8 Surprising Benefits of Clover for a Healthier, Eco-Friendly Lawn
If each spring you find yourself groaning at the sight of clover in your lawn, it might be time to rethink those negative feelings. Similar to how ground cover plants offer visual appeal and weed control, clover has its own set of advantages for your yard.
We consulted landscaping experts to get their take on clover. While some view it with mixed feelings, clover often emerges as a winner.
Embracing this lush green plant could lead to enhancements in your soil quality and overall garden health. Before deciding to eliminate clover from your lawn, consider these surprising benefits of cultivating it.
Benefits of Growing Clover
Often mistaken for a weed, clover actually serves as an important early food source for bees and offers numerous other advantages you might not be aware of.
1. Clover Requires Minimal Maintenance
Clover generally takes care of itself, making it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance garden. According to Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Seed at Scotts, “Clover needs less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than traditional grass varieties.” It is also more adaptable to different growing conditions. For a reliable clover lawn, Matthew suggests Scotts Pursue Clover Lawn available on Amazon.
2. Clover Enhances Soil Structure
Clover’s deep and intricate root system not only helps it absorb essential nutrients and water but also provides a protective layer for your soil, benefiting your garden’s landscape. Matthew explains, “The deep roots of clover improve soil structure by aerating compacted soil and enhancing drainage.” Additionally, clover’s dense foliage shields the soil from rain and wind, while its roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping Inc., adds that clover’s ability to introduce organic matter deep into the soil enhances aeration and moisture retention, which is beneficial for lawns with compacted soil or poor water infiltration.
For lawns needing extra help, consider the Jardineer Plug Aerator Lawn Tool from Walmart.
3. Clover Tolerates Drought
Clover’s efficient nutrient absorption allows it to thrive during dry spells, often outlasting grass in drought conditions. Steve Schumacher, owner-operator of Boston Landscape Co., notes that “Clover is known for its resilience under diverse environmental conditions.” During a project in the Boston area, lawns with clover required significantly less watering during a drought, leading to water conservation and cost savings.
You might also invest in a rainwater collection system like the 100-gallon water barrel from Rihogar Store on Amazon to further conserve water throughout the year.
4. Clover Boosts Biodiversity
Similar to how flowers attract bees, clover is excellent for creating a wildlife-friendly garden. It provides an important early food source for many garden bees. Matthew Koch explains, "Clover flowers can enhance biodiversity by drawing in beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem."
5. Clover Regulates Nitrogen Levels
Clover’s ability to manage soil pH and nitrogen levels is well-documented. Scott McLeod notes, "One of clover’s major benefits is its natural nitrogen-fixing ability. It enriches the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, effectively fertilizing the lawn naturally. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making lawn care both sustainable and cost-effective." For monitoring soil pH, you can use a meter like the Sonkit Soil Moisture Tester from Amazon.
6. Clover is Cost-Effective
Clover’s ability to grow prolifically with minimal maintenance makes it an economical choice for a lush lawn. Steve Sylva, owner of Steve’s Services landscaping company, adds, "Clover remains green and lush even under drought conditions where other plants might struggle." The reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides means less expense and environmental impact. Additionally, clover’s resilience leads to less frequent watering, saving both time and money.
7. Clover Benefits Other Plants
Clover’s self-sufficiency extends to aiding neighboring plants by enhancing soil structure and nutrient cycling. Matthew Koch remarks, "Clover’s extensive root system improves soil structure and nutrient availability, benefiting nearby plants by providing better access to water, air, and nutrients." Additionally, clover flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which play a key role in fertilizing other plants, leading to increased pollination and growth.
8. Clover is Visually Attractive
A vibrant patch of clover can enhance your garden’s appearance. For added visual interest, you might consider a mix like Tri-Clover by Eretz on Amazon, which features clover in shades of white, pink, and red. However, Matthew Koch points out, "Clover can sometimes be seen as a weed due to its aggressive growth and tendency to spread, which may compete with grass species." If you prefer a more controlled look, managing clover's spread or opting for a manicured turf might be preferable.
FAQs
Why Is There So Much Clover In My Lawn?
