What lawn to put in the backyard: Grass or Clover?

A green, lush lawn is often seen as a symbol of a well kept house. However, maintaining a traditional grass lawn can be time-consuming, costly, and environmentally taxing. With the rise of sustainable landscaping practices, homeowners are turning to alternative options, such as clover lawns. 

Grass Lawns

Grass lawns have been the standard for many years, and there are some benefits to this approach. Grass is durable and can handle foot traffic, making it ideal for areas with children or pets. It also provides a smooth surface for playing games or relaxing. Grass lawns can also be aesthetically pleasing, with many varieties available that offer different colors and textures.

However, grass lawns also have their drawbacks. They require frequent mowing, fertilizing, and watering to maintain their appearance, which can be time-consuming and costly. Traditional grass lawns can also be detrimental to the environment, as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can contribute to water pollution and harm pollinators.

A general rule of thumb for maintaining a healthy grass lawn is to mow it to a height of around 2-3 inches.  Mowing grass too short can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases. It can also damage the root system and make it harder for the grass to absorb nutrients and moisture from the soil. On the other hand, allowing grass to grow too tall can make it look untidy and can shade out other plants in the lawn.

By mowing the grass to a height of 2-3 inches, you can promote a strong root system, which helps the grass absorb nutrients and water more effectively. It also encourages the grass to grow thicker, which can help to crowd out weeds and reduce the need for herbicides. Additionally, a taller grass height can help to provide some shade for the soil, which can help to reduce water loss through evaporation and keep the soil cooler during hot weather.

The ideal height for a grass lawn may vary depending on the specific species of grass. For example, some warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia may be best maintained at a shorter height, while some cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue may perform better at a slightly taller height. 

Clover Lawns

Clover lawns are gaining popularity among environmentally-conscious homeowners due to their numerous benefits. Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is usable by plants. This helps to naturally fertilize the lawn, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Clover also has deep roots that can help to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for watering.  Clover is low-growing and requires less mowing than grass lawns, which can save time and energy.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when choosing a clover lawn. Clover can be invasive and may spread to other parts of the yard or garden. It also does not tolerate heavy foot traffic, so it may not be suitable for areas with high use. Additionally, some people may not find the appearance of clover lawns as aesthetically pleasing as a traditional grass lawn.

There are multiple varieties of clover, but mini clover, or micro clover, is a type of clover that is specifically bred to be shorter and more compact than traditional clover varieties. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). This makes it an ideal alternative to grass lawns, as it requires less mowing and maintenance.

Why not both?

Clover and grass can be planted together to enhance the lawn's health and appearance. Clover can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can reduce the need for fertilizers and improve soil health. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and a lack of nitrogen can cause grass to appear yellow or pale. When nitrogen is fixed in the soil by clover or other nitrogen-fixing plants, it becomes available to the surrounding grass and can help to promote its growth and greenness.  Additionally, clover can help to suppress weed growth, which can reduce the need for herbicides.  This would be the lawn equivalent to companion planting.

To plant clover and grass together, you can either mix the seeds together and sow them at the same time, or you can plant the grass first and then overseed with clover once the grass is established.

In my lawn when it was bare soil, I started with mixing the grass and clover seeds together. After a couple of weeks the grass and clover were able to be established, I started going through the grass to remove any growing weeds.  After a month a couple of months, most of the lawn has been able to be covered, but there were patches of areas where the grass was able to grow, and others where the clover was able to thrive.  As I would take care of my lawn, I would have a routine: pick up the dog poop, remove any weeds that were popping up, mow the lawn with the hand pushed mower, and then spread more seeds of the opposite growing plant to get a better homogenous mix of clover and grass.  After a few months, it's still a work in progress, but the results are a great success in comparison to the dirt yard that was there a few months ago.

Pollinators

When it comes to pollinators and allergies, there are some important differences between clover and grass lawns. Clover is a great choice for homeowners who want to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to their yard. These insects are essential for pollinating plants and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Grass lawns, on the other hand, are generally not helpful for pollinators, as they provide little to no habitat or food sources.

Allergies

Allergies can also be a concern for homeowners with grass lawns. Grass pollen is a common allergen, and people with allergies may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.

Clover, on the other hand, produces very little pollen and is generally not a significant allergen.  And is actually often used in some regions as a natural alternative to grass lawns, as it requires less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, and is generally easier to maintain. In fact, some people may find that clover can help to reduce allergy symptoms, as it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help to reduce the amount of pollen in the air.

That being said, some people may still experience allergic reactions to clover, particularly if they are sensitive to other plants in the legume family, such as peanuts, peas, beans, or soy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are benefits and drawbacks to both clover lawns and grass lawns. Clover lawns are an environmentally-friendly option that requires less maintenance and can be beneficial for pollinators. However, they may not be suitable for areas with high foot traffic and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a traditional grass lawn. Grass lawns can provide a smooth, durable surface and come in a variety of colors and textures, but they require more maintenance and can be detrimental to the environment.  Both clover and grass require regular watering to thrive, and that watering practices should be tailored to the specific needs of your lawn and the local climate conditions.