Having a nice lawn is something that many people think about, but how you maintain that lawn effects the water quality of local waterways. This includes what you allow to grow in your lawn. While the contemporary trend of a green only, monoculture short grass yard has been the typical standard in years past, we are increasingly seeing the benefits and beauty of a more diverse lawnscape. The purple violets, yellow dandelions, and white clover so often purged from our lawn are now seeing not only an increased tolerance but also are being actively planted. White clover is even planted as a turf alternative for your yard. Unlike grass, which has short roots and can cause your soil to be compacted, shedding stormwater runoff similar to hard asphalt or concrete, these native “weeds” have longer roots that help break up soil and allow better stormwater infiltration. These plants also provide critical, early seasonal food sources for valuable pollinators like native bees.
Planting for Pollinators - Washington Conservation District
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Pollinator Friendly Lawns University of Missouri Extension
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Resources
Learn more about how to embrace the beauty and benefits that clover, violets and dandelions provide for your lawn from these informative resources!
Restorative Landscapes - Cincinnati Nature Center
Conservation Minded Lawn Care - Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
Choose an Alternative to Turf - Blue Thumb
Restorative Landscapes - Cincinnati Nature Center
Conservation Minded Lawn Care - Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
Choose an Alternative to Turf - Blue Thumb