Hello Bill,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Infoline regarding your inquiry about lawn in new house .

Following up on your email from 4/29/2026, I’ve attached some general information to help get you started.

We are committed to finding the right solution for your lawn and garden and are happy to provide further guidance as needed.

Please feel free to reach out with any further questions.

Best regards

Haim
Master Gardener Volunteer
UNH Extension Infoline Team

Replacing your lawn with microclover makes excellent sense for a low-maintenance, foot-traffic-tolerant yard in Enfield, NH. Aberace is a highly regarded variety for this purpose because it is shorter and hardier than standard white clover, typically reaching only about 3–6 inches. It is also cold-hardy down to USDA Zone 3, which is well-suited for the New Hampshire climate.

The "best" way to replace your grass depends on whether you want a pure clover lawn or a mixed clover-grass lawn.

1. The "Mow, Dethatch, and Spread" Method (Overseeding)

This is the fastest and least expensive approach. It works best if your current lawn is still in relatively good condition (at least 50% grass) and you don't mind a "mixed" look.

• Process: Mow your existing grass as short as possible (about 1 inch), dethatch aggressively to expose the soil, and spread the seed.
• Pros: The existing grass acts as a "living mulch," protecting the new seeds from drying out or eroding.
• Cons: The clover has to compete with established grass, so it may take 1–2 growing seasons to become dominant.

2. The "Black Plastic" Method (Solarization)

This is a total renovation method used to create a "pure" microclover lawn by killing all existing vegetation. 

Process: Cover the area with heavy black plastic or clear solarization tarping for several weeks during the heat of summer to "cook" the grass and weed seeds underneath.

• Pros: It provides a clean slate, eliminating competition from grass and weeds without using herbicides.
• Cons: It takes much longer (weeks to months) and leaves you with a patch of plastic or bare dirt in your yard during the process.

Recommended Installation Strategy

For most residential properties in New Hampshire, a "Poor Man's Renovation" often strikes the best balance:

1. Mow & Dethatch: Cut the grass extremely low and use a power dethatcher to reveal the soil.
2. Seed Selection: Aberace microclover is excellent, but consider mixing it with a "No-Mow" Fine Fescue blend (about 5% clover to 95% grass by weight) for a more durable, year-round green surface that handles NH winters better than pure clover.
3. Timing: The best time to plant in NH is late summer (mid-August to early September) or early spring. Fall planting allows the clover to establish roots before the first frost without competing with heavy spring weed growth.
4. Aftercare: Keep the soil consistently moist for 10–14 days until you see sprouts.