery you wouldn't aske these folks. If you live in the United States look in the white pages of your phone and look for county extension office. These folks are scientist and every county in US the has them, they help farmers, and nurseries, and will help the "normal" folk for free. It is your tax dollars at work. If you cant find the local number for you county email your state's Department Of Agriculture and they will email you the number. Okay lecture over. Now lets get those kids in the yard. You have two choices. If you know what kind of grass you have (keep in mind it is common for folks to have two kinds of grass in their yard) then you can call up your local extension office, tell the folks what kind of grass you have and ask them what kind of chemical that is not restricted (as you are not licensed to spray yards) can you use on your own home to eliminate clover. If you dont know what kind of grass you have then take them in a sample (they will be in your county) and they will tell you for free. The 2nd choice is to call a "professional" from the yellow pages. In the state of Georgia you wouldn't believe what the amount of information I had to study before even taking my license test. Some of my friends call me a yard doc now. Other states though please be warned are less restrictive. Then even if the guy (or lady) is licensed and knows his stuff they could still rip you off. Find out from the state where your local county extension office is, take the kids for a ride because they are probably going stir crazy being in the house and go and see the folks at the county extension office. All the chemicals you would be able to buy mom, are relatively safe. ALWAYS follow the instructions on the bottle, They are there by federal law. Mom, be careful. and where the proper personal safety equipment that the bottle says to wear, this is the minimum required by federal law, even if you feel silly and the neighbors may see, it is your health. WEAR IT ALL. If it is a liquid, make sure to put it on when the wind is 5 mph or less...the weather channel is great to know this....and mom keep the kids AND the animals INSIDE when spraying or putting down chemicals. There is a time for moomy time and then there are times when you have to say no. Say no, they cant help. Even if they are older. Last, ALL animals and PEOPLE stay inside until the chemical has fully dried. Then its okay and you dont have to worry about them. On the safe side I like to tell moms 4 hours. Most chemicals should be applied in the early hours of the morning or the later evening hours. Follow the labels and the suggestions from your local extension office. Chemicals - when used safely - can get the yard looking great again - and your babies healthy. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 2

I agree with Jimmy, but simple answer is any over the counter weed killer containing 2-4,D. If you have a large area, call Tru-Green Chem-Lawn, or some company like that.