What is a clover lawn?
A clover lawn uses clover either as the main plant found on the ground, or as a complementary plant – so you could even mix clover with grass for a more varied yard.
You may have seen the clover lawn trend on TikTok, but it is far more than just a passing trend. In comparison to traditional turf grass, clover is low maintenance, resistant to drought and can improve soil quality. Although clover was traditionally considered a weed, a clover yard is now considered a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to a grass lawn.
Common varieties of clover used in lawns include Dutch White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Microclover. Both grow low to the ground and can produce small white and pink flowers to attract pollinators and give the feel of a meadow.
Not only can these lawns be beautiful, but they also require less water, fertiliser and upkeep – making them ideal for those looking for an environmentally friendly lawn.
What are the benefits?
If you’re thinking that you might plant clover instead of grass in your yard, you might be curious about the benefits, luckily there are many:
Low Maintenance
Clover lawns require far less attention than traditional grass lawns. Clover grows slowly and stays low to the ground, which means it doesn’t need frequent mowing. Mowing every 4-6 weeks is generally sufficient, some people even prefer not to mow and just let it grow. Not mowing allows your clover to flower and helps to provide a habitat for local pollinators.
Drought Tolerance
Clover is highly drought tolerant due to its deep and dense roots, which allow it to access moisture from further down in the ground. Even during periods of low rainfall, grass might turn brown and wither, but your clover will remain green and vibrant, no matter how little it has been watered.
Natural Fertiliser
As a part of the legume family, clover can uniquely take nitrogen from the atmosphere and release it into the soil. The natural fertilisation process not only enriches the soil but also helps to support the growth of surrounding plants. Due to this, clover also reduces, sometimes eliminates, the need for synthetic and potentially harmful fertilisers.
Suitable for Pets
A clover lawn is an excellent solution for dog owners as it is far more resilient to wear and tear compared to traditional grass, so it recovers well from damage caused by digging or running. The soft texture of clover is also gentle under a dogs’ paws and unlike grass, it doesn’t develop bare patches due to dog urine very easily.
Weed and Pest Resistance
Once established, clover forms a dense ground covering that can overpower many common weeds. As well as this, the nitrogen-fixing properties make the soil less hospitable for pests and diseases. As clover is naturally resistant to many pests that are commonly found in a lawn it reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
Environmentally Friendly
Clover helps to attract many important pollinators including bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. If someone suffers from an allergy and bees are a concern, microclover produces fewer flowers and can be a great alternative.
Which clover is best?
For most lawns, the top two choices are often White Dutch clover (Trifolium repens) and Microclover:
White Dutch Clover
The most commonly used species of clover for lawns, dutch white clover grows low, spreads through creeping stems and produces small white and light pink flowers. It is durable, drought resistant and can even thrive in poor soil conditions, which makes it a reliable option for low maintenance lawns. The one downside of white clover is that it isn’t as tolerant of heavy foot traffic as some grasses – but this can be remedied with the use of a grass mat.
Microclover
Microclover is a miniature version of dutch white clover. It grows lower to the ground and has smaller leaves, making it less conspicuous when combined with grass. Microclover integrates well with traditional grass, which means homeowners can make the most of their existing grass and reduce the need for harmful chemical fertilizers. It produces fewer flowers, so attracts fewer bees, which can be beneficial to those with children or bee allergies.
How to plant a clover lawn
There are several, simple steps involved in developing your own clover lawn. If you’re ready to get started, all that you need to do is follow the steps below.
Prepare the soil
Before planting clover, you need to properly prepare the soil. Start by clearing the lawn area of any weeds, debris or existing grass that could compete with the clover for nutrients and sunlight. To ensure good root penetration and even growth, loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil by raking or lightly tilling it.
Lay down a grass mat
In areas that experience heavy foot traffic or experience soil erosion, a grass mat can help to safeguard your clover lawn. They help to protect the soil and young clover plants from becoming compacted or washed away, while allowing water, sunlight and nutrients to reach the plants.
To install a grass mat, simply lay them down on top of your prepared soil and anchor them with anchor pins. You can attach multiple grass mats together using cable ties if you need to cover a larger area of ground. Once your mats are laid, you’re ready to plant.
Spread the seeds
Once the soil is ready, scatter your clover seeds evenly across your lawn. You can either seed the area entirely with clover or play around with mixing clover seeds with grass seeds. Follow the instructions on the packaging of your chosen seeds for precise guidance on how many seeds to scatter for the area that you need to cover – if you’re combining the clover seed with grass seed then use half the amount of clover.
Water Regularly
After planting, water the area lightly and consistently to keep the soil moist (no need to flood it). Clover typically takes between 7 and 14 days to germinate so during this period its especially important to water your clover seed.
Maintenance
Once established, clover typically requires very little maintenance. Every few weeks you need to mow it, depending on how tidy you would like your lawn to look. If you would like to reduce the presence of flowers (and bees), mowing before flowering will help. Over time, the clover will naturally reseed itself to maintain a healthy lawn with minimal input.
Are clover lawns a good idea?
Clover lawns are a fantastic option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional grass lawns. They offer many advantages, such as reduced watering, fewer chemicals and a soft appearance that attracts pollinators. Clover lawns are particularly beneficial in areas with poor soil quality or frequent droughts.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly: Clover enriches the soil and supports pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: Requires less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than traditional grass lawns.
- Resilient: Stays green in poor soil and during droughts, offering a reliable alternative to grass.
Cons:
- Attracts Bees: While beneficial for pollinators, clover flowers may attract bees, which could be an issue for families with allergies or young children.
- Not Ideal for High Traffic: Clover can wear down in areas with heavy foot traffic, but the use of grassmats can help mitigate this issue.
- Shorter Lifespan: Clover lawns may need reseeding every few years to maintain density and fullness.
Overall, clover lawns are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn. By incorporating grassmats in high-traffic or erosion-prone areas, you can ensure that your clover lawn remains durable and long lasting.