What are the benefits of using lawn seed that includes clover?
Clover is a legume, which means that it has the unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules, enriching the soil without the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Incorporating clover into your lawn can reduce the need for watering because clover has deep roots that allow it to access moisture from deeper soil layers compared to traditional grasses.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is known for its drought tolerance, which can help maintain a green lawn during dry spells when grass may go dormant.
When mixed with grass seed, clover can create a diverse lawn ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, promoting biodiversity in your yard.
Clover lawns require less mowing than traditional grass lawns, as they grow slower and do not need to be cut as frequently, resulting in both time and fuel savings.
Clover can act as a natural weed suppressor due to its dense growth habit, limiting sunlight and space available for weed seeds to germinate.
The presence of clover can improve soil health by promoting microbial activity, as these microorganisms benefit from the additional organic matter and nutrients clover contributes to the soil.
The flowers produced by clover are often rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators, which can support local ecosystems and contribute to food production.
Micro clovers, such as Dutch white clover, have been developed to grow lower to the ground, making them suitable for lawns that require a softer, low-maintenance surface while still providing similar benefits.
Clovers can help moderate soil pH levels, potentially making your lawn more suitable for other plant species by decreasing acidity in the soil over time.
Research has shown that lawns containing clover exhibit improved tolerance to foot traffic compared to lawns composed solely of grass, making them more durable and resilient.
Clover is a pioneer plant, meaning it can grow in marginal conditions, which helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion while establishing a green cover in bare or troubled areas quickly.
By using clover in your lawn, you create a habitat that supports a range of wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and an array of beneficial insects.
One of the lesser-known advantages of clover is its ability to release allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growth of certain weed species, reducing competition for resources.
Certain clover varieties, specifically the larger white clover, can be mowed and composted back into the lawn, providing a nutrient-rich mulch that benefits both soil health and plant growth.
Scientists have documented that clover can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from lawn maintenance due to decreased fertilizer use and lower mowing frequency.
Established clover can remain green longer into the fall and spring than traditional grasses, providing extended visual interest and cover during transitional seasons.
Using clover in lawn mixes can help mitigate the heat island effect seen in urban areas by providing a cooler surface temperature compared to traditional grass lawns.
The growth patterns of clover may slow down as temperatures drop, but they typically green up faster in spring, effectively lengthening the growing season of a mixed lawn.
Some studies suggest that having clover in lawns can serve as a natural mulch alternative since its decaying leaves provide organic matter that improves soil structure and fertility over time.