Living

Replacing Your Grass Lawn With Clover Could Save You Time, Water, and Money

By Theresa Clement Men's Journal

Updated April 22, 2026 11:10 PM

Grass may seem like an obvious choice for a yard covering but it's actually a modern-ish norm. The idea of a domestic manicured grass lawn was imported in the early 18th century from France and England, and until Elwood McGuire's push lawn mower was available to the public in 1870, grass was painstakingly hand-cut or patiently animal-grazed to achieve a perfectly trimmed lawn. A neatly cut grass lawn was essentially a way for the super rich-like Thomas Jefferson-to flex their wealth.

These days many homeowners are questioning the necessity of grass, and have been looking at the low-growing green perennial clover as a more sustainable and easier-to-maintain option. "Clover lawns can be beautiful when in flower and great are for pollinating insects and providing seeds for birds," says Amanda Bratcher, horticulture agent, NC Cooperative Extension with the Lee County Center. She adds that "a clover lawn is a good idea when you do not want traditional turf types, like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass or bermudagrass." If the maintenance of turf grass (and the water it requires in your climate) are becoming a pain, clover could make your life a lot easier.

"Clover is a great alternative to grass for a few reasons. It's green, it's hearty, and looks great," says Jackie Lynch, founder & writer of xoxojackie, a blog where she documents DIY projects and plant care. She recently switched to a clover lawn and says that "as clover grows it creates a soft, attractive ground cover that looks great year-round with little effort. I love the natural, lush look of my lawn with clover."

Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of a clover lawn vs. a grass lawn and learn how to successfully grow the right varietal of clover that will thrive in your yard'.

Why Are People Replacing Grass With Clover?

When a homeowner switches from grass to clover, there are a range of motivators. Some switch because there are water restrictions and grass requires frequent watering while clover can mostly thrive with just regular rainfall. Others switch to clovers because they are tired of lawn mowing and the time and expense associated with maintaining a manicured lawn.

A clover lawn makes the most sense when you're trying to work with your environment instead of constantly fighting it. If you're dealing with poor or compacted soil, inconsistent rainfall, or you simply want to reduce inputs like fertilizer and irrigation, clover is a strong fit.

Clover naturally improves nitrogen, so it helps soil over time rather than depleting it. It also stays greener longer in heat compared to many traditional turf grasses.

That said, it performs best in areas with moderate foot traffic and full sun to partial shade but struggles in dense shade. In heavy shade or high-traffic zones, a mixed lawn combining clover with durable grasses, is usually the better long-term solution," says Jim Fucetola, president of Earthwise Seed and Moss Acres.

Since clover doesn't require gas-powered or electric-powered tools, extra water, and time, clover is attractive to many who value sustainability. And then there are those who just want a green lawn, and their lawn may be brown more often than they'd like if it's shaded and has a lot of competition from trees for sunshine and water.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Clover Lawn?

In general, clover is a hardier plant than grass so it naturally thrives more easily and requires less care. "Clover requires less water and less mowing than grass," says Lynch. And depending on your aesthetic and choice of clover variety, you might not need to mow at all.

Here are more clover lawn pros:

It's greener than grass for more months out of the year
Can be drought-tolerant
Clover doesn't need fertilization; it actually adds some nitrogen into the soil
If planted well, it tends to be easier to maintain
Rugged against other weeds
Doesn't grow as fast as grasses, so if you want to mow, you can do so less often
Clover attracts bees, so it's helpful if you are a gardener
Requires less water

What Are the Downsides to Having a Clover Lawn?

"Clover isn't as durable as grasses and may wear down in high-use areas due to heavy foot traffic," says Lori Johnson, president of The Grounds Guys. "Clover tends to stain clothing more easily than grass, too. Additionally, clover is not the best choice in shaded areas or very wet soil."

Here are more clover lawn cons:

Not a great idea if you have a bee allergy, because clover attracts them
It grows fast and spreads everywhere
Can look uneven when mixed with grass or during the winter when the leaves are gone
It can brown with severe heat stress and might require additional seeding

Clover Lawn vs Grass Lawn: Which Is Better?

There are so many reasons why you may choose grass or clover. It depends on factors like sustainability, maintenance, cost, aesthetics, and durability.

Soil Type

"Clover is an excellent choice for full sun, flat expanses, slopes, meadows, areas that are not mowed frequently, and pollinator-attracting borders and gardens," says Teresa Watkins, landscape designer with Art in Bloom Garden Tours and host of Better Lawns and Gardens. "Clovers do best in well-draining soils, with a 6 to 7 neutral pH."

