Ridding your garden of pesky weeds can sometimes feel impossible. Do you have a clover invasion and want to try using Tenacity weed killer but don't know if it will be effective? How long does Tenacity take to kill weeds? Luckily, we have the answers and will dive into them below.
Yes, Tenacity weed killer will be able to handle clover. Typically, you can expect this process to take between two and three weeks, so be patient. However, you should see results start to take place within the first 7-10 days post-treatment.
Tenacity will turn your clovers white before they fully die, so if you notice that, the product is working correctly.
As we start, we will cover all things Tenacity and discuss whether using this weed killer is effective for clovers. Whether your garden has too many weeds to handle or you want to get ahead of an invasion, we're here to offer some guidance. With that said, let's get right into this topic!
![Infestation of clover weed, Does Tenacity Kill Clover? [Is It Safe On Grass?]](https://gardentabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Does-Tenacity-Kill-Clover-Is-It-Safe-On-Grass.png)
Can I Use Tenacity To Kill Clover?
Yes, it is safe to use Tenacity to kill clovers among various weeds in your garden. Considering that this powerful product is one of the best weed killers on the market, it's bound to prove successful for your project.
Specifically, Tenacity kills weeds like crabgrass, nutsedge, dandelions, clover, and others, so it will work for this instance. As we mentioned, you should start to see results within 7-10 days, so this is a somewhat quick process.
One of the benefits of using Tenacity is that it works for pre-emergent and post-emergent weeds. That means that if your clovers are just popping out of the ground, Tenacity will be effective.
The same goes for more mature weeds, so age won't affect the potency of this product. Again, you will notice your clovers turn a white-ish color while this product goes to work.
Think of this as bleaching, which means the Tenacity has done its job.
How Strong Is Tenacity Weed Killer?
In general, Tenacity weed killer will be relatively potent. Although this product is rated highly for being safe, it packs a punch in terms of active ingredients.
One of the main components of Tenacity is mesotrione, which makes up 40% of this product. Mesotrione essentially kills weeds from the inside, proving to be one of the more effective options for many.
Tenacity Herbicide is known for its direct contact formula, which will stay on the weed you use it on. That means fewer chances of other nearby grass or plants becoming harmed, which is always good.
Moreover, Tenacity targets weeds from their source, which can help prevent future ones from growing. So overall, we would recommend it for its strength.
Tenacity Turf Herbicide
This herbicide has a pre and post-emergent formula, controls weeds in turfgrass, kills clover, has a 5-8 years shelf life, and comes in an eight-ounce bottle.
View this weed killer on Amazon here.
How Long Does Tenacity Take To Kill Clover Completely?
Although Tenacity will get to work immediately, it may take upwards of three weeks for your clovers to be completely dead. Generally, you will see a bleaching effect on your treated clover within 7-10 days.
After that period, the herbicide will target your weeds from their roots, ultimately killing them by week two or three. Of course, this will be different for every garden/weed.
Clover will usually die quickly once you have a product on it, but that's not to say this won't take multiple rounds of spraying. As we mentioned, Tenacity is one of the best products on the market, so it's bound to be more successful than a competing option.
Once you notice the weeds whitening, you may want to remove them from the ground yourself. Ideally, you won't have to touch the weeds, but again, everyone is different.
If you decide to pull the dying weeds manually, make sure to wear elbow-length gloves to prevent contact with the chemicals.
Should I Apply A Second Round Of Tenacity To Clover?
If your garden has too many weeds to handle, it might be worth applying Tenacity a second time. In general, you won't need to do this to the affected area, as the product is potent enough to kill clover in one use.
As we covered above, Tenacity targets weeds at their source. This process can take a couple of weeks, so that is normal if you don't see results immediately.
However, if the clover comes back after applying Tenacity, that's a good time to re-apply. Considering that this product's formula targets current and future weed outbreaks, it can be a good preventative measure.
