If you’re like most people, you’ve been conditioned to think that grass is the best ground cover for a healthy and beautiful yard. For over a century, having a lush green monoculture grass lawn has been a symbol of wealth in America. But recently, there’s been a growing trend of using clover for lawns instead of grass! In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of clover lawns and why they may be a better alternative to conventional grass lawns.
All about the clover lawn trend
Though clover has been used as a ground cover for centuries, it’s only just becoming an increasingly popular alternative to grass. This year, clover lawns have been taking over TikTok as more homeowners are opting to try a more sustainable and lower maintenance alternative! Many homeowners are tired of spending tons of money on lawn upkeep, which has become especially difficult in the extreme heat we have been experiencing lately. Instead of spending your time mowing the lawn every weekend, you can reclaim your time by joining in on this eco-friendly trend!
Why some people prefer clover lawns
Aside from being lucky, these lawns have a ton of perks!
- Drought and heat tolerant
- Less frequent watering and mowing than turf grass
- Naturally fertilizes the soil
- Benefits pollinators and wildlife
- Grows and spreads fast
- It only needs reseeding every few years
- Suppresses weeds
- Super soft compared to traditional turf
Are clover lawns better than grass?
It depends on what you’re looking for in a lawn. Clover lawns have several advantages over grass lawns, including being more eco-friendly and requiring less upkeep. If you have a small lawn that doesn’t get much foot traffic, clover is a great option. However, if you have kids or pets (specifically cats) that spend a lot of time on your lawn, clover may not be the best option. Clover is a soft plant, and it can’t handle heavy foot traffic as well as grass. Additionally, clover attracts bees, which can be a hazard if a family member is allergic to bee stings.
The do’s and don’ts
If you’re thinking of switching to a clover lawn, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Do:
- Do make sure your soil is well-draining and has a pH of around 6.5.
- Do sow in the early spring
- Do get the right species for your area! White Dutch clover is the most popular option, but microclover, red clover, or strawberry clover are also great options.
Don’t:
- Don’t mow it too short, it can stress the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. The ideal height is about three inches!
- Don’t use too much nitrogen fertilizer. Clover naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, and it doesn’t need much help from added fertilizer.
- Don’t install a clover lawn if you have outdoor cats. Many varieties are toxic to cats. On the contrary, it is safe for dogs!
Are clover yards suitable for Northern Virginia?
Yes! They are a great option for Northern Virginia’s climate. Clover is a hardy plant that can handle both drought and heavy rainfall. Plus, because it’s a low-growing plant, it’s less likely to be damaged by the winter snow. If you’re interested in switching to a clover lawn, now is the perfect time to do it.
While grass has long been the go-to ground cover for yards, clover lawns are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. It is low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have kids or pets that spend a lot of time on your lawn. If you’re interested in switching to a clover lawn, make sure to do your research and consider the pros and cons carefully. With the proper care and maintenance, a clover lawn can be a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your property.
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