We are all familiar with the shamrock-shaped leaves and white-ish/pink flowers that pop up sporadically in our yards, but did you know that replacing your grass lawn to clover has many positive benefits?
The Benefits of Clover Vs. Grass Lawns
- Survive Droughts & Save Water
Clover lawns require less water to thrive than typical grass lawns. With the predicted high temperatures this summer and the likelihood of droughts affecting many properties across the Midwest. Opting for clover means your lawn will stay greener longer and require less watering, meaning less work for you and more envy from your neighbors. - Skip Mowing and Get Your Weekends Back
The number one complaint many homeowners express is the constant need to mow their grass lawn, paired with the risk of overly mowing your grass and being left with brown patches that are sharp to the touch or walk on. With clover, you don’t ever need to mow! You may choose to mow the clover a few times a year, but it is not needed. Clover only grows to approximately eight (8) inches high, so skipping mowing won’t create a wild jungle, but instead mimic the look of a beautiful meadow.
LU TIP: Make sure to mow your clover lawn 4-6 weeks before the first frost to winterize your lawn! - Do It For The Bees!
Clover attracts a host of pollinators, such as honey bees and butterflies, many of which are facing rapid habitat loss. Not only will these pollinators be drawn to your clover lawn, but they will also visit any nearby flower or garden beds and give a needed boost to the survival and production rate of nearby plants.
LU TIP: If you are concerned with rabbits being attracted to the clover (and thus your garden or plants), it has been documented that rabbits have reduced interest in your veggies due to the abundance of clover.* - Clover is Fido-Friendly & Dog Approved
Unlike traditional grass lawns that stain or die from Fluffy’s bathroom breaks, certain varieties of clover are resistant to dog urine. So if you want a beautifully and uniformly green lawn, consider switching to clover this year! - Bye Bye Weeds
Clover creates a lush, emerald green-like carpet rather quickly. Due to its dense root system and rapid growth, clover can naturally smother and suppress weeds and other pests. You can save time and money by skipping the use of pesticides or herbicides because of it!
LU TIP: Due to their nutrient-creating and dense root system, clover makes a great choice for properties with sloped lawns as they help reduce the risk of runoff and keep your soil intact. - A Shady Dream
Unlike traditional grass lawns that thrive in sunny areas but leave bare patches in the shade, clover thrives in a variety of light levels. From full sun to partial shade, clover is a great choice for a lush lawn.
LU TIP: For densely shaded areas, you may want to still consider more shade-resistant plants. - Healthier Lawns & Gardens
One of the most amazing benefits of clover lawns is that they create their own fertilizer and share those nutrients through the surrounding soil leaving a healthier and thriving landscape for you to enjoy. Clover’s root system collects nitrogen from the air and turns it into a naturally rich fertilizer, meaning you can skip the need for costly aeration or fertilizer services.
Considerations for Clover Lawns
While clover is a great and cost-effective option compared to our traditional grass or turf lawns, we wouldn’t be your trusted landscaping leader if we didn’t mention a few things to consider before making the switch.
- Heavy Footed Durability
While clover itself is quite durable to its environment, the leaves and flowers run the risk of being trampled if you have an active lifestyle or in areas with heavy foot traffic. For those with kids, pets, or who spend a lot of time on their lawns – we suggest mixing clover with grass for a highly durable lawn - Re-Seeding the Seeds of Success
Unlike traditional turf grass, which usually requires less reseeding, clover is classified as a perennial and may require re-seeding every two to three years. Proper care and planting can reduce the need to re-seed. - Bee-Ware
Due to clover’s pollinator-attracting abilities, if you have a severe bee allergy you may want to reconsider adding clover to your lawn.
Add Clover To Your Yard Today!
Curious to see if a clover lawn is right for your home? Contact our Landscape Designers for a free site consultation today!
*According to familyhandman.com/article/consider-growing-clover
