No Mow May Movement Spreading in US

If you ever needed a reason to skip mowing the lawn, saving the bees seems a commendable reason. No Mow May, is a movement that began in the United Kingdom and is now rapidly spreading throughout the United States. The Bee population has been dwindling which is not good for our ecological system. No Mow May’s popularity lies in its simplicity: Just give bees a leg up during the crucial springtime by crossing a chore off your list and letting your lawn grow for the month of May.

In North America, a quarter of our native bee species are at risk of extinction. Bees pollinate 35 percent of our global food supply, and many of the wild plants our ecosystems depend on. Backyard bee conservation is all the buzz these days, with people planting native pollinator gardens, installing bee houses, and participating in citizen science endeavors to monitor local bee populations.

Letting your lawn grow lets “lawn flowers,” such as dandelions, clover, and violets, bloom at a time when bee food is scarce. In many communities, grass height is limited to eight or 10 inches, but those that have adopted No Mow May will suspend enforcement of these restrictions for the month. If this is the case in your community, make sure to cut your grass at the end of the month.

Yard signs are also helpful for informing others that your wild lawn means that you’re helping the bees and are not a neglectful homeowner. Many communities that adopt No Mow May, such as Appleton, Wisconsin, and Edina, Minnesota, provide free yard signs. Dr. Israel Del Toro, one of the originators of the US No Mow May movement said “To avoid misunderstandings, talk to your neighbor; talk to your community; get the word out about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, and generally you’ll find a lot of good allies.”

If you’re unsure whether your community has adopted No Mow May you can call your city or homeowners association to determine what rules are in place. If your community hasn’t adopted No Mow May, but you still want to participate, try laying off the mower until your grass reaches your community’s maximum allowed grass height. This will allow flowers to bloom for at least a little while.