Clover is widely used as an alternative to turfgrass, but it has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, it thrives in the temperate northern regions of the Golden State and doesn’t need fertilizer, but it can also grow unruly and come in patchy.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of growing a clover lawn in Northern California.
Pros of a Clover Lawn in Northern California
Clover offers additional benefits for homeowners in Northern California and beyond, making it not only a turfgrass alternative that can thrive in NorCal but also an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance lawn that attracts pollinators.
Clover Lawns are Drought Tolerant
In Northern California, a drought-resistant lawn saves water during periods of abnormally dry or drought conditions. Once established, clover lawns need very little watering. They can endure drought by developing a strong, dense root system that reaches deep into the ground for water.
Not all clovers are equally resistant to drought. White clover, the most popular type for lawns, is quite drought-tolerant. However, microclover, which is gaining popularity because it grows lower and can withstand mowing better than other varieties, is not as drought tolerant and may enter dormancy in the peak of summer.
Pollinators Love Clover Lawns
Many homeowners are looking to add more diversity to their yards, creating outdoor spaces that pollinators love. Clovers are excellent for this purpose because they provide food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Pollinators are crucial to the ecosystem in Northern California because they support plant reproduction and biodiversity. This is especially important in natural areas that we want to preserve, such as the Redwoods and Yosemite.
White clover blooms longer than other varieties, providing this benefit for a larger portion of the year. From May to September, white clover will flower, attracting pollinators. It is a favorite among honeybees.
Clover is No Mow or Low Mow
Turfgrass needs to be mowed every one to two weeks. Clover, however, is a low-growing plant that reaches only 2 to 8 inches high. As a result, clover usually only needs to be mowed a couple of times per year when it starts to look too overgrown. If you’re interested in a clover lawn that requires less mowing or no mowing at all, consider microclover or miniclover varieties that stay under 4 to 6 inches in height.
Your Clover Lawn Probably Won’t Need Fertilizer
Clover is a legume, similar to peas or alfalfa. Like most legumes, clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant. It works with bacteria to convert nitrogen in the air pockets in the soil into compounds that the clover and surrounding plants can use.
Nitrogen is a crucial ingredient in fertilizers as it is a major component in chlorophyll and essential for plant growth. Most fertilizers are a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Unless a soil test reveals other issues, your clover lawn will naturally have enriched soil and require less chemical fertilizers.
In comparison, see what regular turfgrass needs in our guide: “When to Fertilize Your Lawn in California.”
Cons of a Clover Lawn in Northern California
Clover has many benefits, but it also has drawbacks. Although clover attracts pollinators, it may be bothersome to have a lot of bees in your yard if you have a bee allergy or if you have children and pets at risk of being stung. Additionally, clover needs to be reseeded every few years.
Pollinator Habitats Can Mean Bee Stings
The idea of butterflies enjoying your lush clover lawn may be appealing. Still, butterflies are not the only pollinators that will flutter to your clover when it blooms. Bees and other stinging insects also love clover, and a lawn covered in clover may attract a significant amount.
While bees play a vital role in the ecosystem and may be appreciated in some yards, those with bee allergies should avoid planting clover.
You’ll Need to Reseed Your Clover Lawn
Clover is a short-lived perennial, meaning it can live up to three to five years. This means you’ll need to re-seed every few years to keep your clover lawn full. If you don’t reseed, your clover lawn will eventually begin to decline and appear patchy before dying.
However, certain clover varieties reseed themselves, such as crimson clover, especially when combined with grass. If you prefer not to have a lawn entirely made up of clover, you can still enjoy some of the clover’s benefits. Many grass seed mixes also include clover seeds.
Clover Spreads Aggressively
Clover tends to spread into areas where you don’t want it. It can overrun flowerbeds and take over turfgrass. Clover is also known for sprouting in cracks in sidewalks or driveways, which is one reason it’s often considered a weed. Another is that, while white clover is a popular variety frequently used in agriculture, it is invasive to the United States, including Northern California.
If you prefer native clover in your landscape, consider varieties such as purple prairie clover. Many native clovers grow taller than invasive clovers; for example, white prairie clover can grow up to three feet. Consequently, native Northern California clovers may perform better as part of a meadow lawn than as a turf alternative.
Want to grow a landscape full of native plants in Northern California? Check out our guide: “Native Plants for California: Flowers, Succulents, Shrubs, and Trees.”
Clover Lawns Can Be Patchy
Clover plants may start sprouting in just a few days and typically take only four to six weeks to establish. However, growing a one hundred percent clover lawn can take a little longer. Clover lawns tend to grow slightly patchy, especially in lawns with shade. If you’re committed to having a clover lawn, be patient, and just know that you may need to overseed the yard a couple of times before the lawn is full and lush.
Want to blend your clover with grass? Get to know the right turfgrass for your region with our guide: “Best Types of Grass for California.”
FAQ About Clover in Northern California
When should I plant clover?
Clover lawns can be planted in spring or fall. Clover can sometimes be planted in late summer if conditions are not too dry. Keep an eye on drought conditions in Northern California before attempting to plant clover in late summer. For best results, plant clover when temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees.
Is clover okay for pets?
Yes. Clover is durable enough for use in high-traffic areas or play spaces for pets and children. Clover is generally safe for dogs and is only toxic to pets if consumed in very large amounts, causing stomach upset. However, this is exceedingly rare because clover does not taste very good to dogs, so it probably won’t become your pooch’s new favorite treat.
Some homeowners also prefer clover because it is unlikely to turn yellow or brown in response to pet urine.
Hire Professional Lawn Care
While clover doesn’t need frequent mowing, a local lawn care professional can help maintain it. Embrace the simplicity of your low-maintenance lawn and commend yourself for taking a bold approach by giving this “weed” a chance. With LawnStarter, getting trustworthy and convenient lawn care services is a tap away.
Main Photo Credit: Elizabeth Nicodemus / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
