What to Know Before Considering a Clover Lawn

Looking for a low-maintenance grass alternative that stays green throughout summer, doesn’t need much water, and will support important pollinators like bees and butterflies? If so, you might be interested in switching to a clover lawn.

Long considered a “weed,” clover is coming back into style in a big way. This unique plant offers some valuable benefits, especially if you want an eco-friendly yard or low-maintenance ground cover. You can even mix clover with your existing grass to get better coverage and take advantage of clover’s ability to add nitrogen to the soil. (More on that later.)

In this article, we’ll explain clover lawns vs. grass and dive into clover lawn pros and cons. We’ll also highlight some of our favorite clover varieties and show you how to create a carpet of gorgeous clover outside your doorstep.

What Is Clover?

Clovers are a part of the legume family and native to the Mediterranean. Their shamrock-shaped leaves add a dense ground cover and have decorated landscapes for centuries. Though they’re not new to the scene, many homeowners are rediscovering clover lawns as an eco-friendly option for a lush landscape.

Best Types of Clover for Lawns

With over 300 species of clover identified, homeowners can be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed when trying to choose a clover for their lawn. We’ll keep things simple by highlighting five of our favorite types of clover for lawns.

Crimson Clover (Trifolium Incarnatum)

Crimson clover can grow up to 3 feet. It has bright crimson pea-shaped flowers with long heads. It can increase nitrogen in the soil and prevent erosion. This variety does best in USDA hardiness zones 6–10.

Strawberry Clover (Trifolium Fragiferum)

This low-growing clover may grow up to 14 inches tall. It can establish itself on alkaline and wet saline soils and is typically used for pastures. Strawberry clover gets its name from its small, red, strawberry-like flowers. This clover variety tolerates shade and may be a good option for areas of your lawn that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight. Plant this clover in zones 4–8.

Pairs well with: Mixtures in grass with hay

Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)

Red clover is distinguished by its reddish-purple flowers. It can grow up to 24 inches and provides essential nutrients, including calcium, niacin, potassium, and vitamin C. It is often used for its natural health benefits. While not often grown as lawn cover, it is prized as a great nitrogen-fixing cover crop and may be the right choice for lawns with poor soil. Try this clover in zones 4–8.

Pairs well with: Bermuda grass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, white clover, and sweet clover.

White Clover (Trifolium Repens)

This low-growing clover produces attractive white flowers and is the most well-known type in the United States. It spreads rapidly and thrives in poor soil. Weeds can’t compete with white clover! Plant it in hardiness zones 3–10.

Pairs well with: Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, hard fescue, red fescue, and annual ryegrass.

Microclover (Trifolium Repens var. Pirouette and Pipolina)

This new cultivar of white clover has smaller leaves and fewer flowers than white clover. It also grows lower to the ground (4–6 inches tall) and doesn’t clump easily. Microclover is denser than white clover and known to be more resilient to foot traffic. This clover variety does best in zones 4–8.

Pairs well with: Tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass.

How to Plant a Clover Lawn

Clover lawns are easy to plant! You’ll want to start seeding in early spring, then follow these simple steps:

1. Test your soil and ensure it has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is ideal for clover growth.
2. Remove any grass remnants if you want a yard that only has clover. If mixing with grass, seed the clover on top.
3. Choose the variety of clover that best meets your lawn goals. Purchase seeds from a reputable supplier.
4. Rake the soil to create a smooth, level surface.
5. Spread about 6–8 ounces of seed per 1,000 square feet.
6. Use a light roller or rake to gently press the seeds into the soil.
7. Water the seeded areas thoroughly and keep the soil moist to help the roots grow and establish.

Clover usually takes seven to 21 days to germinate. Once the clover is established, you can lower your watering frequency.

Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns

If you’re considering switching your lawn to clover or mixing clover into your existing grass, make sure you have all the facts, including the benefits and the downsides of clover lawns.

