Clover, specifically white Dutch clover (Trifolium repens) and microclover, was once standard in turf mixes but was largely eliminated from lawns starting in the 1950s. Broadleaf herbicides, designed to kill weeds, also killed clover, leading to its redefinition as a weed. This shift promoted the uniform, monoculture grass aesthetic that dominated for decades. Now, homeowners are re-evaluating clover due to growing interest in low-maintenance and eco-friendly yard options.
Clover’s Nutrient Contribution
The most significant benefit clover offers to a lawn ecosystem is its ability to perform biological nitrogen fixation. Clover is a legume that forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium soil bacteria, which inhabit root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), a form plants can readily absorb and utilize for growth. This process acts as a natural, continuous fertilizer source for the clover and surrounding turfgrass. As clover leaves and roots naturally decay, the stored nitrogen is released into the soil, benefiting nearby grass plants. A healthy stand of clover can fix substantial nitrogen, potentially eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers entirely. This self-fertilizing capability also helps prevent fertilizer runoff into waterways. To benefit the entire lawn, the clover must be mowed and the clippings left to decompose.
Drought Tolerance and Durability
Clover offers distinct physical advantages over many traditional turfgrass species, particularly in maintaining a desirable appearance during environmental stress. It possesses a deeper, more robust root system than many common lawn grasses, allowing it to access water deeper in the soil profile. This deeper access enables clover to remain green and lush for longer periods during hot, dry spells and drought conditions. The dense, mat-forming growth habit acts as a living mulch, shading the soil surface and reducing water evaporation. Furthermore, clover’s aggressive growth helps suppress common broadleaf weeds by outcompeting them for light and soil resources. Clover handles foot traffic well and tolerates compacted soils due to its combination of tap and fibrous roots, which also help aerate the soil. This improved durability and water efficiency translate directly into less frequent watering and mowing for the homeowner.
Trade-offs and Downsides
Incorporating clover into a lawn presents several practical and aesthetic trade-offs. For those who prefer a uniform, carpet-like appearance, clover’s presence can be undesirable. White Dutch clover, in particular, grows taller and has a different texture than turfgrass, leading to a patchy look. Safety concerns arise because clover’s white flowers attract bees and other pollinators. While beneficial, this presence can be a liability for families with small children, pets, or individuals with bee sting allergies. The plant’s leaves and flowers also contain pigments that can transfer to clothing or concrete. Furthermore, clover does not always maintain its green color year-round. In colder regions, clover may die back or turn brown in the winter, leaving bare patches. Since clover is susceptible to broadleaf herbicides, treating other weeds in a mixed lawn becomes challenging, as the chemicals will also kill the clover.
Selecting and Integrating Clover
Homeowners must choose between traditional white Dutch clover and modern microclover varieties. White Dutch clover is the classic option, known for rapid spread and frequent flowering. Its larger leaves and greater height make it noticeable when mixed with grass, and its abundant blooms attract the highest number of pollinators.
Microclover
Microclover, a selectively bred cultivar of white clover, is preferred for a more manicured aesthetic. It features smaller leaves, a lower growth habit, and significantly fewer flowers, reducing the attraction of bees. This variety is less aggressive and blends more seamlessly with most turfgrasses, providing nitrogen-fixing benefits with a neater appearance.
To establish clover, it can be overseeded into an existing lawn or planted alone on bare soil. When overseeding, spread the seed at the desired density, typically in the spring or early fall. Maintaining a mowing height around three inches helps manage competition between the grass and the clover, ensuring both species thrive.