What to Know Before Considering a Clover Lawn

Looking for a low-maintenance grass alternative that stays green throughout summer, doesn’t need much water, and will support important pollinators like bees and butterflies? If so, you might be interested in switching to a clover lawn.

Long considered a “weed,” clover is coming back into style in a big way. This unique plant offers some valuable benefits, especially if you want an eco-friendly yard or low-maintenance ground cover. You can even mix clover with your existing grass to get better coverage and take advantage of clover’s ability to add nitrogen to the soil. (More on that later.)

In this article, we’ll explain clover lawns vs. grass and dive into clover lawn pros and cons. We’ll also highlight some of our favorite clover varieties and show you how to create a carpet of gorgeous clover outside your doorstep.

What Is Clover?

Clovers are a part of the legume family and native to the Mediterranean. Their shamrock-shaped leaves add a dense ground cover and have decorated landscapes for centuries. Though they’re not new to the scene, many homeowners are rediscovering clover lawns as an eco-friendly option for a lush landscape.

Best Types of Clover for Lawns

With over 300 species of clover identified, homeowners can be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed when trying to choose a clover for their lawn. We’ll keep things simple by highlighting five of our favorite types of clover for lawns.

Crimson Clover (Trifolium Incarnatum)

Crimson clover can grow up to 3 feet. It has bright crimson pea-shaped flowers with long heads. It can increase nitrogen in the soil and prevent erosion. This variety does best in USDA hardiness zones 6–10.

Strawberry Clover (Trifolium Fragiferum)

This low-growing clover may grow up to 14 inches tall. It can establish itself on alkaline and wet saline soils and is typically used for pastures. Strawberry clover gets its name from its small, red, strawberry-like flowers. This clover variety tolerates shade and may be a good option for areas of your lawn that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight. Plant this clover in zones 4–8.

Pairs well with: Mixtures in grass with hay

Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)

Red clover is distinguished by its reddish-purple flowers. It can grow up to 24 inches and provides essential nutrients, including calcium, niacin, potassium, and vitamin C. It is often used for its natural health benefits. While not often grown as lawn cover, it is prized as a great nitrogen-fixing cover crop and may be the right choice for lawns with poor soil. Try this clover in zones 4–8.

Pairs well with: Bermuda grass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, white clover, and sweet clover.

White Clover (Trifolium Repens)

This low-growing clover produces attractive white flowers and is the most well-known type in the United States. It spreads rapidly and thrives in poor soil. Weeds can’t compete with white clover! Plant it in hardiness zones 3–10.

Pairs well with: Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, hard fescue, red fescue, and annual ryegrass.

Microclover (Trifolium Repens var. Pirouette and Pipolina)

This new cultivar of white clover has smaller leaves and fewer flowers than white clover. It also grows lower to the ground (4–6 inches tall) and doesn’t clump easily. Microclover is denser than white clover and known to be more resilient to foot traffic. This clover variety does best in zones 4–8.

Pairs well with: Tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass.

How to Plant a Clover Lawn

Clover lawns are easy to plant! You’ll want to start seeding in early spring, then follow these simple steps:

1. Test your soil and ensure it has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is ideal for clover growth.
2. Remove any grass remnants if you want a yard that only has clover. If mixing with grass, seed the clover on top.
3. Choose the variety of clover that best meets your lawn goals. Purchase seeds from a reputable supplier.
4. Rake the soil to create a smooth, level surface.
5. Spread about 6–8 ounces of seed per 1,000 square feet.
6. Use a light roller or rake to gently press the seeds into the soil.
7. Water the seeded areas thoroughly and keep the soil moist to help the roots grow and establish.

Clover usually takes seven to 21 days to germinate. Once the clover is established, you can lower your watering frequency.

Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns

If you’re considering switching your lawn to clover or mixing clover into your existing grass, make sure you have all the facts, including the benefits and the downsides of clover lawns.

Pro: Less Mowing

One of the biggest differences between clover lawns vs. grass lawns is the amount of mowing you’ll have to do. Traditional lawns require mowing at least every other week (and sometimes weekly). Alternatively, a clover yard only needs to be mowed a few times a year. If mowing isn’t your favorite lawn chore, clover could be for you.

Con: Doesn’t Stand Up to Heavy Foot Traffic

Most clover varieties are not as durable as grass and can get worn down with heavy foot traffic. If your household includes children or pets that spend a lot of time on the lawn, you may need to skip the clover or mix clover with a traditional turf grass.

Pro: Requires Less Water

Many parts of the United States experience drought conditions during the year. Those areas of the country also tend to face rising water prices. One of the major benefits of clover is that it tolerates drought and doesn’t require nearly as much water as thirsty turf grass. If you’re looking to conserve water and save on your water bill, clover may be the way to go.

Con: May Need to Replant

Clover is a short-lived perennial, so it won’t perpetually come back year after year. You may find that you need to replant your clover lawn every two or three years. Fortunately, clover seed is relatively inexpensive, and it spreads quickly.

Pro: A Natural Nitrogen Fixer

Most traditional lawns require fertilization once or twice a year. Not so with clover. As a legume, clover has a special ability to pull nitrogen from the air and transfer it to the soil. That means you never have to fertilize clover. Better yet, clover gives this advantage to its neighboring plants, so you most likely won’t have to fertilize a lawn that contains both clover and grass.

Con: Staining Tendencies

Playing rough and tumble on the lawn can leave stains on your clothes regardless of the type of plant life, but clover tends to be worse than grass. Clover is a delicate plant that breaks apart easily, releasing pigments. If you have a clover lawn, you may need to play flag football in the neighbor’s yard.

Pro: Attracts Pollinators

More homeowners are becoming interested in supporting their local ecosystem, and a great way to do that is by planting a clover lawn. Clover attracts insects that pollinate flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They also increase the biodiversity of the overall ecosystem.

Pro: No Need for Herbicides

Many homeowners are also interested in lowering or eliminating the use of chemicals on their lawns. Clover can help you achieve this goal. The dense roots of clover help prevent the growth of weeds, negating the need for herbicides.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clover for Your Lawn

Climate: Clover can stay green all year in warmer climates. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3–10 (depending on the species). Some can withstand extreme cold, too.

Soil type: Clover lawns can grow well in loamy or sandy soil, preferably with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Traffic: When comparing clover lawns vs. grass lawns, grass is the clear winner in handling heavy foot traffic.

Maintenance: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance lawn, clover lawns are it. They need little watering and minimal mowing and thrive with very light fertilization.

Ready to Make the Switch? Contact Us for A Green Clover Makeover!

Don’t have the time to grow a clover lawn? Find The Grounds Guys® nearest you and let our lawn care experts do all the work. All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction.

We have experienced local teams throughout the United States who can answer your questions about clover and make planting recommendations based on your goals, budget, and landscape. You can also select our lawn care service to ensure your clover looks beautiful throughout the seasons.

Contact us today for a free estimate.