A clover lawn is a sustainable groundcover alternative composed entirely or primarily of clover, a perennial legume. It offers a dense, green carpet with significantly reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional turfgrass monocultures. This shift is popular among homeowners seeking to minimize the use of water, synthetic fertilizers, and gasoline-powered mowers.
Identifying Clover Species Used in Lawns
Two species of clover are predominantly used for lawns: White Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens) and its cultivated variant, Microclover. White Dutch Clover is the classic variety, known for its rapid spread, vigorous growth, larger leaves, and abundance of white flowers throughout the growing season.
Microclover, often a cultivar like ‘Pipolina’ or ‘Pirouette’, is a smaller selection specifically bred for turf use. It features smaller leaves, a lower growth habit, and fewer flowers than its traditional counterpart. Microclover is often selected for its denser growth and ability to blend seamlessly with existing turfgrass, while White Dutch Clover is chosen for its hardiness and ability to thrive in poor soils.
Key Advantages Over Traditional Turfgrass
The primary benefit of a clover lawn is its ability to perform atmospheric nitrogen fixation. As a leguminous plant, clover forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, converting nitrogen gas into a usable form.
This self-fertilizing capability eliminates the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which reduces runoff pollution. As clover leaves and root matter decompose, the fixed nitrogen is released, providing a natural fertilizer source that maintains a healthy green color even in nutrient-poor soils.
Clover also possesses a deeper root structure than most turfgrasses, contributing to superior drought resistance. Once established, this deep system accesses moisture deeper in the soil profile, allowing the lawn to stay green through dry periods. Furthermore, the lower, spreading growth habit naturally shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and minimizing the need for supplemental irrigation.
Planting and Establishment
Establishing a clover lawn is best done during early spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate and soil moisture is consistent. This timing allows seeds to germinate and establish roots before extreme summer heat or winter cold. Before planting, existing grass should be mowed closely (one to two inches), and the soil surface lightly raked to ensure seed contact.
Because clover seed is small, mixing it with a carrier like fine sand or sawdust helps ensure even distribution during broadcasting. For overseeding, a typical rate for White Dutch Clover is one-quarter to one-half pound of seed per 1,000 square feet. After spreading, the area should be gently compressed to press the seed into the top quarter-inch of the soil.
Consistent moisture management is the most important step during establishment. The seeded area must be kept uniformly damp until seedlings are visible and have established their first true leaves, a process that typically takes around two weeks. Once germinated, watering should be gradually reduced to encourage deep root growth.
Ongoing Care and Management
A clover lawn requires a significantly reduced mowing schedule, often needing to be cut only a few times a year, if at all. If mowing is desired, setting the deck height to three inches or higher is recommended, as this favors the clover over competing turfgrass. Leaving the clippings acts as a natural mulch, returning nitrogen and organic matter to the soil.
Weed management is simplified, but most broadleaf herbicides designed for turfgrass will also kill the clover. Therefore, physical removal of unwanted plants is the safest approach. Since clover plants are short-lived perennials, a pure clover stand may require light overseeding every two to three years to maintain density.
Homeowners should be aware of specific drawbacks. Clover does not tolerate heavy foot traffic as well as durable turfgrass blends, which can lead to wear in high-use areas. Additionally, the white flowers attract bees, which is beneficial for pollinators but can be a concern for individuals with bee sting allergies.