Clover lawns offer a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass, requiring less mowing, minimal watering, and often no fertilization. They contribute to a more sustainable landscape, attracting pollinators and improving soil health by fixing nitrogen. However, even these resilient lawns can sometimes turn brown, causing concern for homeowners. Understanding the reasons behind this discoloration is the first step toward restoring your clover lawn’s vibrant green. This guide explores factors that cause clover to brown, helping you diagnose and implement effective solutions.
Environmental Stressors
Insufficient water is a common reason for clover lawns to turn brown. While clover, especially white clover, is drought-tolerant once established, extended periods without moisture will cause it to wilt and then brown. To check for underwatering, observe if the clover wilts before browning. Regular, deep watering (about 1 to 1.5 inches per week) is generally more effective than frequent, shallow watering, as it encourages deeper root growth. Watering in the morning helps the clover absorb moisture before it evaporates.
Extreme heat can also stress clover, leading to browning, particularly when combined with inadequate water. Prolonged high temperatures can cause it to turn brown. This browning is often a protective response to conserve moisture. Providing sufficient water during heat waves helps mitigate this stress.
Conversely, overwatering can be equally detrimental, leading to root rot and browning. When soil remains waterlogged, roots are deprived of oxygen. Signs of overwatering include squishy or spongy soil, persistent puddles, and a general lack of vigor. Poor drainage exacerbates this issue, as water accumulates around the roots. Improving soil drainage or adjusting watering frequency can prevent this problem.
While clover performs best in full to partial sun, excessive direct, intense sunlight can contribute to stress, especially in hot climates. Intense sun can sometimes lead to browning as the plant attempts to protect itself from desiccation. Ensuring the clover receives adequate moisture during sunny periods can help prevent this.
Pests and Diseases
Pests can contribute to clover lawn browning by feeding on the plant’s tissues. Clover mites, for instance, are tiny relatives of spiders that feed by sucking juices from clover plants, which can lead to brown areas. These mites are often more active during late spring and may cause damage that appears as small, silver streaks on leaves. While direct damage might be unnoticeable, an infestation can stress the clover, leading to widespread browning, especially in dry, stressed turf.
Fungal diseases can also cause browning patches in clover lawns, often thriving in conditions of high humidity or excessive moisture. Overwatering can create an environment conducive to fungal growth, leading to symptoms like brown spots on the clover. Examples of fungal issues include powdery mildew, which appears as white or grey growth on leaf surfaces, and pepper spot, characterized by numerous small, blackish-brown lesions that cause leaves to yellow and wither. Identifying specific patterns or the presence of visible fungal growth can aid in diagnosis.
Chemical Exposure and Physical Damage
Unintended exposure to chemical agents, particularly herbicides, can severely damage a clover lawn. Herbicide drift occurs when weed killers targeting broadleaf weeds like clover are carried by wind from nearby applications. Even small doses can cause significant injury, leading to distorted leaves, yellowing, and eventual browning or death of the affected clover. Symptoms might not appear immediately, often taking a few days to two weeks to become noticeable.
Pet urine is another common cause of localized browning in clover lawns. Dog urine contains a high concentration of nitrogen, which can “burn” plants in high doses. This results in distinct brown spots where the urine has been deposited. Excessive nitrogen from urine can still lead to discoloration.
Improper mowing practices can also stress clover, contributing to browning. Mowing too short, especially during hot conditions, can scalp the plants, making them more susceptible to stress and damage. For most clover varieties, a mowing height of 3 to 4 inches is recommended to maintain health and density. Mowing higher helps the clover shade out competition and retain moisture.
Soil compaction restricts root growth and limits the uptake of water and nutrients, which can lead to clover browning. Severely compacted soil prevents roots from accessing essential resources. This can weaken the plants and make them more vulnerable to other stressors. Aeration can help alleviate compaction, improving soil structure and promoting healthier clover growth.
Natural Dormancy and Nutrient Issues
Clover, like many perennial plants, can enter a natural state of dormancy, particularly in response to cold winter temperatures. In regions with freezing conditions, white clover may die back to the ground and turn brown. This is a normal protective mechanism, and the clover typically regrows vigorously in the spring. In warmer climates, clover lawns can often remain green year-round.
While clover is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, severe deficiencies in other specific nutrients can lead to discoloration and browning. Phosphorus and potassium are important for overall plant health, and deficiencies can impact growth and appearance. A soil test can help determine if nutrient imbalances are contributing to browning.