I have a VERY small front yard with a horrible lawn passed on to me when I purchased the home. I am considering planting clover. What are the pros and cons? Should I use micro or regular clover? This yard does get full sun all day. IF I were to replant grass, I really want a green lawn all year. What seed types can I mix to achieve this? If that isn't possible, what seeds do you recommend? ALSO I need to put down a health dirt layer. IS a sand mixture a good thing? Of course the "dirt" at my house is gross - it is a newer build. I have found all types of garbage buried on my lot. What do you recommend?

Tracy, that's a big question! Clover has a lot of benefits, the major one being that it is evergreen. And you don't need to mow it. It's not a good idea if you have kids that will be playing on the yard because clover attracts bees. Regular clover tends to grow in clumps and has more flowers. Micro clover doesn't get as tall, spreads more evenly and has fewer flowers. 

Keeping grass green all year is a bit of a challenge. In our area it needs to be watered deeply all summer, and it needs to be well fertilized in the fall to keep it mostly green in the winter. And mowed spring and fall.

There is quite a number of seeds mixes that include clover and sometimes other plants: fine fescue, English Daisy, even dwarf California poppy. You can research the varieties of blends, their pros and cons, on Google.

To get good results you'll need to start by getting as much garbage out as you can. Grass could grow well in a 4-6" layer of topsoil.

Tracy, if your lawn is so small have you considered asking a lawn maintenance company to tackle the job? If you do, I strongly suggest getting reviews and suggestions from neighbors. Stop at homes where you notice a good lawn; most people are happy to tell you their experience.

Tracy, I've just touched on some answers to your questions. I hope this helps, at least gets you started. Thanks for contacting Ask Extension.

Susan, Yamhill County Master Gardener.