Clover Lawns: 15 Things to Know Before Growing

Mowing Isn't As Frequent

Unlike a conventional turfgrass lawn, a clover lawn only needs to be mowed twice a year, as it grows 2 to 8 inches tall. Most people mow it in midsummer after the clover has bloomed and dropped its seeds and again four to six weeks before the first fall frost. Any additional mowing is optional.

Watering Is Minimal

A clover lawn does not need watering except during its establishment phase, as its deep roots draw moisture from far below the soil.

No Fertilization is Required

Botanically, clover is a legume. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant; clover can grab nitrogen from the atmosphere and absorb it into the soil, transforming it into nitrogen that plants can use as "food."

Herbicides and Pesticides Aren't Needed

Because clover is such a vigorous and fast grower, it chokes out other weeds and makes herbicide unnecessary. The clover types used as turfgrass are also not prone to attacks by serious pests, such as lawn grubs.

Clover Grows in Most Soils

Clover grows in nitrogen-poor soils and other types of soils where turfgrass cannot thrive. Its long taproot can draw nutrients and moisture from deep in the dirt.

Grass Is More Durable

Clover alone does not hold up to foot traffic the same way as turfgrass, but when combined with turfgrass, it makes a strong, walkable lawn that can better withstand heavy traffic.

Clover Helps Pollinators

Blooming clover attracts bees and other pollinators, crucial in the food web. Pollinator numbers are dwindling because of widespread pesticide use and habitat loss. A clover lawn encourages biodiversity.

Growing and Maintenance Is Affordable

If you add up lawn costs (grass seed, watering, gas for mowing, fertilizer, other chemicals, and aeration), a clover lawn is more economical than turfgrass.

Clover seed is less expensive than most turfgrass seeds. For example, clover costs around $4 a pound, compared to popular Kentucky bluegrass, which costs $6 a pound. However, trendy microclover seeds are more expensive per pound than any other seed type since they are specially cultivated and in demand for the more uniform and unobtrusive aesthetic they offer as a lawn.

Clover Is Pet-Friendly

Unlike turfgrass, dog urine does not leave unsightly discolored or brown spots in the lawn. Clover may be safe for pets, but beware that all kinds of clover are favorite grazing foods for rabbits, squirrels, and deer.

Stinging Insects Are More Common

Blooming clover attracts bees and other insects that sting in defense. If you have children who play on the lawn, or you like to walk on it barefoot, plant microclover, a type that has fewer flowers. Mowing the clover lawn before or when the flowers are in bloom out of concern for stings is detrimental to your lawn, a pollinator food source.

Re-Seeding Is Needed

If you opt for a full clover lawn, you may need to reseed every few years. Clover is a short-lived perennial that needs refreshing. If you mix clover with other grasses, the clover will likely reseed itself, so you won't need to do any reseeding.

Clover May Spread Too Far

Clover can easily grow into unwanted areas like sidewalks, garden beds, or driveway cracks. 

Clover Controls Erosion

Clover can grow in compacted soil; its deep roots help with erosion control and naturally aerate and loosen up compacted soil so there is less rainwater run-off.

Clothing Stains Are Common

Kids who roll around in clover yards will typically have bright green stains on their clothing. Clover stains are tougher to remove than grass stains.

Grass Must Be Completely Removed

Turfgrass will grow back into your all-clover lawn if it's not correctly tilled and removed first. If neighboring yards have grass, some of that seed can also infiltrate your clover yard. However, having a mixed grass lawn of clover and some turfgrass is perfectly acceptable.