Peach Country Tractor states that in their situation, the clover was so bad they needed three rounds of Tenacity, so again, this varies dramatically for everyone.
On the other hand, Do On My Own recommends avoiding multiple rounds of Tenacity on newly seeded turf, so that's something to consider. They also suggest waiting until you've mowed at least 2-3 times before any further herbicide usage.
What If I Use Too Much Tenacity?
If you overdo it with the herbicide, a few things can happen. Overusing Tenacity will often burn your yard, even killing nearby grass and plants.
Although it is safe to apply Tenacity multiple times per year, you want to keep this number low. According to experts, you should keep Tenacity usage to roughly 16 ounces per acre per year.
Even if you have weeds, like clover, that keep returning, using too many chemicals on a given section of land can be devastating to the plants around it.
Remember, Tenacity is pretty safe, but it is very powerful. The more product you use, the more likely death in that area becomes.
Additionally, you want to wait a few weeks for Tenacity to work, so this will take some patience.
Does Tenacity Kill Grass?
No, in general, Tenacity won't negatively affect the lawn you use it in. Figuring that you follow the directions, this herbicide should target weeds while leaving grass nearby undamaged.
Tenacity is a selective herbicide, meaning it works explicitly for weeds. Unlike other brands, that can make a huge difference in how this product's formula reacts to the grass around it.
Many gardeners spray Tenacity around their entire lawn to manage weeds so it's not going to create dead patches or discoloration.
With that said, if you overuse Tenacity or any herbicide on your grass, that's when problems can arise. Typically, this will be a burnt look on your grass but should subside if you stop applying the weed killer.
Especially for those with clovers, it's best to give your lawn one good spray, wait 2-3 weeks, and pull any remaining ones out of the ground to finish the job.
Can You Spray Tenacity On Your Whole Lawn?
Yes! You can spray Tenacity on your entire lawn to prevent and kill weeds. This is referred to as a 'broadcast' application and is very common among gardeners.
In general, you want to spray your whole lawn if weeds are in multiple sections. As we mentioned, Tenacity has a selective formula, so it won't kill everything it touches.
Instead, it will target weeds, like clover, and kill them over 2-3 weeks.
Moreover, you may want to consider spot treating your grass with Tenacity. That would mean you spray sections with weeds rather than wasting your product on weed-free zones.
If you choose to do this, make sure to read the label on your product. Tenacity, although selective, may not cover your grass variety, so this is crucial.
The last thing you want is to try and kill weeds while also discoloring the grass nearby.
Lawn Phix recommends checking the label for your specific grass and only broadcast spraying if you see it on the bottle of Tenacity. If not, stick to applying the herbicide only to the affected sections.
Should I Cut My Grass Before Applying Tenacity?
For anyone ready to use Tenacity, there are some pre-application steps to take. First, wait to use your product until it's been two or more days since you mowed the lawn.
It's essential to let your grass heal before applying the herbicide. Furthermore, you should also wait two or more days to mow after using Tenacity, which applies before and after.
You also want to make sure your lawn is dry before using an herbicide. Ideally, you will give your grass about six hours of dry time before using Tenacity and then wait a couple of days to water again.
There is also a soil temperature recommendation that you need to follow. Typically, the ground in your yard will need to reach at least 55 degrees before you can apply Tenacity, so make sure it's warm enough outside.
All of these things will affect the potency of Tenacity, so if you fail to follow our guidelines, expect less than stellar results.
To Wrap Up
Whether you have clover weeds popping up everywhere in your garden or see a few, it's crucial to get them dead ASAP. From what we found, Tenacity will be effective for killing clover and is one of the best weed killers on the market.
Additionally, you need to give your product about two or three weeks to work, so be patient. Typically, Tenacity will bleach a weed as it kills, so that's an easy indicator.
Regardless, read the label on your product to see what grass it is safe for, and don't be afraid to broadcast spray your lawn if the clovers are out of control.
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