Water Usage

If you live in an area that has water restrictions, turf grass might not be an ideal ground covering. Grass lawns consume about nine billion gallons of water every day, but clover lawns mostly rely on rain.

Maintenance

If your planting of clover was successful, it will require less maintenance overall. Bratcher says: "Traditional turfgrasses take a lot of preparation and work to be successful at, and they are a commitment if you want long-term success. Clover lawns, if established, can persist through many years as they reseed themselves."

While clover doesn't require mowing, if you want the short-trimmed appearance of grass, you'll likely need to mow it less than twice a month. Clover needs less fertilizer, less frequent aeration, and less seeding. Seeding is helpful every few years if thin spots or if browning happens from drought.

Cost

The initial seed investment of clover is more than grass, but grass is more expensive if you choose to lay sod. Grass also requires a lawn mower, string trimmer or edger, and pesticides.

Aesthetics

Whichever visually appeals to you is a personal choice. Some may prefer the minimalism of a perfectly manicured grass lawn. Others delight in the more casual texture that a clover lawn offers. If a green lawn is a priority, then clover has a better chance at delivering a verdant view. However, when it goes dormant in the summer, clover loses leaves so the ground may be exposed and the lawn could look a little patchy.

"Clover lawns can be beautiful in the cooler months, but can look scrawny or go completely dormant in the summer months, depending on where you are in the country," says Bratcher. "The warmer and drier the summer, the more likely it will go dormant."

But not everyone likes the look of clover. "For me this is a personal choice. I would not want a clover lawn. I don't like the look and the feel," says Ace Hardware's resident home expert, Lou Manfredini. "The other issue is that when it takes over, and it will, you will be spreading it to the neighbors' yards, and they may not be happy."

Durability

For those who value durability, the debate between grass vs. clover can be tough. It depends on your location, the amount of shade and rain that your lawn receives, the amount of heavy foot traffic, and if a dog regularly pees in your yard.

Clover is more likely to do well in a shaded lawn. Dog pee can damage clover some but it's not as noticeable as urine-damaged grass. And while clover doesn't handle high traffic well, established clover can bounce back from typical yard use.

"Grass, depending on species, often holds up well under foot traffic and offers a dense groundcover," says Watkins. "However, combining clover with turf can also result in a thick, durable lawn." And Fucetola agrees: "For most homeowners, the best answer is a blend. A mixed lawn gives you the durability of grass with the resilience and sustainability benefits of clover."

Environmental Impact

For those who value sustainability, clover might be a better choice than grass. "Clover is more environmentally resilient, as it tolerates drought, poor soil, and lower maintenance much better than most grasses," says Fucetola. Clover also attracts and supports pollinators, has a lower carbon footprint, and adds nitrogen to the soil.

But not all experts agree that one is more environmentally-friendly than the other. Linda Chalker-Scott, who has a Ph.D. in horticulture from Oregon State University and is an ISA certified arborist and an ASCA consulting arborist says: "Actually, neither of these are the best options. The best thing to do, for an ecologically stable and environmentally-friendly lawn, is to create a lawn from multiple species. The more biologically diverse the species composition, the more resilient the system."

And if you are trying to choose a native covering for your lawn, keep in mind that most of the grasses promoted in the U.S. for the past century, including Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass were from rainy European locations. Common clovers are also non-native, naturalized in the U.S. from Europe.

What Are the Best Types of Clover for a Lawn?

"Generally, a microclover is great for lawns, creating a full, green cover," says Lynch. "The best clovers are those that thrive in your climate region. White clover is popular throughout the United States, and there are some regional varieties such as red clover that thrive in the Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest. Crimson clover thrives in the Southeast." There are 300 species of clover, but these are the most popular.

White clover

"The most popular choice is white clover because it's low-growing, resilient, and blends well with turfgrass," says Johnson. The white clover grows to be between four to eight inches tall and blooms small white flowers. Also known as Dutch clover, it has a reputation for being hardy and it can grow in full sun to partial shade. A white clover lawn does well in a variety of soil types in zones three to six.

Microclover

As the name suggests, microclovers have smaller leaves and are shorter than the other clovers, reaching two to four inches tall. "Microclover, a smaller variety of white clover, is often popular for lawns because it has fewer flowers and grows more uniformly with grass," says Johnson. The benefits of microclover are that it can more easily blend with grass and will require less frequent mowing if a manicured green lawn is the goal. A microclover lawn does best in warm climates, including zones eight to 10.

Red clover

A taller grower than white clover, red clover isn't as popular. If it isn't mowed, it will bloom its namesake pink-red flowers. "Red clover is less common in lawns since it grows taller and looks less turf-like," says Johnson. It grows in zones four to seven, but a red clover lawn does best in zones five to six.

