Clover is a fast-spreading weed and can easily dominate the area it begins to grow. Which is lovely… if growing clover is the goal. We’re guessing it’s not. Prodiamine is used to kill many different species of pesky plants, but is it good for killing clover?
That’s what we’re here for (not to kill clover but to show you how). When it comes to Prodiamine, there are a few things to keep in mind. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; we’ll break it down.
What Is Prodiamine?
Let’s start with the basics; what is Prodiamine? Prodiamine 65 WDG (also known as Prodiamine) is used in many different types of pre-emergent. It is the active ingredient used to control many unwanted plant species. It works by preventing cell division, inhibiting the ability to form roots, and stopping the growth altogether. Prodiamine is used on a wide variety of commercial turf, including tree farms and golf courses.
Now, notice we mentioned that Prodiamine is used in pre-emergent. Those weeds you see in your yard? Yeah, Prodiamine won’t kill them. Because of its chemical nature, Prodiamine is designed to kill weeds as they begin to grow rather than after they have already sprung. As a general rule, the best time to apply Prodiamine is in the spring, before anything has had the chance to grow.
What Weeds Does Prodiamine Kill?
Now that we’ve gotten the pre-emergent conversation out of the way, let’s take a look at what weeds Prodiamine kills. The good news is because Prodiamine is such a versatile chemical, it can be used on a wide variety of weeds.
- Annual broadleaf weeds – Annual broadleaf weeds can be described as easily identifiable, as they look nothing like grass. Prodiamine controls many broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion.
- Grass – We know, you’re trying to grow grass. However, that doesn’t mean you want a variety of every type of grass on your lawn. Prodiamine controls unwanted grasses, such as annual bluegrass, and crabgrass.
How To Apply Prodiamine
When applying Prodiamine, there are several things to keep in mind. Now that you’ve determined what you are trying to control, how do you apply Prodiamine? We’re glad you asked. There are two different ways to apply Prodiamine to your lawn.
- Powder – Prodiamine commonly comes in the form of a powder. The powder is to be mixed with water, and not sprinkled around your lawn as is (no, you are not a fairy). Follow the instructions on the back of the pre-emergent to determine how much should be applied to your lawn. Using a pump sprayer, evenly spread the mixture to your lawn. For best results, Prodiamine should be applied in spring and watered (rain works too) into the soil.
- Granular – Though it’s not as common, Prodiamine does come in a granular form as well. It should be applied using a spreader. When applying granular Prodiamine, we’d recommend overlapping as you push the spreader across your lawn. This ensures successful product application. Granular Prodiamine should also be watered into the soil.
What Chemical Is Used To Kill Clover?
Though Prodiamine is not the best chemical when it comes to killing clover, don’t get discouraged just yet. There are several different chemicals that are used to combat and kill clover.
Dicamba
Dicamba is a useful chemical in killing clover. It is considered a broadleaf killer, meaning it will effectively remove the clover without destroying the grass as well. It is commonly used as a pre and post-emergent and is effective both ways.
Unlike many pre and post-emergents, dicamba should not be watered in. Avoid watering for around 24 hours after application. Though it is not common, dicamba can be harmful to animals in large quantities, so if pets are your thing, dicamba isn’t.
Mecoprop
Also known as MCCP, Mecoprop is an excellent chemical when it comes to killing clover. MCCP works as a post-emergent, so the chemical will still be effective if the clover has already grown. As with most herbicides, MCCP should be watered in to be effective.
While Mecorprop is considered more environmentally friendly, it should not be inhaled as it is considered slightly toxic. Not that we’d expect you to, but hey, you never know.
How To Keep Clover Out Of Your Lawn
Now that you’ve figured out how to get rid of the clover, how do you keep it that way? We’re glad you asked. Here are a few simple tips to keep clover out of your lawn.
Mowing
One effective way to rid your lawn of clover, and keep it that way, is to change the way you mow your lawn. In other words, mow higher. To break it down, clover, like many plants, needs sunlight to grow. Clover is low-growing, and if the grass is taller than the clover, most of the necessary sunlight is blocked. In turn, preventing the clover’s ability to grow effectively.
Proper Fertilization
Though it might sound strange, properly fertilizing your lawn fixes more problems than one may think. Clover grows best in soil with low nitrogen. Making sure your soil has proper amounts of nitrogen is one of the best ways to prevent and eventually eliminate clover growth.