Mow less and benefit wildlife with a clover lawn! Learn the basics about this increasingly popular and pollinator-friendly lawn option.
Cut Down on Mowing With a Clover Lawn
Published on Feb. 14, 2025
Imagine taking a step in your bare feet into a backyard brimming with pillowy clover. You can make this a reality! There’s a surge of interest in replacing turf grass with a clover lawn, and one can understand why. Its flowers are promising for pollinators, and it provides a habitat for bugs, small frogs and other local wildlife.
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Clover Lawn Benefits
Kent Gliadon, the owner and principal designer of the Minneapolis-based KG Landscape Management, says clover lawns provide numerous benefits. “Some people think traditional lawns are a silly thing of the past … They are searching for an alternative—something more sustainable—that doesn’t require chemicals, constant watering or weekly mowing,” Kent adds.
Starting Clover Lawns: Things to Consider
For those with kids who play in their yards, “Clover won’t handle wear and tear as well,” Kent says. Additionally, gardeners must be careful with herbicides. “Broadleaf herbicides kill the clover as well as any other weeds,” he says. Importantly, you may need to contain your clover. “If you’re right next to a manicured yard, your neighbors might not love it. Try adding garden space or installing borders to stop the spread,” Kent adds.
Clover is generally safe, even if consumed in small amounts. Certain varieties, such as red clover, can cause mild digestive issues for dogs, so talk with your veterinarian if you’re considering this switch.
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How to Plant a Clover Lawn
Having the swap professionally done can be time-consuming and expensive, potentially costing upwards of $12,000. A company can kill the existing lawn, condition the soil, apply and hand-rake the clover seed, fertilize it, then cover the new seeded space with seed blankets to prevent washout during the germination period.
To cut costs, Kent suggests homeowners replace grass in small segments, or consider overseeding the turf for a slow, steady approach. “Overseeding with clover is for those who are mainly concerned about getting more flowers for pollinators,” Kent says.
Clover comes in charming varieties such as white, red, sweet and microclover. Most can be paired with Kentucky bluegrass; Bermuda grass; red, tall or hard fescue; and perennial ryegrass, as well as other clovers. Ask your local university extension office or a local landscaping company for pairing recommendations that are best suited for your zone.
Maintenance Plan for a Clover Lawn
For thick, lush clover, water is required at times. And you may need to hand-pull certain weeds, such as the invasive creeping Charlie, to keep them from taking over. On the whole, however, clover is relatively low maintenance.
Picking Your Perfect Clover
Clover comes in many charming varieties. Some, such as white clover and red clover, are recommended for bee lawns and cover crops but may have aggressive spreading habits. Ask your local university extension office for recommendations best suited for your zone or if you have concerns about it spreading.
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About the Expert
Kent Gliadon is the owner and principal designer of the Minneapolis-based KG Landscape Management. He has worked in green landscaping for more than 20 years. Kent graduated from the University of Minnesota’s landscape design program and holds a degree in management and design.
Sources
- Pet First Veterinary Clinic, “Is Clover Safe for Dogs?“
- KG Landscaping, “The Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns“
- University of Minnesota Extension, “Ground Ivy (creeping Charlie)“