Alpine clover

If you live at a high elevation with frigid winters, an alpine clover might be a smart pick for your clover lawn. It grows well in hardiness zones three and four.

When to Plant Clover

Clovers have the best chance of thriving when the air temperature is consistently mild. The roots need to develop without threat of frost. Also, test the soil to make sure it's acidic, with a pH goal of below 6 to 7 for the popular varieties.

Still, the ideal time to plant clover depends on your region, but Fucetola advises that "clover establishes best in mild conditions, so early spring and early fall are ideal in most regions. You're looking for soil temperatures consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with enough moisture to support germination."

"Most clover types prefer to be planted in the cooler months, with some parts of the country needing to sow them in the fall in October or November for best results," says Bratcher. She adds that it depends on ground freezing conditions where you live so "check with your local or state extension service to check for local planting dates."

Warm climates

"Fall is often underrated," says Fucetola. "Fall weather gives clover time to establish without the stress of summer heat or competition from aggressive weeds. In warmer climates, fall planting is usually the most reliable window." And Bratcher agrees: "If you are in the Southeast, the best time is the fall, from October to November."

Cool climates

"Spring is the best time to clover or plant clover in your yard in Northern zones," says Watkins. Most experts agree that April is usually the ideal time to plant most types of clover in cooler climates in the U.S. Wait until late spring after the last frost.

How Much Clover Seed Do You Need to Plant a Clover Lawn?

Before you can buy the proper amount of clover seed, you'll need to know the size of your yard. The old school method requires measuring the property and calculating the square footage of the lawn. You can also stay inside and use an online sod calculator that relies on GPS to determine the square footage of your lawn.

After you know the square footage of your yard, you then need to calculate how much seed you need. "It can be challenging to determine the right amount, but generally between one quarter to one half a pound of seed per 1,000 square feet," says Bratcher.

However, "coverage rates can vary depending on the specific clover variety and whether it's being planted alone or in a mix," says Fucetola. "As a general rule, it's better to slightly overseed than underseed, as thin coverage leads to slower establishment and more opportunity for weeds."

How to Plant a Clover Lawn

There are a few different strategies to replacing a grass lawn with a clover lawn. Some say it's best to start with bare ground, while others find success with planting clover in their grass lawn and waiting for it to take over the grass. Either way, clover seeds need either the grass to help provide some structure for the seedlings' growth or a covering like hay or topsoil to help keep the seeds in place as they germinate.

Here are the steps to planting a clover lawn:

Choose a clover variety. Review the types of clover from earlier in this article and buy the variety that best suits your climate and lawn goals.
Prep the lawn for clover seed planting. There are two ways to prep the lawn: Cut the grass short or remove the grass altogether. If you choose to cut it short, also weed and remove rocks and other debris in the grass.
Lightly rake the soil to loosen it. Even if you haven't removed all of the grass, take a rake to the yard to loosen the soil so it can more easily accept the seeds. (It's kind of like sanding wood to open the grain so that the wood can better absorb the stain.)
Spread seeds around the yard. Seeds can be spread by hand or you can use a walk-behind spreader. The goal is to distribute them evenly.
Help the seeds stay in contact with the ground. If you left the grass, it's helpful to rake the grass again. This helps lower the seeds so they can make contact with the earth. If you've spread seeds on open ground, add a thin layer of hay or topsoil over the seeds to keep them moist and in place as they germinate.
Water the seeds. At least once a day for about one to two weeks, water the lawn so the seeds can germinate. A light spray will help keep them moist without saturating them. A sprinkler can also do the trick.
Water weekly after germination. Clover seeds germinate in about seven to 14 days. After they germinate, they will benefit from weekly watering for a few months. And then mother nature will take over with watering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting a Clover Lawn

Experts warn about some common mistakes made when switching to a clover lawn.

"Planting clover in the wrong sunlight and soil conditions is the main issue," says Watkins. "While you will see clover growing in some partial shade areas, they have probably naturalized in those areas when it was sunnier or germinated and will not survive long."
"The biggest mistake is expecting instant results," says Fucetola. "A lawn transformation-especially a natural one-is a process. People often underseed, skip proper soil contact, or don't stay consistent with watering during establishment."
Watering too little. "Clover grows well in organic soils that receive rainfall or watering 1 to 2 times a week and drain quickly," says Watkins.
"Watering too much can also be an issue that will cause the clover to rot," says Watkins. "Clover can be grown with just rainfall."
"Another common issue is trying to eliminate existing grass all at once," says Fucetola. "In most cases, it's more effective to overseed and let the clover gradually integrate and outcompete over time."
"Fertilizing or using an herbicide on your lawn mixed with clover will cause the clover to decline and die," says Watkins.
"Cutting it too short," says Manfredini. "Let it grow, and cut it on the higher side to allow it to spread."
Planting at the wrong time. "They try to do it at the wrong time of year and they think they can have healthy turfgrass and clover," says Bratcher.

