Clover - Ask Extension
Hi, I live in Grand Rapids, MI. When I bought my home, my lawn was mostly dead. I want to plant something, but I don't want to plant grass because I w...
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Clover #867182
Asked May 06, 2024, 9:01 AM EDT
Hi, I live in Grand Rapids, MI. When I bought my home, my lawn was mostly dead. I want to plant something, but I don't want to plant grass because I want something that saves resources. Do you recommend planting clover in Michigan? Can I just till it up and plant clover? Will it fill in with weeds? Is there a grass see that is drought friendly? Thanks tons!
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Since you state your yard isn't doing well, I first recommend doing a soil test. You will learn more about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
You didn't state the lawn use: just viewing, kids, pets, etc. Only clover as a lawn has some issues. Read these articles:
Using Clover for Lawns?-Purdue
Lawns & Microclover-UMaryland - I'm reluctant to recommend microclover because it is not drought tolerant.
Planting & Maintaining A Bee Lawn-UMN
I'm not sure using just clover will give you the desired result. A clover and fescue mix would work for most situations.
There are other ground cover options to consider. Info in these articles:
Groundcover Alternatives to Turf-MSU
Groundcover Alternatives to Turf-UDel
Low-Maintenance Alternatives to Lawns-Fine Gardening -
Groundcover List - UMd
A second possibilitiy is "no mow grass" available from both Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com) and Prairie Nursery (prairienursery.com) as both sell it and other native ground covers too. It only has to be mowed a few times each year, but I'm not sure about durability with kid and pet use.
Regarding lawn establishment, the best time to seed is in late-August and irrigate until fall rains come. It's too late this spring as grass seed will not have time to become established before the hot, dry summer is upon us.
A third possibility would be to plant (seed) native flowers, grasses and shrubs for most of the lawn and just have a grass strip along the sidewalks, drive and lot lines with the neighbors. This would be a multi-year process to get established but would attract native insects and song birds. More info available from both nurseries mentioned above, including planting instructions.
Info on types of turfgrass and how to plant in these articles:
Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU - turfgrass species information
https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/preparing-your-lawn
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU - preparation steps to successfully seed a new lawn
Seeding & Sodding Home Lawns-UMN
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
A good book to read would be "Nature's Best Hope" by Doug Tallamy. MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands or publications.
You didn't state the lawn use: just viewing, kids, pets, etc. Only clover as a lawn has some issues. Read these articles:
Using Clover for Lawns?-Purdue
Lawns & Microclover-UMaryland - I'm reluctant to recommend microclover because it is not drought tolerant.
Planting & Maintaining A Bee Lawn-UMN
I'm not sure using just clover will give you the desired result. A clover and fescue mix would work for most situations.
There are other ground cover options to consider. Info in these articles:
Groundcover Alternatives to Turf-MSU
Groundcover Alternatives to Turf-UDel
Low-Maintenance Alternatives to Lawns-Fine Gardening -
Groundcover List - UMd
A second possibilitiy is "no mow grass" available from both Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com) and Prairie Nursery (prairienursery.com) as both sell it and other native ground covers too. It only has to be mowed a few times each year, but I'm not sure about durability with kid and pet use.
Regarding lawn establishment, the best time to seed is in late-August and irrigate until fall rains come. It's too late this spring as grass seed will not have time to become established before the hot, dry summer is upon us.
A third possibility would be to plant (seed) native flowers, grasses and shrubs for most of the lawn and just have a grass strip along the sidewalks, drive and lot lines with the neighbors. This would be a multi-year process to get established but would attract native insects and song birds. More info available from both nurseries mentioned above, including planting instructions.
Info on types of turfgrass and how to plant in these articles:
Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU - turfgrass species information
https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/preparing-your-lawn
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU - preparation steps to successfully seed a new lawn
Seeding & Sodding Home Lawns-UMN
Lawn Establishment Steps-PSU
A good book to read would be "Nature's Best Hope" by Doug Tallamy. MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands or publications.