Clover often thrives in lawns with low nitrogen levels or high soil compaction. Infrequent mowing can also encourage clover growth. While some may prefer alternatives like tackling dandelions or crabgrass, a bit of clover might not be so detrimental and could even be beneficial in many yards.
We consulted landscaping experts to get their take on clover. While some view it with mixed feelings, clover often emerges as a winner.
Embracing this lush green plant could lead to enhancements in your soil quality and overall garden health. Before deciding to eliminate clover from your lawn, consider these surprising benefits of cultivating it.
Benefits of Growing Clover
Often mistaken for a weed, clover actually serves as an important early food source for bees and offers numerous other advantages you might not be aware of.
1. Clover Requires Minimal Maintenance
Clover generally takes care of itself, making it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance garden. According to Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Seed at Scotts, “Clover needs less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than traditional grass varieties.” It is also more adaptable to different growing conditions. For a reliable clover lawn, Matthew suggests Scotts Pursue Clover Lawn available on Amazon.
2. Clover Enhances Soil Structure
Clover’s deep and intricate root system not only helps it absorb essential nutrients and water but also provides a protective layer for your soil, benefiting your garden’s landscape. Matthew explains, “The deep roots of clover improve soil structure by aerating compacted soil and enhancing drainage.” Additionally, clover’s dense foliage shields the soil from rain and wind, while its roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping Inc., adds that clover’s ability to introduce organic matter deep into the soil enhances aeration and moisture retention, which is beneficial for lawns with compacted soil or poor water infiltration.
For lawns needing extra help, consider the Jardineer Plug Aerator Lawn Tool from Walmart.
3. Clover Tolerates Drought
Clover’s efficient nutrient absorption allows it to thrive during dry spells, often outlasting grass in drought conditions. Steve Schumacher, owner-operator of Boston Landscape Co., notes that “Clover is known for its resilience under diverse environmental conditions.” During a project in the Boston area, lawns with clover required significantly less watering during a drought, leading to water conservation and cost savings.
You might also invest in a rainwater collection system like the 100-gallon water barrel from Rihogar Store on Amazon to further conserve water throughout the year.
4. Clover Boosts Biodiversity
Similar to how flowers attract bees, clover is excellent for creating a wildlife-friendly garden. It provides an important early food source for many garden bees. Matthew Koch explains, "Clover flowers can enhance biodiversity by drawing in beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem."
5. Clover Regulates Nitrogen Levels
Clover’s ability to manage soil pH and nitrogen levels is well-documented. Scott McLeod notes, "One of clover’s major benefits is its natural nitrogen-fixing ability. It enriches the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, effectively fertilizing the lawn naturally. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making lawn care both sustainable and cost-effective." For monitoring soil pH, you can use a meter like the Sonkit Soil Moisture Tester from Amazon.
6. Clover is Cost-Effective
Clover’s ability to grow prolifically with minimal maintenance makes it an economical choice for a lush lawn. Steve Sylva, owner of Steve’s Services landscaping company, adds, "Clover remains green and lush even under drought conditions where other plants might struggle." The reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides means less expense and environmental impact. Additionally, clover’s resilience leads to less frequent watering, saving both time and money.
7. Clover Benefits Other Plants
Clover’s self-sufficiency extends to aiding neighboring plants by enhancing soil structure and nutrient cycling. Matthew Koch remarks, "Clover’s extensive root system improves soil structure and nutrient availability, benefiting nearby plants by providing better access to water, air, and nutrients." Additionally, clover flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which play a key role in fertilizing other plants, leading to increased pollination and growth.
8. Clover is Visually Attractive
A vibrant patch of clover can enhance your garden’s appearance. For added visual interest, you might consider a mix like Tri-Clover by Eretz on Amazon, which features clover in shades of white, pink, and red. However, Matthew Koch points out, "Clover can sometimes be seen as a weed due to its aggressive growth and tendency to spread, which may compete with grass species." If you prefer a more controlled look, managing clover's spread or opting for a manicured turf might be preferable.
FAQs
Why Is There So Much Clover In My Lawn?
Clover often thrives in lawns with low nitrogen levels or high soil compaction. Infrequent mowing can also encourage clover growth. While some may prefer alternatives like tackling dandelions or crabgrass, a bit of clover might not be so detrimental and could even be beneficial in many yards.
Companies