“No Mow May” started out as a feel-good way to help the bees and other pollinators by not mowing your grass during the month of May. Now “No Mow May” is mired in controversy as to whether it really helps pollinators.
Here’s what we learned from talking to experts:
“No Mow May” might help pollinators a little bit, for just a short time, and there’s little proof to support it. That doesn’t mean we can’t help pollinators. We can by planting wildflower gardens, clover lawns, and adopting ideas like “Slow-Mow Summer.”
In this article, we’ll cover what “No Mow May” is, why it’s popular, the buzzing controversy, and better ways to help the bees, bats, butterflies, and other pollinators drawn to your yard.
| Meet the Experts To gain greater insight, we spoke to: • Hannah R. Gaines Day, PhD, an entomology research scientist at the University of Wisconsin’s Gratton Lab who extensively studied No Mow May’s impact on bees • Elizabeth R. Bolles, a horticulture agent at the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Escambia County who promotes eco-friendly lawn care • Ed Nangle, PhD, a professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University who researched No Mow May’s effect on turfgrass and bees • Dave Gardner, PhD, a professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University who studies turf, weeds, and pests. |
What is ‘No Mow May’?
To participate, don’t cut your grass for the entire month of May. Hopefully, nectar-rich weeds will grow. If so, your lawn becomes a temporary freedom lawn that supports early-season pollinators.
In 2019, a U.K. nonprofit called Plantlife began “No Mow May” as part of its mission to restore nature. “No Mow May” came to the U.S. in 2020.
Ecosystems depend on pollinators to:
- Improve biodiversity
- Increase crop yields
- Produce honey
Why mowing less often is important: Pollinator populations are dwindling. Bees, bats, and butterflies struggle to survive in cement cities with chemically treated turf. “No Mow May” attempts to give these essential winged creatures a fighting chance in the modern world.
Many experts, including skeptics, celebrate “No Mow May” for:
- Spreading awareness about the pollinator problem
- Educating homeowners on ecological lawn care
“I think ‘No Mow May’ has done a great job bringing the issue of pollinator decline into view for the general public,” says Hannah Gaines Day, a University of Wisconsin entomology research scientist.
Why is ‘No Mow May’ popular?
“No Mow Mow” is popular due to the benefits of tall grass, media hype, and the lack of effort needed to participate.
Benefits of tall grass
Tall grass creates a habitat for pollinators and other members of the animal kingdom.
“When we look at mowed versus un-mowed lawns, un-mowed lawns have a higher abundance of pollinators than mowed lawns,” Gaines Day says.
Then, more animals come to feast on the flora and fauna.
“Bringing in more insect pollinators can also improve the animal diversity up the food chain as well since these insects serve as a food source for other animals like birds,” University of Florida horticulture agent Elizabeth Bolles explains.
Additional environmental advantages include:
- Conserving water because shading the soil prevents evaporation
- Reducing your carbon footprint by using gas-powered lawn mowers less
- Self-sustaining organic fertilizer from decaying plants and animals
Media hype
Bee City USA started promoting “No Mow May” in 2020. Soon after, Appleton, Wisconsin, became the first U.S. city to adopt it. In May 2020, Bee City USA teamed up with Lawrence University in Appleton to study the effects of “Now Mow May.”
Later that year, PeerJ, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, published the study showing evidence of the benefits of “No Mow May.”
The media proclaimed “Now Mow May” the bee’s knees, so the movement spread to towns in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Midwest. The buzz continued, and by May 2022, many yards in cities across the U.S. had tall grass for one month.
Easy effort
To participate in “No Mow May,” all you have to do is NOT mow your lawn.
“It’s an easy way for people to get involved and make even just a small difference on their own property,” Gaines Day says.
‘No Mow May’ controversy
In 2022, University of Minnesota bee expert Zach Portman published an article challenging the benefits of “No Mow May” cited in the Lawrence University study.
Later that year, the PeerJ editorial team retracted the study “after finding several potential inconsistencies in data handling and reporting.”
As more scientists suggest valid criticisms (see list below), headlines buzz with controversy.
No proof: Has the “No Mow May” movement had a positive impact? “That is yet to be determined,” says Ohio State’s Dave Gardner, a turfgrass science professor. “It sounds good on paper and there is some evidence from other parts of the world that the practice has helped.”
Climate confusion: Bloom time varies by USDA Hardiness Zone. “The issue is that having one month is not going to cover this geographically,” Ohio State turfgrass science professor Ed Nangle says. During his study, nothing with nectar sprouted until June. “The only activity we seemed to see was an increase in lightning bugs.”
Chemical treatments: Chemicals prevent pollinator-friendly plants from growing. After years of treatments, “weed populations probably won’t be there to allow for a sudden bloom,” Nangle says. During his research, it took 2 years for any wildflowers to bloom on regularly treated plots.
Neighborly nuisance: Many homeowners must mow in May due to local laws or HOA regulations that restrict grass height. Also, neighbors may complain when your lawn becomes a meadow.
Invasive species: Some animals are unnaturally introduced to an area. Skunks, snakes, and ticks may set up shop, hiding in the tall grass. They may come and outcompete the pollinators or overtake the turf. Weeds, like dandelions, may take root.
Mowing mayhem: Come June, it’s time to mow again, and the pollinator-friendly habitat gets destroyed, along with all its benefits. Many say one month just isn’t enough to make a difference.
Troubled turf: After not mowing for a month, many homeowners will cut down their wild lawn all at once (or try to) This shocks the grass, as most mowers won’t cut the grass high enough to let you apply the one-third mowing rule. In Nangle’s case, he saw bare spots throughout his grass after resuming mowing in June.
