Everyone knows that a healthy, green lawn can significantly improve an Apollo Beach rental property’s curb appeal. But for single-family rental property owners, traditional lawn maintenance can often be a problem. If you depend on your tenants to maintain the lawn, you will get varied results. Many tenants have no idea how to care for a lawn or they 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. Here are some reasons why clover can be advantageous for 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. Clovers also fix atmospheric nitrogen which all plants need to grow, Aside from making your lawn a vivid green, planting clovers also encourages the healthy growth of nearby plants.
With regular watering, clover usually stays greener longer than other grasses since they are drought-resistant. You could also notice that you will be spraying for bugs less frequently and have fewer weeds on the lawn. This is thanks to clover’s natural weed and pest deterrent properties. Finally, clover is very low maintenance. It does not need much mowing since it only grows to a few inches in height.
As with anything, these benefits also come with a few disadvantages. Clover is more easily trampled than most grasses and can stain clothing. This is something you should consider for yards that get a lot of use. Clover also prefers soil that is kept somewhat moist. It doesn’t do well in very dry climates, like desert regions. If you do choose to use clover, your best pick would be one that is 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. As the clover grows alongside the grass, it also enriches the soil and makes the grass healthier. If you want to use clover as a groundcover instead, you’ll need to start with damp, cultivated soil.
Similar to what you would do 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
You first need to choose the clover variety that best fits your climate and the soil in your rental property’s yard. 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.
Another even easier variety to maintain is the micro-clover. Micro-clovers are smaller than other clovers, with leaves half the size. It doesn’t bloom often and stays below 4 inches high with occasional mowing. 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. It is a very good option for anyone who wants less lawn maintenance but wants to improve a rental’s exterior appearance.
Would you like more ideas on how to reduce the maintenance of your rental property while maximizing curb appeal? Contact the local Apollo Beach property management experts at 813-867-2667.
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