Everyone knows that a healthy, green lawn can significantly improve a Round Rock rental property’s curb appeal. But for single-family rental property owners, traditional lawn maintenance can often be a problem. Most tenants cannot be relied on to maintain the lawn to the standard that you like. Many tenants do not have any knowledge of lawn maintenance or may not want to put in the time and effort required.
Your other option is to do it yourself or hire professional landscapers, both of which cost time and money. If you want to stop struggling with lawn maintenance but still keep a green yard, it may be time to consider planting clover. Let us look at the advantages planting clover offers single-family rental property owners.
Pros & Cons to Growing Clover
Unlike most lawn grasses, clover has many benefits that can help boost your rental’s landscaping and appearance. For one, clovers are plants that fix atmospheric nitrogen, which all plants need to grow. This means that planting clover will not just make your lawn a vivid green, it will also help nearby plants grow healthier.
Drought-resistant clover also tends to stay greener longer than most grasses do with just regular watering. Clover, which is a natural weed and pest deterrent, also significantly reduces the need to spray for bugs or weed the lawn. Finally, clover is very low maintenance. It only grows a few inches in height, meaning you don’t need to mow much at all.
Together with these benefits are a few disadvantages as well. Clover can stain clothing and is less resistant to trampling compared to other grasses. If your yard gets a lot of use, this could be an issue. Clover also doesn’t do very well in very dry climates, like those found in desert regions as they prefer soil that is kept somewhat moist. If you choose to use clover, you would benefit from choosing one native to your area.
How to Plant
Clover is easy to plant and grow in many parts of the country. If you have an existing grass lawn, you can rake the top layer of soil and then seed clover right over the lawn. The clover will grow together with the grass, enriching the soil while making the grass healthier. If you prefer to use clover as a groundcover without any grass mixed in, you will need to start with damp, cultivated soil.
Just as you would for a lawn or wildflower garden, prepare the ground and then sow the clover seeds. Clover quickly grows and will then cover the desired area with a vibrant green carpet of low-maintenance beauty.
Clover Types
Before you plant clover in your rental property’s yard, you have to first choose the best variety that fits your soils and climate. The most common one used in lawns is Dutch white clover, which grows to about 4 – 6 inches. This clover also has pretty white flowers that appear from time to time. One reason for its popularity is its resistance to drought, plus it doesn’t really grow very tall. The flowers, however, can bother some people and must be mowed every few weeks.
Micro-clover is an even easier variety to maintain. Micro-clovers are smaller than other clovers, with leaves half the size. It rarely blooms and, with occasional mowing, doesn’t grow above 4 inches high. Micro-clovers have been around for some time and are quickly gaining popularity because they are low maintenance.
A micro-clover lawn only needs to be mowed once a month or so, compared to weekly with most grasses. If anyone wants less lawn maintenance while still improving a rental’s exterior appearance, this is a good option.
Would you like more ideas on how to reduce the maintenance of your rental property while maximizing curb appeal? Contact the local Round Rock property management experts at 512-580-3099.
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