Are you looking for a more sustainable, low-maintenance, and environmentally safe lawn alternative? If so, you might want to consider planting a clover lawn. Clover is gaining popularity as a natural and cost-effective way to create a lush, green, and pollinator-friendly lawn.
Discover the benefits of a clover lawn, whether you're an eco-conscious homeowner, a busy bee, or a nature lover. Find out why a clover lawn is a smart and rewarding choice for your landscape.
Which Clover Variety Is Best for Your Lawn
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If you plan to plant a clover lawn, you might wonder which variety is best suited for your needs. Among the many strains of clover, two options stand out as the most popular choices -- Dutch white clover and microclover. While both types share similar growing requirements, they differ in some aspects.
Dutch white clover is slightly taller and has larger leaves. It is a low-growing variety that produces small white flowers. These flowers are an excellent source of food for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plus, it stays green year-round and has an extensive root system, making it one of the most sturdy and substantial clover species.
Microclover is a small clover variety with tiny leaves and fewer flowers. However, the small blooms it produces are still white. Microclover lawns are perfect for high-traffic areas because they do not grow in clumps. On top of that, it perfect for families with young children or pets because it's soft on bare feet.
Benefits of a Clover Lawn
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Not only does a clover lawn offer a lush, green appearance, but it also provides numerous practical benefits that can improve your outdoor space. Explore the top pros of planting a clover lawn and why it might be the perfect choice for your yard.
Drought-Tolerant
Clover lawns are known for being water-efficient and drought tolerant because of their deep root system. Once established, clover lawns can thrive with minimal watering, typically needing to be watered only once a season.
Its roots can grow up to 3 feet deep, while most grasses' roots only go down 3 to 4 inches. It allows clover to access water and nutrients deeper from the soil, making it less dependent on surface water.
In comparison, grass lawns require much more water to stay green and healthy, especially in dry, hot weather. It makes clover lawns an eco-friendlier and more cost-effective alternative. This is especially true in the summer, when lawns become dry and brown, clover is often still green. By planting it, you can reduce water usage while enjoying a lush green lawn.
Low Maintenance Option
Clover is an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer low-maintenance lawns. Unlike traditional grass lawns, it naturally grows closer to the ground, meaning you won’t need to mow it as often. Most varieties only grow up to 8 inches and require very little maintenance. You can mow your clover lawn once a month to deadhead old blooms. Set your mower to 3 inches in height when performing this task.
Plus, if you don't enjoy soil preparation, clover is the perfect choice since it can thrive in both high-quality and low-quality soil.
A Nitrogen-Fixing Wonder Plant
Clover is not only an eco-friendly choice for lawns, but it also has the unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. It means that it can partner with beneficial bacteria in the soil to take nitrogen from the air and convert it into organic compounds that can nourish surrounding plants.
As a legume crop belonging to the pea family, clover can act as a natural fertilizer that feeds itself and surrounding plants with its own nitrogen. It can save you money on fertilizer, eliminating the need for additional applications.
Pollinator Paradise
Clover is a pollinator magnet, providing an abundance of pollen and nectar that bees need to survive. By planting a clover lawn, you can create a haven for these valuable species, particularly when their populations are dwindling. Butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects rely on clover for food, water, and shelter.
No More Stains
If you have a dog or a pet that constantly urinates on the lawn, you'll want to invest in clover! Unlike typically lawns, clover doesn't yellow or grow patchy when your furry friends go to the bathroom. Say hello to a green lawn once again!
Go Green With Clover Lawns
Clover is a versatile and beneficial plant with many advantages over traditional grass lawns. From attracting pollinators to its low maintenance requirements and ability to fix nitrogen, it's an excellent choice if you want to improve the health and sustainability of your garden.
So why not give clover a chance? Have you tried this lawn alternative before? What was your experience? Share the comment below!