When I first heard about clover lawns, I was a little skeptical.
I had always thought of clover as something to pull out of the yard, not something to celebrate.
But after seeing how lush, green, and low-maintenance a clover lawn can be, I was hooked.
More and more gardeners are discovering that clover isn’t a weed at all, it’s a hardworking plant that can transform your lawn into something beautiful, eco-friendly, and practical.
What Is a Clover Lawn?
A clover lawn is exactly what it sounds like a yard filled with clover, either on its own or mixed with traditional turf grass.
The most popular type is Dutch White Clover, which grows low to the ground and spreads quickly.
Clover lawns were actually very common before chemical herbicides became popular in the mid-20th century.
Once weed killers hit the market, clover was lumped in with weeds and lost its place in the typical American lawn.
Now it’s making a big comeback for homeowners who want an attractive lawn that’s also better for the environment.
The Benefits of Clover Lawns
Clover lawns offer so many benefits that once you learn about them, it’s hard to go back to plain grass.
Clover naturally requires less water, which makes it ideal for hot summers or areas where water conservation is important.
You’ll notice that it stays green even when grass turns brown.
Another major benefit is that clover enriches the soil.
It adds nitrogen back into the ground, which feeds nearby plants and even helps grass that grows alongside it.
That means you don’t need as much fertilizer, saving money and reducing chemical use.
If you have pets, you’ll love that clover lawns don’t show dog urine spots the way grass does.
The dense growth also crowds out weeds, so you spend less time pulling them.
On top of all that, clover flowers attract bees and pollinators, making your yard healthier for the environment.
Things to Consider Before Planting Clover Lawns
While clover lawns are fantastic, they’re not perfect for everyone.
Clover attracts bees, which is great for pollinators but might not be ideal if you have small children or pets running barefoot.
It’s also not quite as tough under heavy foot traffic as some grass varieties, so if your yard doubles as a soccer field, you may want a clover-grass mix.
Clover can also stain clothing more easily than grass, and it may need reseeding every few years to stay thick and even.
Knowing these small drawbacks ahead of time can help you decide the best way to incorporate clover into your lawn.
How to Start a Clover Lawn
The best times to plant are in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and rain is more frequent.
Begin by raking the soil lightly to loosen the surface. If you’re overseeding into an existing lawn, mow the grass short before spreading the seed.
Next, scatter the clover seed evenly across the area. You can mix it with grass seed if you want a blend, or use clover alone for a full lawn.
After seeding, water the area gently and keep the soil moist until the clover is established.
In just a few weeks, you’ll see tiny clover sprouts start to fill in.
Maintaining a Clover Lawn
One of the best parts of having a clover lawn is how little maintenance it requires.
Unlike grass, clover doesn’t need frequent fertilizing since it produces its own nitrogen.
Watering is minimal too, because clover stays green even in dry conditions.
You can mow clover if you like, but many people enjoy its natural low-growing habit.
If you do mow, set your mower higher so the clover can shade the soil and retain moisture.
Every few years, you might want to overseed to keep the lawn looking full and even. Other than that, you’ll spend far less time working on your lawn and more time enjoying it.
Clover vs. Grass Mix
You don’t have to choose between clover and grass, you can have both. A clover-grass mix gives you the benefits of clover while still looking like a traditional lawn.
The grass provides durability for play and foot traffic, while the clover adds resilience, weed resistance, and soil health.
For many homeowners, this blend is the perfect balance.
Best Clover Varieties for Lawns
Dutch White Clover is the classic choice because it’s hardy, low-growing, and easy to establish.
Another option is Micro Clover, which has smaller leaves and blends more seamlessly with grass.
Micro Clover also flowers less than regular clover, which reduces bee activity if that’s a concern. Both options will create a beautiful, easy-care lawn.
