Consider Clover For Your Lawn

Shamrock and clover have long symbolized good luck and the start of spring. As homeowners research the possible benefits of switching out common turf grass for other species, clover has been trending at the top of the list of turf alternatives for some time! Why swap grass for clover? Clover has a lot of benefits that make it an attractive option for yards in the United States. Tolerant of cold and heavier use Most clover varieties are especially cold hardy and can also tolerate heavy foot traffic (think kids playing tag and dogs rolling on your lawn). So you don’t need to worry about treading lightly or keeping kids off your lawn like with some grass species. Less fertilizer needed Clover requires a lot less fertilizer than most turf grass or other ground covers. This is because clover works with healthy bacteria living at its roots to “fix” naturally occurring nitrogen from our air into forms that plants can readily use. This method (called “nitrogen fixation”), allows clover to provide much of its own nitrogen needs, significantly reducing and even eliminating the need for additional fertilization . Reducing your fertilizer use can help decrease fertilizer pollution and keep water sources clean. Pollinator perks Do it for the bees! Clover flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and more, pulling these pollinators into your yard in the spring and summer months and benefitting your landscape. Is clover right for your yard? Whether clover makes sense for your lawn will depend on the conditions of your yard. Not right for dry climates In general, clover is not very drought resistant and will require regular watering, so it’s likely not the best choice for homeowners in California, Nevada, and other drier states. Lots of sun required It also performs best when full sun is available, so if your lawn has a lot of trees or is heavily shaded for even some of the day, it’s probably not the right solution for you. More information For additional information on how to incorporate clover into your yard, check out How to Plant A Clover Lawn from Better Homes & Gardens.