Pro: Less Mowing

One of the biggest differences between clover lawns vs. grass lawns is the amount of mowing you’ll have to do. Traditional lawns require mowing at least every other week (and sometimes weekly). Alternatively, a clover yard only needs to be mowed a few times a year. If mowing isn’t your favorite lawn chore, clover could be for you.

Con: Doesn’t Stand Up to Heavy Foot Traffic

Most clover varieties are not as durable as grass and can get worn down with heavy foot traffic. If your household includes children or pets that spend a lot of time on the lawn, you may need to skip the clover or mix clover with a traditional turf grass.

Pro: Requires Less Water

Many parts of the United States experience drought conditions during the year. Those areas of the country also tend to face rising water prices. One of the major benefits of clover is that it tolerates drought and doesn’t require nearly as much water as thirsty turf grass. If you’re looking to conserve water and save on your water bill, clover may be the way to go.

Con: May Need to Replant

Clover is a short-lived perennial, so it won’t perpetually come back year after year. You may find that you need to replant your clover lawn every two or three years. Fortunately, clover seed is relatively inexpensive, and it spreads quickly.

Pro: A Natural Nitrogen Fixer

Most traditional lawns require fertilization once or twice a year. Not so with clover. As a legume, clover has a special ability to pull nitrogen from the air and transfer it to the soil. That means you never have to fertilize clover. Better yet, clover gives this advantage to its neighboring plants, so you most likely won’t have to fertilize a lawn that contains both clover and grass.

Con: Staining Tendencies

Playing rough and tumble on the lawn can leave stains on your clothes regardless of the type of plant life, but clover tends to be worse than grass. Clover is a delicate plant that breaks apart easily, releasing pigments. If you have a clover lawn, you may need to play flag football in the neighbor’s yard.

Pro: Attracts Pollinators

More homeowners are becoming interested in supporting their local ecosystem, and a great way to do that is by planting a clover lawn. Clover attracts insects that pollinate flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They also increase the biodiversity of the overall ecosystem.

Pro: No Need for Herbicides

Many homeowners are also interested in lowering or eliminating the use of chemicals on their lawns. Clover can help you achieve this goal. The dense roots of clover help prevent the growth of weeds, negating the need for herbicides.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clover for Your Lawn

Climate: Clover can stay green all year in warmer climates. It thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3–10 (depending on the species). Some can withstand extreme cold, too.

Soil type: Clover lawns can grow well in loamy or sandy soil, preferably with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Traffic: When comparing clover lawns vs. grass lawns, grass is the clear winner in handling heavy foot traffic.

Maintenance: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance lawn, clover lawns are it. They need little watering and minimal mowing and thrive with very light fertilization.

Ready to Make the Switch? Contact Us for A Green Clover Makeover!

Don’t have the time to grow a clover lawn? Find The Grounds Guys® nearest you and let our lawn care experts do all the work. All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction.

We have experienced local teams throughout the United States who can answer your questions about clover and make planting recommendations based on your goals, budget, and landscape. You can also select our lawn care service to ensure your clover looks beautiful throughout the seasons.

Contact us today for a free estimate.

FAQs About Clover Lawns

As an industry leader, The Grounds Guys are committed to using our 20+ years of landscape knowledge and experience to help bring the vision for their property to life. This includes answering your questions about landscape and lawn care services. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about considering a clover grass lawn.

What are the main types of clover used for lawns, and how do they differ?

The five most popular clover varieties for lawns each offer distinct characteristics suited to different needs and hardiness zones growing conditions.

White clover is the most common choice for clover lawns in the United States. It grows low to the ground, produces attractive white flowers, and spreads rapidly through poor soil where weeds struggle to compete. White clover thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3–10 and pairs well with Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, and fescue varieties.

Microclover represents a newer cultivar of white clover with smaller leaves and fewer flowers. Growing only 4–6 inches tall, microclover creates a denser carpet than white clover and handles foot traffic better. It's ideal for zones 4–8 and works exceptionally well mixed with tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass.