‘No Mow May’ alternatives
The media buzz has inspired many “Now Mow May” spinoffs. These movements counter some of the criticism.
No Mow March is promoted in North Florida. After winter dormancy, warm-season lawns grow slowly in March, but “spring wildflowers are flourishing,” Bolles explains. “If we waited until May for the celebration, turfgrass would be seriously overgrown.”
Slow-Mow Summer is now promoted in Appleton, instead of “No Mow May.” Slow-Mow Summer encourages citizens to mow less, plant natural landscaping, and minimize lawn treatments.
Low Mow Spring is endorsed by Bee City USA, encouraging homeowners to mow less frequently.
Better ways to protect pollinators
You don’t need a catchy name to play your part in preserving our planet. Here are some better ways to save the bees.
Choose native plants: The best way to attract native pollinators is by growing native plants. Since Mother Earth loves harmony, she gave her children a preference for the local cuisine. Check out Lawn Love’s articles on best native plants for California, Florida, Texas, and several other states and even cities.
Create a garden: Nangle promotes planting a pollinator-friendly plot beside the lawn or growing flowering trees. Also, consider creating a butterfly garden or rain garden.
Minimize mowing: Keep a small section of the lawn unmowed, or replace turf with mowless grass alternatives. For example, ground covers like creeping phlox and thyme are low-maintenance and nectar-rich.
Promote pollinator-friendly practices: Talk to neighbors, post on Facebook, or hold a local workshop. Also, consider lobbying lawmakers – and your HOA – to raise the allowed grass height.
Curtail chemicals: In addition to preventing wildflowers from blooming, some chemical treatments poison bees. They “disrupt bee learning and navigation and weaken their immune systems,” says Braelei Hardt, an evolutionary biologist at the National Wildlife Federation.
FAQ about ‘No Mow May’
You don’t need a lawn to protect pollinators, which is the program’s point. Lawn-less homeowners can attract bees by planting native flowering plants on a balcony or patio, and using less pesticide.
To maximize the benefits of “No Mow May”:
• Find out when the plants that pollinators prefer are most likely to bloom. (Know your Plant Hardiness Zone.)
• Plant native flowering plants throughout your yard.
• Avoid applying chemicals to your lawn and landscape.
• Choose a low-maintainence grass type.
The benefits of a freedom lawn include:
• Protecting pollinators
• Conserving water
• Saving time
• Saving money
Hire a helping hand
Promoting pollination takes a lot of elbow grease. No worries, Lawn Love’s here to help. We connect you to a network of outdoor pros who are vetted and insured. Use our website or mobile app to find gardeners, lawn care pros, or a yard cleanup crew. Our 30+ services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Sources:
- “Appleton transitions from No Mow May to Slow-Mow Summer.” By Duke Behnke, Local government reporter. Post Crescent.
- “Dakota Gardener: The messy and controversial science behind No Mow May.” By Esther E. McGinnis, horticulturist. North Dakota State University Extension and AG Research News.
- “Dangers of Lawn Chemicals: Impacts and Alternatives.” By Braelei Hardt, an evolutionary biologist. National Wildlife Federation Blog.
- “Documenting serious issues in a bee paper on ‘No Mow May’.” By Zach Portman, bee taxonomist at the University of Minnesota in the Cariveau Native Bee Lab. Medium.
- David Gardner, professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH. Personal interview.
- Ed Nangle, professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH. Personal interview.
- Elizabeth R. Bolles, horticulture agent at UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. Personal interview.
- Hannah R. Gaines Day, research scientist at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. Personal interview.
- “Laziness encouraged: No Mow March promotes pollinators in the Panhandle.” By Kirsten Romaguera Rabin, public relations specialist. University of Florida IFAS.
- “No Mow May in Full Swing…So what’s wrong with ‘No Mow May’?” By David Gardner, professor of turfgrass science, and Thomas deHaas, agriculture natural resource educator. The Ohio State University.
- “No Mow May lawns have higher pollinator richness and abundances.” By Israel Del Toro, biology professor, and Relena R. Ribbons, geoscience professor at Lawrence University. PeerJ
- “Retraction: No Mow May lawns have higher pollinator richness and abundances.” PeerJ Editorial Office.
- “Planting and maintaining a bee lawn.” By Kristine Moncada, turfgrass scientist, Maggie Reiter, extension educator, and James Wolfin, sustainable land care manager. University of Minnesota Extension.
- “The Controversy Surrounding ‘No Mow May’.” By Gail Langellotto, professor of horticulture.
- Oregon State University.
- “The impact of No Mow May on pollinator numbers and turfgrass quality.” By E. Nangle, D. Petrella T., and Morris S. Cusack. The Ohio State University.
- “The Importance of Pollinators.” U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- “What not mowing in May could mean for your lawn.” By Jon Trappe, Extension turfgrass educator. University of Minnesota Extension.
- “What’s the deal with ‘No Mow May?’.” By Hannah Gaines Day, Claudio Gratton, Julie Hill, Paul Koch, Kristin Krokowski, PJ Liesch, Madi Potratz, Mark Renz, Tim Ripp, and Doug Soldat. Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.
Main Photo Credit: Image created using Gemini AI
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Editorial Contributors
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Michelle Selzer
Author
Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.
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Jeff Herman
Editor
Jeff Herman, editorial director of Lawn Love, mowed lawns as a teen, and his uncle owned the biggest sod business in St. Louis. Previously, Herman worked at The New York Times and CreditCards.com.
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