How Long Does Clover Take to Grow?

If you are impatient to see green covering your yard, clover might be a good choice. "Clover is relatively quick to establish," says Fucetola. "You'll typically see germination within 5 to 10 days under good conditions, and noticeable coverage within a few weeks."

And how long does it take grass to establish? Fucetola says: "Most turf grasses take longer to fully establish, especially from seed. While some grasses germinate quickly, they often require more time and more input to fill in densely. Clover's advantage is that it establishes fast and begins improving the soil almost immediately."

However, growing conditions can greatly affect how well clover or grass can grow. "It depends on what species of clover or turfgrass you are trying to establish and where you are growing," says Bratcher. "Both groups can germinate fairly quickly, but each take different amounts of time to get going and get established. It is highly dependent on the local growing conditions."

How to Maintain a Clover Lawn Year-Round

Since clover easily thrives in lawns, it doesn't require a lot of maintenance. "Maintenance is where clover really shines, as it's inherently low-input," says Fucetola. "It doesn't require nitrogen fertilizer, and once established, it needs less water than traditional turf. The key to success is consistency early on, including proper watering during establishment and occasional overseeding to keep it full. After that, it's more about light touch maintenance than intensive care."

And what about mowing? "The best way to maintain a clover lawn is to minimize mowing, especially prior to flowering, and then making sure to water if it has been dry, especially if the clover is in the sun," says Bratcher.

"In the spring, mowing clover every 1 to 2 weeks encourages the clover to grow more vegetatively and develop a good rhizome root system," says Watkins. "During summer, you can mow it less often, keeping the clover height at 2 to 4 inches. Mow every 3 to 4 weeks to allow the clover to flower. During autumn, decrease mowing frequency to let the clover reseed and enter dormancy. If you spot weeds, mow them before they bloom to prevent them from spreading seeds."

Plus, mowing isn't required for some varieties to achieve a short lawn appearance. Watering is mostly a job completed by rainfall and Johnson says that clover can "stay green longer without frequent watering." However, if it hasn't rained in more than a week, clover will be healthier with a dose of hose water.

FAQs

Can I mix clover with grass for a more diverse lawn?

Yes, you can mix clover with grass. Before weed control was a common lawn care investment, grass seed typically contained a small amount of white clover and there are grass-clover seed mixes available. "Many homeowners prefer a clover-grass mix," says Johnson. "Clover provides nitrogen to the soil, helping the grass thrive, while the grass adds durability and structure to the lawn."

Many experts say that mixing is actually better: "Essentially, we do not recommend growing a clover-only lawn; there are too many problems that can arise," says Miri Talabac, certified professional horticulturist at University of Maryland Extension. "Instead, clover-specifically microclover, which is a dwarf variety of Dutch White Clover that is needed so it doesn't overwhelm the grass-can be mixed-in with a tall fescue lawn."

And if you have a lawn that's actively used by humans and pets, the grass can actually help strengthen the clover and help maintain the verdant hue. "The clover leaves grow densely between the grass blades, creating a full, lush look that requires less maintenance overall," says Lynch.

Is clover safe for pets and kids?

Clover is safe for everyone who isn't allergic to clover or the bees that it attracts. The clover flowers create nectar and pollen for bees, wasps, and butterflies, encouraging biodiversity of insects in your yard. If you want to minimize bees due to any sensitivities, mowing can help reduce the population.

However, active pets and kids aren't a clover's first choice for companions. "Clover doesn't handle heavy foot traffic as well as grass," says Lynch.

Can clover help with weeds in my lawn?

If your lawn is full of weeds and you don't mind the textural look of a variety of green plants, then you might want to consider a clover lawn. Clover can help blend the weeds and grass in the landscape and may eventually take over the entire yard to create a less varied lawn with less weeds.

"They can also remediate challenging soils, though to maximize their benefit to the soil remediation process they need to be mowed down or totally tilled in," says Bratcher. "To maximize the growth of traditional turf, you have to reduce competition and clover can be competitive."

However, if you prefer the simple minimalist look of a lawn, then planting clover to add more texture might not be for you.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Home Living section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 9:59 PM.