A clover lawn offers a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grass. This ground cover plant maintains a lush, verdant appearance even during dry periods, often requiring significantly less water than a conventional lawn. Clover naturally enriches the soil, minimizing the need for chemical inputs. Establishing and caring for this resilient plant requires understanding specific techniques for successful growth. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for converting your yard into a thriving clover landscape.
Selecting the Right Clover Variety and Site Preparation
The first decision involves choosing the appropriate clover species based on your yard’s needs and desired aesthetic. White Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens) is the most common variety, growing up to 8 inches tall and featuring profuse white flowers that attract pollinators. For a tidier appearance, Microclover, a cultivar of White Dutch Clover, is a better option because it grows lower, typically 4 to 6 inches, and produces fewer flowers and smaller leaves. Microclover also exhibits greater tolerance for foot traffic and frequent mowing, making it ideal for high-use areas.
Before planting, proper site preparation determines the long-term success of the lawn. Clover thrives in a soil pH range between 6.0 and 7.0, so a soil test is recommended to determine if lime is needed to adjust acidity. Good drainage is required, as clover will not establish well in areas where water pools. Clear the area of existing weeds and debris, loosening the top layer of soil by light tilling or raking to ensure seed-to-soil contact. For new lawns, remove all existing turf and wait a few weeks for residual weed seeds to sprout before a final raking.
Seeding Methods for Establishment and Overseeding
Timing the planting is important for optimal germination. Clover seeds generally perform best when sown in the spring after the last frost or in the late summer and early fall. These periods ensure soil temperatures are warm enough for growth and that young seedlings receive sufficient moisture. In cold-winter regions, planting after temperatures consistently rise above 60°F in the spring is recommended.
When establishing a new lawn on bare soil, clover seeds must be distributed evenly to avoid clumping. Mixing the seeds with an inert carrier like fine sand, sawdust, or soil helps to achieve uniform coverage across the planting area. Broadcast the mixture over the prepared soil, moving in a crosshatch pattern to ensure thorough distribution. Gently rake the seed into the top quarter-inch of soil or walk over the area to press the seeds into the surface.
Overseeding an existing turf grass lawn follows a similar process but requires preparatory steps to reduce competition. Begin by mowing the existing grass to the lowest setting and then dethatching or aerating the lawn to expose the soil. This practice creates small pockets for the clover seeds to settle into and make direct contact with the soil. After broadcasting the seed-and-sand mixture, water the area lightly yet consistently to keep the top layer moist until germination occurs, which typically takes about two weeks.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance Practices
During the initial establishment phase, consistent moisture is necessary, often requiring light watering two to three times daily. Once the clover has developed a deep root system, its drought tolerance allows it to survive on natural rainfall, requiring supplemental deep watering only during prolonged dry spells.
Clover is a legume that engages in a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. These bacteria form nodules on the roots, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form (nitrogen fixation). This natural fertilization eliminates the need for supplemental nitrogen fertilizer. Applying nitrogen can actually reduce the clover’s vigor by encouraging competing grass growth.
Mowing frequency is greatly reduced due to clover’s slower and lower growth habit. If you prefer a neat appearance or want to reduce flowering, mow the lawn at a height between 2 and 4 inches. Allowing the clover to flower before mowing, typically every three to four weeks, provides a food source for pollinators like bees. Leaving the clippings on the lawn allows the material to decompose, returning fixed nitrogen and other nutrients back into the soil.
Addressing Common Clover Lawn Issues
One of the primary challenges in managing a clover lawn is dealing with weeds, as standard broadleaf herbicides will eliminate the clover along with the unwanted plants. Prevention is the best strategy, achieved by maintaining a dense clover stand that naturally crowds out weeds. For stray weeds, manual removal is the most effective and safest method to protect the clover.
If bare or thin patches develop, spot-seeding is the appropriate corrective action. Simply loosen the soil in the affected area and broadcast the clover seed, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. This patch repair is best done in the spring or early fall to take advantage of favorable growing conditions.
Although resilient, clover can occasionally be affected by fungal spots during periods of high humidity. Ensuring proper soil drainage and avoiding overwatering helps to manage most disease concerns. Clover is also more tolerant of pet urine than grass, but heavy foot traffic areas may benefit from blending with a durable turf grass. In colder climates, clover may brown and thin out during winter, but perennial varieties typically recover quickly once warmer spring temperatures return.