The concept of a traditional, monoculture grass lawn is changing, leading many homeowners to explore alternatives for a more sustainable yard. A clover lawn, consisting of either pure clover or a mix of clover and turfgrass, is a popular choice experiencing a significant revival. This shift is driven by the desire for a low-maintenance ground cover that is also ecologically friendly. Deciding on the best type of clover depends on your personal needs, whether you prioritize a uniform look, a dense ground cover, or maximum support for pollinators.
Why Incorporate Clover into Your Lawn
Clover, a member of the legume family, is valued for its ability to naturally improve soil health. This plant forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which live in nodules on its roots and convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable organic form, a process known as nitrogen fixation. This natural fertilization reduces or eliminates the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which saves money and prevents nutrient runoff into waterways.
The plant’s deep, dense root structure provides enhanced resilience during periods of low rainfall. Clover remains actively green when most turfgrasses turn brown and dormant, allowing the lawn to maintain a lush appearance even through dry summer conditions. Furthermore, the dense, low-growing mat formed by clover helps to naturally crowd out and suppress the growth of broadleaf weeds. This competition minimizes the need for chemical herbicides, contributing to a lower-maintenance landscape.
Comparing the Top Clover Varieties for Turf
The two most common varieties of clover used for turf settings are White Dutch Clover and Microclover, both cultivars of Trifolium repens. White Dutch Clover is the traditional variety that was common in lawns before the widespread use of broadleaf herbicides in the 1950s. This variety is aggressive and fast-spreading, growing to a height of four to eight inches if left unmown.
White Dutch Clover produces frequent, noticeable white flowers throughout the summer, which are attractive to pollinators. While it is the most affordable and robust option, its larger leaves and taller growth can create a less uniform appearance when mixed with turfgrass. For those seeking a blend that closely mimics a traditional grass lawn, Microclover is the superior choice.
Microclover is a specific cultivar of White Dutch Clover, bred to have smaller leaves, a shorter growth habit, and less aggressive clumping. It typically grows to a height of four to six inches and maintains a denser, more uniform appearance, especially when mowed. Microclover produces significantly fewer flowers than its parent, which is an advantage for high-traffic areas where concerns about bee stings exist. However, Microclover seed is more expensive, and the plant may eventually revert to the characteristics of standard White Dutch Clover over time if not regularly maintained.
Establishing and Maintaining a Clover Lawn
The best time to sow clover seed is in the spring after the last frost or in the early fall. Proper soil preparation is important for successful germination, which involves mowing the existing turf very low and raking out any heavy thatch to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Clover seed is very small, so mixing it with fine sand or sawdust before broadcasting can help ensure an even spread. For the first two weeks after planting, the seedbed must be kept consistently moist to support germination.
When mowing, maintain a cutting height of three inches or more, which favors the clover over competing grasses. Since clover is a nitrogen-fixer, avoid using synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. These will primarily benefit the turfgrass and encourage it to outcompete the clover. Once established, clover is drought-tolerant and requires less watering than most traditional turfgrasses.
Key Considerations Before Planting
While clover offers many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider before committing to a clover lawn. The white flowers produced by both White Dutch Clover and Microclover attract large numbers of bees and other pollinators. This can be a concern for families with small children, pets, or individuals with severe bee sting allergies, particularly in areas where people walk barefoot. Clover also does not tolerate all lawn care practices.
Most common broadleaf herbicides will kill the clover along with the intended weeds, restricting the future use of these chemical treatments for weed control. Furthermore, clover can release a green stain when crushed, which can transfer to clothing, shoes, or pavers following heavy foot traffic or when wet. Finally, while clover can tolerate some shade, it generally performs best in full sun and may struggle to establish or persist in heavily shaded areas.