Clover is having a moment. Instagram is full of lush before-and-afters, and eco-blogs will basically call you a fool for sticking with grass.
Clover does make a strong case. It stays neat, shrugs off drought, feeds your soil, and bees ab-so-lutely love it.
But before you go full clover, let’s look at what clover actually does in a Nebraska lawn.
Questioning clover
Does clover choke out other weeds?
Sort of. Clover can outcompete some weeds, especially in poor soil where it has a nitrogen-fixing advantage. But it is not a magic weed barrier. Dandelions, plantain, and crabgrass can still push through. You also have fewer tools to fight them, which we will cover below.
Can clover be sprayed for weeds?
Not really. Most weed killers that work on dandelions and similar broadleaf weeds will also kill clover. Since clover is a broadleaf plant too, your best bet is hand-pulling or careful spot treatment with non-selective herbicides.
Does clover take over grass?
In the right conditions, yes. Clover spreads both by seed and creeping stems. If you plant it alongside grass, expect it to dominate within a few seasons. This could be exactly what you want, but it is hard to reverse without starting over.
Is it safe for kids and pets?
Usually, yes. But clover attracts bees. Lots of them. In Nebraska, that matters. If anyone in your household has bee allergies or if your pets chase insects, clover might not be the best fit. The flowers are low enough that bare feet often step on bees.
Can clover be mowed?
Yes, but mowing changes the plant. It reduces flowering, which means fewer bees and less nitrogen-fixing. Letting it grow naturally preserves those benefits but loses the tidy lawn look. You have to choose your priority.
Does clover need more water than grass?
Not always. In fact, clover often needs less water than traditional grass. It can stay green longer during dry spells and bounces back quickly after drought. That drought tolerance is one of the biggest reasons it is gaining popularity.
A Nebraska reality check
Our soil and weather add some extra challenges:
- Foot traffic tolerance: Clover does not handle heavy use like traditional turf grass. High-traffic areas, like garden paths, may develop bare patches.
- Winter performance: White clover goes dormant in winter just like grass. But it takes longer to green up in the spring, which leaves your lawn looking brown for longer. And may let other crowd in.
- Establishment challenges: Clay soil in Nebraska makes it harder for clover to get started. It often needs aeration and soil prep, just like grass.
In some ways, grass is the best bet for Nebraska climate. While clover is drought-tolerant and can handle heat well, Nebraska’s harsh winters can be more challenging for clover than for cool-season grasses. Clover takes longer to bounce back in spring and may struggle to establish if the soil is compacted. Grass varieties bred for the region often recover more quickly after cold snaps and are better suited to high-traffic areas.
Bottom line, tread lightly
The internet loves dramatic makeovers, but your lawn does not need a total transformation. Maybe the space under the oak tree, or in a bounded bed. Maybe your main lawn should stay grass because your family uses it.
If you want to give clover a go, don’t go all in. Try clover in specific spots first. Live with it for a year.
The best lawn is one that fits your lifestyle, your soil, and how much maintenance you want to do. Clover can be part of that plan, but it does not have to be the entire plan.
