Having a lush green lawn is crucial for enhancing the curb appeal of your rental property. Single-family rental property owners often struggle with traditional lawn upkeep. Depending on tenants for lawn maintenance can lead to irregular care because of differing levels of knowledge and motivation.
Taking care of lawn maintenance yourself or hiring professional landscapers can be an expensive and time-consuming task. If you’re looking to maintain a healthy yard without the need for extensive lawn care, clover planting is a great option. Let’s consider why clover could be an excellent option for single-family rental property owners.
Pros and Cons of Growing Clover
Clover is an excellent choice for improving your rental property’s landscaping, providing a range of advantages. Clover, unlike typical lawn grasses, has a unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth. Planting clover can help you achieve a vibrant green lawn and encourage the healthy growth of nearby plants.
Moreover, clover is drought-resistant and stays greener for longer periods with regular watering than most grasses do. Additionally, it acts as a natural deterrent to weeds and pests, reducing the necessity for chemical or manual weeding. Additionally, clover needs minimal maintenance as it grows to only a few inches in height, reducing the frequency of mowing.
Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to consider. Clover is less resistant to foot traffic than traditional grasses and may result in clothing stains. It does well in soil that is kept moderately moist but may encounter challenges in arid regions like deserts. Hence, if you choose clover, it is recommended to choose a variety that is native to your area.
How to Plant Clover
Planting clover is easy and beneficial. If you own a grass lawn, rake the topsoil and sow clover seeds. Clover can coexist with grass, enriching the soil with nitrogen and attracting pollinators. To create a clover-exclusive ground cover, till moist soil, clear away debris, and sow the seeds. Clover prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and requires full or partial sunlight exposure. Adding clover to your landscape enhances its beauty and improves soil health.
Types of Clover
Selecting the right type of clover is crucial when you plan to plant it in your rental property’s yard, based on your soil and climate. A popular choice for lawns is Dutch white clover. It grows to 4-6 inches and showcases beautiful white flowers that bloom intermittently. Despite its drought resistance and moderate height, the flowers may require occasional mowing.
Another type of clover you could consider is micro-clover. Micro-clover has smaller leaves and blooms less often than Dutch white clover, staying under 4 inches in height even with periodic mowing. Its low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for property owners who want to reduce their lawn care while still enhancing the look of their yard.
Adding micro-clover to your lawn care regimen can decrease the necessity for fertilizers and pesticides, which helps maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn. Besides, micro-clover is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions and tolerate drought and heat, making it an excellent option for low-maintenance lawns.
For additional tactics to streamline rental property maintenance and maximize curb appeal, reach out to Real Property Management Three Bridges, the management experts in St Peters. Call us at 636-542-8852 or contact us online.
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