Is "No Mow May" a good idea? (2024)

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We've been asked to consider a "No Mow May" proclamation to encourage support for insects by not mowing lawns for one month. Do you have an opinion specifically about the natural resource value of this messaging and action?

I've heard about the no-mow May campaign and agree that there will be unintended consequences:

The grass will grow a foot or more during May.
Regular mowers won't be equipped to cut the longer grasses after a month. You could use a weed whacker to cut down longer grasses, but this will take more time and you'd have a lot of extra grass to remove or chop up with a mower.
It will ultimately be more expensive to deal with the results than to mow regularly in May.
In May, there are many other plants in bloom and the flowers in the lawn will not provide any additional food resources for pollinators. Clover and dandelion flower even with a consistently mowed lawn.

Overall, I can't recommend the no-mow May approach.

If you want to help pollinators, plant native shrubs like Oregon grape and ground covers like kinnickinnick. Plant flowers like cosmos and rosemary.

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FAQs

Is no mow may really a good idea? ›

It will ultimately be more expensive to deal with the results than to mow regularly in May. In May, there are many other plants in bloom and the flowers in the lawn will not provide any additional food resources for pollinators. Clover and dandelion flower even with a consistently mowed lawn.

View Details ›

Is it good to not mow your lawn in May? ›

Mowing less creates habitat and can increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife including bees and other pollinators. One way to reduce mowing is by participating in No Mow April, No Mow May, or Low Mow Spring.

Learn More ›

What are the cons of no mow grass? ›

Attracts Snakes and Pests

While it's wonderful to have a no-mow lawn that benefits wildlife and insects, the downside is it can also attract some unwanted guests, such as snakes and other lawn pests.

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Does no mow may increase ticks? ›

While participating in “No Mow May” won't provide a quality food source to pollinators, it will provide cover for unwanted pests, such as rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes, all of which are known to carry harmful diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.

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What to do instead of no mow may? ›

Lawn flowers will do fine with regular mowing as long as it isn't too short and isn't too frequent. As your space and household needs allow, you can also consider dedicating a smaller portion of your yard to lawn that is mowed and convert the rest to pollinators.

Read On ›

What happens if you never mow your lawn? ›

But If you were to just stop mowing altogether, your lawn would look unkept and grasses and wildflowers will begin to colonize the space, Quindoy says. Wildflowers sound dreamy, but the bad news here: You won't have any control over which species take up residence.

Why shouldn't you mow until June? ›

The idea behind No Mow May is that flowering lawn weeds, if left unmown, would provide food sources for early season pollinators such as newly emerging native bees (with the added benefit of less work in terms of lawn maintenance).

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Why a lawn may look poor after cutting? ›

You'll see brown patches if you cut into the crown of the grass and killed it. Cutting your grass too short stresses the grass, and makes it more susceptible to damage from insects and diseases. Each blade of grass is actually a leaf, and it needs enough surface area for the photosynthesis that fuels its growth.

Get More Info Here ›

When should you not mow? ›

Never mow grass which is wet or frosty, as this can compact the soil and harm your turf. Wait until after the lawn has dried to perform mowing.

What is the no mow method? ›

The No-Mow Movement is a conservation initiative intended to create a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. The holistic approach to landscaping reduces the need for chemicals, irrigation, and regular traditional lawn maintenance.

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Why you shouldn't mow your lawn every week? ›

Mowing every two weeks — instead of weekly — and not dousing grass with chemical herbicides and fertilizers, helps the environment and supports the health of bees, which are among the world's most important pollinators.

Where does no mow grass grow best? ›

Growing Conditions & Requirements

No Mow will grow in full sun to partially shaded locations. One of the most shade tolerant turf blends available, it thrives in light to moderate shade and does particularly well under individual trees that receive indirect light from the sides.

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What's the deal with no Mow May? ›

Have you heard about “No Mow May?” Many people have committed to not mowing their yards in May, allowing flowering plants to grow to help provide food for pollinators. Before you stow away your mower for May, let's look at what options you can take to help pollinators this Spring.

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What attracts ticks to yards? ›

Shade, moisture, tall grasses, grass clippings, and leaves can attract ticks to your yard. Animal attractants can also lead to ticks in your yard.

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What makes ticks not like you? ›

Make Yourself Less Tick-Friendly

A diet high in garlic, onions and sources of vitamin B1 (thiamin), such as tuna, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, asparagus and leafy greens, for example, can alter your body chemistry in a way that ticks don't appreciate, so they aren't as likely to bite.

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Does not mowing the lawn help bees? ›

Less frequent mowing gives lawn flowers like dandelions and clover – this is where social pressure comes to bear – a little more time to grow and blossom, resulting in nourishment for bees.

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Why you shouldn't cut your grass short? ›

The Results of Cutting Your Grass Too Short

When you limit the amount of sunlight and air that your grass is exposed to, this can inhibit the grass's development and weaken the roots. This weakening can then leave your lawn vulnerable to invasive weeds, diseases, and pests.