It’s time to let your weeds run (intentionally) wild.
Key Takeaways
We’ve traditionally been taught to keep pesky clovers off our lawns.
Now, more and more people are making a case for appreciating those once-vexing clovers.
Credit: Teresa Watkins
Read on for clover lawn pros and cons and everything it’s crucial that you know about thisground-breaking trend.
Types Of Clover For The Lawn
Clover is a dense ground cover known for shamrock leaves.
Once it grows, it’s easy to care for and maintain.
Credit: Dr. Jay McCurdy
The result is a lively and biodiverse lawn blooming with attractivewhite flowers.
Micro Clover
Micro clover is simply a selection of white clover with smaller leaves and shorter growth.
Micro clover also tends to be less clump-forming than its full-sized relation.
Clover at author Sue Grafton’s estate in Louisville, Kentucky.Credit: Teresa Watkins
For these reasons, it does a better job of mingling with grasses instead of competing and taking over.
Some seed companies have started mixing small amounts of micro clover in with tall fescue or bluegrass.
Red clover stands taller, is less amenable to mowing, and can be short-lived.
Why Is Clover Popular Now?
“What is a weed really?”
“A weed is just a plant that you don’t want there.”
Changing the intention and reputation of clover is all it takes to change its narrative.
“I think it’s following up on a trend of the last 20 years.
We’re reducing ourlawn maintenanceand it’s a wonderful way to do it,” says Watkins.
Plus, encouraging clover adds interest to a lawn.
“Especially in the South, your traditional monoculture, one-species of grass certainly has got a bad rep.
Essentially, people are recognizing clover’s benefits and following suit.
What Are The Pros Of Clover Lawns?
It grows in most soils, including poor soils and areas where grass isn’t successful.
In fact, white clover is helpful to soil health because it works to feed nitrogen into the dirt.
McCurdy explains that clover is a legume.
“Legumes form symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria that are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen,” he says.
No synthetic fertilizer is necessary.
It also chokes out other weeds.
Eco-friendly clover isgood for beesand pollinators too since it eliminates the need for pesticides.
It’s not prone to serious pests.
It’s also durable enough to take the heat.
Ask your local farm store for the clover varieties that best suit your local ecosystem and climate.
That’s already a lot of time and effort saved.
Clover has deep roots that draw up moisture, so it doesn’t need much water.
Clover lawns aregenerally okay to haveif you have a dog.
However, if eaten in large enough quantities, clover may cause skin irritation or upset stomach.
Be sure to monitor any pets for reactions.
That’s a budget-friendly win for the bank account.
I just think it’s so cute,” Watkins says.
What Are The Cons Of Clover Lawns?
Clover doesn’t hold up to heavy foot traffic as well as regular grass does.
“Will it take the high school football team coming over and practicing on it?”
If your neighborhood regulates “weeds,” a clover lawn may not be welcome.
Clover Flourishes In Winter
We love that clover flourishes in cold weather.
However, because most grass works on an opposite seasonal schedule, there may be some conflicts.
If your clover is mixed in with other grasses, the clover will likely reseed itself.
Some reseeding may also be necessary after winter to fill in bare areas.
How Do You Start A Clover Lawn?
Plus, mowing your clover can stimulate growth.
Clover does not typically give the space for other weeds to grow.
