White Dutch Clover Seeds

Rising costs of water and energy are inspiring many people to seek environmentally sustainable alternatives to their thirsty, work-intensive lawns. Consequently, white dutch clover lawns have gained popularity in recent years. A dutch clover lawn can be a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf lawns—especially in shady or problem areas of your yard.

There are two types of white dutch clover lawns:

pure white dutch clover – for low to moderate foot-traffic

mixed grass/dutch clover – for moderate to high foot-traffic

Of the two, the best choice for most people and situations is the mixed grass/dutch clover lawn. You can either overseed white dutch clover into your existing lawn or begin one from scratch.

If a dutch clover lawn is right for you, there are many advantages over traditional bluegrass or bermuda grass lawns.

Never needs fertilizer. Clover is a nitrogen-fixer, which means it takes nitrogen from the air, via bacteria living in nodules on the roots. This allows the plant to “create” fertilizer for itself and other nearby plants. This means that grass intermixed with clover is healthier and greener than grass seeded alone.

Little watering. In many regions dutch clover is fairly drought-tolerant when added to a traditional lawn. It has longer roots than most lawn grasses, enabling it to access water held deeper in the soil. (However, clover is not as drought-tolerant when seeded alone at the density of a lawn.)

Spring green-up/winter color. White Dutch Clover greens-up in early spring and remains green until winter. In warmer regions such as the Southern US, it may remain green all year.

Little mowing. White Dutch Clover grows 2-8” tall and requires little mowing to keep it manicured. You may decide to mow in midsummer to remove dead blooms, neaten the appearance, or prevent additional blooming.

No herbicides/out-competes weeds. Some herbicides kill clover, but once established, clover can be persistent to the point of out-competing most other weeds. Weeds that do establish can be hand-rouged or spot-treated with an appropriate herbicide.

Grows in poor soil. Dutch Clover tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions, including poor-draining soils and low quality soils exposed by new construction. Clover also tolerates compacted soil better than lawn grasses, and therefore needs little to no seasonal aeration.

Terrific texture/smell. Soft and cool, white dutch clover feels great on bare feet. Clover also has a mild, pleasing aroma and attractive blooms.

No more dog spots. The urine of female dogs discolors lawn grasses; clover is unaffected.

A white dutch clover lawn may not be for everyone. When deciding if a dutch clover lawn is right for you, first consider the following:

Traditional grass lawns handle heavy foot-traffic (sports, kids, dogs, etc.) better than clover lawns.

White Dutch Clover will stain clothing easier than a grass lawn and can be difficult to launder.

Clover is an excellent pollinator species, attracting honeybees, bumblebees and other beneficial insects. Gardeners may appreciate the bee activity, but it may concern those allergic to beestings. Reduce these concerns by mowing more frequently during the growing season to remove blooms.

Watering your lawn can get expensive. Between the frequency of watering and the amount of water needed for your yard, you’re probably spending more than you realize on lawn care.

But there’s good news: you can save on water costs and still enjoy a lush, green lawn. When you plant drought-tolerant grass and legumes together, you can greatly reduce your lawn’s water consumption.

White Dutch clover is a cost-effective legume that can be overseeded into your existing grass and reduces the amount of water needed to grow a green lawn.