In drought prone areas such as Los Angeles, having a nice lawn may be difficult. If a rock landscape is not to your liking, and desert plants such as cactus and yucca are not desirable, consider clover as a lawn replacement option, or mix it in with other grass seeds if desired.

White clover is a very popular choice as it has a range of benefits and is very easy to care for. When compared to some of the more popular grass choices, clover will win hands down every time. Purple clover is also another potential choice, though may not be as durable as white clover.

Clover Lawn Benefits

Clover lawns have a wide range of benefits when compared to other grass types such as the more popular Bermuda and Bluegrass.

  • Green year round. Clover will remain bright green all throughout the year in southern areas such as Los Angeles.
  • Requires little water. Even throughout drought conditions when water restrictions are in place, clover will remain lush and green.
  • Requires no mowing. Since clover is such a low growing plant, reaching a height of around 2-3 inches, it requires no mowing and is HOA acceptable.
  • Requires no fertilizer. While other grass lawns may require regular fertilizing to remain lush, clover does not.
  • Grows everywhere. Even if you suffer from poor soil conditions or high-sand content sand, clover will thrive in your area nicely.
  • Great for pets. If you are tired of yellow spots in your lawn, try clover. It loves the extra ammonia and nitrate from pet urine and will not yellow.
  • Budget friendly. Costing about one-fourth the cost of a Bermuda or Bluegrass lawn, clover is extremely cost effective and budget friendly.

Clover Lawn Care

Clover is extremely easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. You can plant clover on its own or mix it into normal grass types for a thicker covering. Spread clover seeds as you would with any other grass type. You can do this by hand or use a spreader.

Once sown, provide an ample first watering and give the seeds time to root and take hold. You will notice little green sprouts within 1-2 days, and a full lush covering of clover within a month or two.

Once established, clover is very durable. It can be walked on, played on, withstands pet urine, and can do well even through droughts. It is great for the backyard or your front landscaping, and is more cost effective over the long run than Bermuda, Bluegrass, or other types of normal lawn seeds.

Later in the season, clover can be mowed to prevent blooming. Blooms are small and white or purple in color, and will attract a number of beneficial insects to your lawn. By mowing the lawn during this time, you prevent the blooms and deadheads from happening while also ensuring the clover stays healthy and able to grow throughout the fall and winter months.