The need to mow clover depends entirely on the homeowner’s desired outcome for their yard. Clover, typically white clover (Trifolium repens), is a low-growing perennial that was historically included in turf mixes before the widespread use of herbicides. The decision to mow balances aesthetic preferences, such as maintaining a uniform lawn appearance, against ecological benefits like supporting soil health and local wildlife. For those prioritizing a biodiverse and low-maintenance yard, mowing can be significantly reduced or eliminated.
Ecological Advantages of Leaving Clover Unmowed
Leaving clover to grow undisturbed offers benefits for soil fertility and overall yard resilience. As a legume, clover engages in a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, allowing it to pull nitrogen gas from the atmosphere. This process converts nitrogen into a usable form, effectively acting as a natural fertilizer and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Clover is also more drought-tolerant than traditional turfgrass because its deeper roots access moisture farther down in the soil profile, helping the lawn stay green during drier periods.
Allowing clover to flower provides a consistent food source for local insect populations. The small, white blossoms attract a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, offering nectar throughout the growing season. Refraining from mowing contributes to the local ecosystem by increasing the availability of forage.
Factors Driving the Need for Mowing
Many homeowners choose to mow clover to achieve a more manicured and uniform appearance. In a mixed lawn, clover’s leaf size and flowering height create an uneven texture compared to turfgrass. Regular mowing maintains a consistent height, integrating the clover more seamlessly into the overall lawn.
The flowers, while beneficial for pollinators, pose a practical concern due to foraging bees. If the lawn is used frequently for recreation or walking barefoot, the increased bee activity raises the risk of stings. Mowing the clover before it flowers or frequently cutting the blossoms off mitigates this safety concern.
Clover plants, especially when lush and wet, can be easily tracked indoors. The foliage tends to hold moisture and mud, which clings to shoes and pet paws. Regular mowing reduces the bulk of the foliage, minimizing the amount of plant matter carried inside. Homeowner association rules or local ordinances focused on standard lawn height may also necessitate a mowing schedule.
Mowing Techniques Specific to Clover
Clover is resilient and tolerates cutting well, but the technique differs from a pure grass lawn. The recommended blade height should be set between three and four inches, which is slightly higher than traditional turf. Mowing at this height helps the clover maintain a healthy leaf surface for photosynthesis and encourages a denser, mat-like growth habit.
The frequency of mowing is significantly lower compared to a grass lawn, which often requires weekly attention. A clover lawn generally only needs to be mowed every four to six weeks to maintain the preferred height and prevent excessive flowering. Mowing less frequently allows the clover to complete its reproductive cycle, potentially self-seeding and thickening the existing stand.
A specific consideration for clover is to avoid mowing when the plants are wet. Clover leaves and stems contain a high amount of moisture, and wet clippings can clump together heavily, suffocating the underlying plants. Mowing on a dry day ensures the clippings are distributed more evenly, returning nutrients to the soil and preventing damaging clumps.