Knowledgebase
Clover and Creeping Charlie are overtaking our entire lawn #934360
Asked June 05, 2026, 3:04 PM EDT
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Mona,
White clover was popular before lawn fertilizers were plentiful and relatively inexpensive, because clover can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to the soil where it can be taken up by grass. Clover thrives in thin, unfertilized lawns. Adding a nitrogen fertilizer regimen and good cultural lawn care can produce a thick stand of grass that will choke out clover. Here is an article on good lawn maintenance: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/go_green_lawncare_tip_sheet
In this article, the most effective herbicides against clover and some of their product names are listed: https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-white-clover
Creeping Charlie is more difficult to control in summer, but some effectivity was found with herbicides containing 2,4-D and quinclorac. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ground-ivy-control-for-home-lawns
Since quinclorac is effective on both menaces, I would recommend a herbicide with 2,4-D and quinclorac.
Hope this helps.