Crimson clover stands out with its bright red pea-shaped flowers and can reach up to 3 feet in height. This variety excels at nitrogen fixation and erosion prevention in zones 6–10, making it perfect for steep slopes or poor soil areas.

Strawberry clover grows up to 14 inches tall and tolerates alkaline, wet, or saline soils that challenge other clover types. Its small red strawberry-like flowers and shade tolerance make it suitable for areas with limited sunlight in zones 4–8.

Red clover, distinguished by reddish-purple flowers and growing up to 24 inches tall, serves primarily as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop rather than traditional lawn cover. It provides excellent soil improvement in zones 4–8 and pairs well with various grass types including Bermuda grass and tall fescue.

What are the pros and cons of switching to a clover lawn instead of traditional grass?

Switching to a clover yard offers significant advantages alongside some important limitations to consider.

Major Benefits of Clover Lawns

Dramatically reduced maintenance tops the list of clover lawn advantages. While traditional grass requires mowing every week or two, clover grass lawns only need cutting a few times per year. You'll also eliminate fertilization entirely since clover naturally fixes nitrogen from the air and enriches the soil.

Water conservation becomes effortless with clover lawns. These drought-tolerant plants require minimal watering compared to thirsty turf grass, helping you save money on water bills while supporting environmental sustainability.

Chemical-free lawn care happens naturally with clover's dense root system, which prevents weed growth and eliminates the need for herbicides. 

Pollinator support transforms your yard into an ecosystem asset. Clover flowers attract bees and butterflies that pollinate fruits, vegetables, and nuts, increasing local biodiversity.

Potential Drawbacks of Clover Lawns

Limited durability under heavy use represents clover's biggest weakness. Households with active children or pets may find clover yards wear down quickly, making a clover-grass mixture or traditional turf more practical.

Staining tendency can affect clothing more than grass. Clover's delicate structure breaks apart easily during rough play, releasing pigments that may stain fabrics.

Replanting requirements occur every two to three years since clover is a short-lived perennial. However, clover seed remains relatively inexpensive and spreads quickly once established.

The decision ultimately depends on your household's lawn usage patterns and maintenance preferences.

Can clover lawns survive through winter and drought conditions?

Clover lawns demonstrate remarkable resilience in challenging weather conditions, though survival varies by species and climate zone.

Winter Hardiness

Most clover varieties handle winter conditions exceptionally well across their designated USDA hardiness zones. White clover survives in zones 3–10, making it suitable for areas with severe winter weather. Microclover and strawberry clover perform reliably in zones 4–8, while crimson clover thrives in the milder zones 6–10.

In warmer climates, clover grass lawns stay green year-round, providing continuous ground cover when traditional grass goes dormant. Even in colder regions, established clover roots survive freezing temperatures and resume growth when spring arrives.

Drought Tolerance

Clover yards excel during drought conditions thanks to their deep root systems and efficient water usage. Unlike traditional turf grass that requires frequent watering, clover maintains its green appearance with minimal irrigation.

Water-saving benefits become particularly valuable in regions experiencing water restrictions or rising utility costs. Clover's drought tolerance means you can maintain an attractive lawn while significantly reducing water consumption.

Soil improvement occurs simultaneously as clover's nitrogen-fixing ability continues working even during dry periods, enriching the soil for future growth and recovery.

Climate Adaptability

The key to successful clover yard survival lies in selecting the appropriate variety for your specific climate zone and soil conditions. Clover adapts well to various soil types, from loam to sandy, and tolerates pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0.

For areas with extreme weather patterns, mixing clover with compatible grass varieties creates a more resilient lawn that combines clover's drought tolerance with grass's durability, ensuring year-round coverage regardless of weather conditions.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. The Grounds Guys are not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact The Grounds Guys location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.