Clover is Low Maintenance

Once established, clover requires very little maintenance compared to a traditional lawn. It grows slowly and doesn’t need to be mowed as frequently. Clover also requires less watering, fertilizer, and weed control. The deep roots of clover help the plant thrive even during drought conditions. For homeowners looking for a more hands-off approach to lawn care, clover is an attractive option.

Clover is Pet and Kid Friendly

Clover is soft underfoot and holds up well to foot traffic, making it ideal for families with children and pets. The dense mat of clover prevents mud from forming. The plant also releases nitrogen into the soil which means it continues to thrive in high traffic areas. Clover is non-toxic for children and pets.

Clover is Inexpensive

Converting a traditional lawn to clover requires a fraction of the costs associated with installing and maintaining grass. Clover seed is inexpensive to purchase. Once established, the clover requires little in the way of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or other treatments, saving homeowners money over the long term.

Clover Helps Pollinators and Wildlife

The small flowers of clover attract pollinating bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Clover also provides food and habitat for wildlife. The plant’s ability to draw in pollinators means clover lawns are actively improving the local ecosystem. This is an attractive benefit for environmentally conscientious homeowners.

Clover is Drought Resistant

Clover has a deep root system that allows it to withstand drought, extreme heat and periods of low rainfall. It goes dormant during drought but bounces back with rainfall. This makes clover ideal for homeowners dealing with water restrictions or dry climates. Less watering also translates into lower utility bills.

Clover Stays Green Year Round

Unlike cool season grasses, clover maintains its green color even during the dog days of summer. It does not require overseeding to remain lush and green. Clover keeps its verdant green color throughout the winter months as well. This gives homeowners a beautiful lawn all year long without seasonal browning.

Clover Outcompetes Weeds

Once established, clover chokes out crabgrass, dandelions and other weeds. Its dense mat prevents weed seeds from germinating. Any weeds that do appear are usually shallow rooted and easy to pull by hand. The end result is fewer weeds without having to resort to chemical herbicides.

Clover is Native to North America

Clover is not an invasive exotic species. It originated in Europe and parts of Asia but has grown wild in North America for centuries. Native clover varieties are ideally adapted to thrive in our climate and soil conditions with minimal intervention or maintenance.

Clover is Edible

The leaves of clover are completely edible for humans and make a nutritious trailside snack or addition to salads. The flowers can also be steeped to make a tea. Of course lawn clover receives more traffic pollution than wild clover, so edibility varies. But it’s an interesting feature.

Clover Naturally Fixes Nitrogen

Clover has nodules on its roots that utilized bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium. This ammonium fertilizes surrounding plants. In effect, clover is a natural fertilizer that provides free nutrients to your lawn. Less need for synthetic fertilizer is better for the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clover Lawns

Is clover really as green as grass?

Yes, clover can be just as vibrantly green as grass when healthy. The leaf color may slightly differ from traditional lawn grasses but is still lush and verdant. When established, clover grows in a dense mat and maintains its green color even in adverse conditions.

Does clover need to be mowed?

One of the benefits of clover is it grows much more slowly than traditional lawn grasses. It usually only needs mowing 1-2 times per month during peak growing season. Mowing is more for aesthetics than necessity. Clover can bloom into small, attractive flowers if left unmowed.

Does clover go dormant in winter?

No, clover remains evergreen throughout winter. It goes dormant and may experience minor dieback during extreme drought but quickly revives with rainfall. The roots store energy reserves that allow the clover to remain actively growing even when cool season grasses go dormant.

What are the best clover varieties for lawns?

White clover and micro clover are most commonly used in residential lawn applications. White clover grows taller, up to 6 inches, while micro clover has tiny leaves and grows no more than 2 inches tall. Lawns often use a mix of both varieties. Other options include crimson clover and yellow woodsorrel.

Does clover spread on its own?

Once established, clover spreads via rhizomes to form a dense, weed-resistant mat. Over time it will spread to cover any bare patches of soil. Reseeding is rarely necessary. The spreading rhizomes also make clover highly resilient and hard to kill.

How is clover installed?

Clover can be grown from seed or plugs. Seeding requires working the seeds into the soil, keeping the area moist for 2-3 weeks to establish. Plugs can be installed for faster establishment but are more labor intensive. Combining plugs and seeding is ideal.

What about bees and allergies?

Some clover varieties produce small flowers that can attract pollinators. However, clover does not produce airborne pollen. Any bees present are collecting nectar, not spreading pollen. The potential for allergic reaction is extremely low. Studies show clover generates no increase in airborne allergens.

How dense does clover grow compared to grass?

An established clover lawn grows in a thick, dense mat. It easily rivals the density of a traditional grass lawn. Homeowners are often surprised by how lush and uniform clover becomes once given time to spread and establish over an entire lawn.

Does clover require different mowing or watering?

Clover thrives with less frequent mowing and watering than standard grass. It only needs mowed every 10-14 days at the most. Watering can be cut back significantly, especially compared to thirsty grasses like Kentucky bluegrass. Simply mow and water clover less often for a hands-off lawn.

Conclusion

Switching from a traditional grass lawn to clover offers many benefits for today’s eco-conscious homeowners. Clover provides a lush, attractive, low maintenance alternative that is also budget-friendly. The ability of clover to help pollinators and the environment adds further incentive for homeowners to make the change. As more people learn about its many advantages, clover lawns will likely continue to grow in popularity. With proper establishment and care, clover can thrive and give homeowners an environmentally sustainable landscape to enjoy.