{"id":39153,"date":"2025-05-16T21:10:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T21:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=39153"},"modified":"2025-06-23T15:24:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:24:42","slug":"no-mow-may","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/no-mow-may\/","title":{"rendered":"Does &#8216;No Mow May&#8217; Really Help Pollinators?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo Mow May\u201d 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 \u201cNo Mow May\u201d is mired in controversy as to whether it really helps pollinators.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what we learned from talking to experts:&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo Mow May\u201d might help pollinators <strong>a little bit<\/strong>, <strong>for just a short time<\/strong>, and <strong>there\u2019s little proof to support it<\/strong>. That doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t help pollinators. We can by planting wildflower gardens, clover lawns, and adopting ideas like \u201cSlow-Mow Summer.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we\u2019ll cover <strong>what \u201cNo Mow May\u201d is, why it\u2019s popular, the buzzing controversy<\/strong>, and <strong>better ways to help the bees<\/strong>, bats, butterflies, and other pollinators drawn to your yard.&nbsp;<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Meet the Experts<\/strong><br><br>To gain greater insight, we spoke to:<br><br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Hannah R. Gaines Day, PhD<\/strong>, an entomology research scientist at the University of Wisconsin&#8217;s Gratton Lab who extensively studied No Mow May&#8217;s impact on bees<br><br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Elizabeth R. Bolles,<\/strong> a horticulture agent at the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Escambia County who promotes eco-friendly lawn care<br><br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Ed Nangle, PhD<\/strong>, a professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University who researched No Mow May&#8217;s effect on turfgrass and bees<br><br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Dave Gardner, PhD<\/strong>, a professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University who studies turf, weeds, and pests.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-%E2%80%9Cno-mow-may%E2%80%9D\"><span id=\"what-is-no-mow-may\">What is \u2018No Mow May\u2019?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To participate, don&#8217;t <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mow-lawn\/\">cut your grass<\/a> for the entire month of May. Hopefully, nectar-rich<a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-grow-wildflower-meadows\/\"> <\/a>weeds will grow. If so, your lawn becomes a temporary <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-freedom-lawn\/\">freedom lawn<\/a> that supports early-season pollinators.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2019, a U.K. nonprofit called Plantlife began \u201cNo Mow May\u201d as part of its mission to restore nature. \u201cNo Mow May\u201d came to the U.S. in 2020.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ecosystems depend on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-pollinators-are-important-for-your-garden\/\">pollinators<\/a> to:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Improve biodiversity<\/li>    <li>Increase crop yields<\/li>    <li>Produce honey<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why mowing less often is important: <\/strong>Pollinator populations are dwindling. Bees, bats, and butterflies struggle to survive in cement cities with chemically treated turf. \u201cNo Mow May\u201d attempts to give these essential winged creatures a fighting chance in the modern world.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many experts, including skeptics, celebrate \u201cNo Mow May\u201d for:<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Spreading awareness about the pollinator problem<\/li>    <li>Educating homeowners on ecological lawn care<\/li> <\/ol>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think \u2018No Mow May\u2019 has done a great job bringing the issue of pollinator decline into view for the general public,\u201d says Hannah Gaines Day, a University of Wisconsin entomology research scientist.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"606\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/The-Progression-of-No-Mow-May_Rev01-01-1-606x1024.jpg\" alt=\"An infographic timeline titled \u201cThe Progression of \u2018No Mow May\u2019\u201d showing key milestones from 2019 to 2025. It begins with the initiative\u2019s launch in the UK in 2019, adoption by Appleton, Wisconsin in 2020, expansion to other U.S. cities in 2021, and widespread debate and criticism of supporting research from 2022 to 2023. In 2024, Appleton rejects the initiative, and the controversy is shown continuing into 2025. The design includes hexagon icons for each year and themed illustrations of plants, bees, and butterflies.\" class=\"wp-image-39152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/The-Progression-of-No-Mow-May_Rev01-01-1-606x1024.jpg 606w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/The-Progression-of-No-Mow-May_Rev01-01-1-178x300.jpg 178w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/The-Progression-of-No-Mow-May_Rev01-01-1-768x1298.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/The-Progression-of-No-Mow-May_Rev01-01-1-610x1031.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/The-Progression-of-No-Mow-May_Rev01-01-1.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic Credit: Aris Berroya<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-why-is-%E2%80%9Cno-mow-may%E2%80%9D-popular\"><span id=\"why-is-no-mow-may-popular\">Why is \u2018No Mow May\u2019 popular?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo Mow Mow\u201d is popular due to the benefits of tall grass, media hype, and the lack of effort needed to participate.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-benefits-of-tall-grass\"><span id=\"benefits-of-tall-grass\">Benefits of tall grass<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tall grass creates a habitat for pollinators and other members of the animal kingdom.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;When we look at mowed versus un-mowed lawns, un-mowed lawns have a higher abundance of pollinators than mowed lawns,&#8221; Gaines Day says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, more animals come to feast on the flora and fauna.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;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,&#8221; University of Florida horticulture agent Elizabeth Bolles explains.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Food-Chain.png\" alt=\"A simple visual food chain diagram showing the flow of energy in nature. It starts with tall grass and wildflowers, which are consumed by bees, butterflies, and rabbits. Bees and butterflies pollinate plants. Rabbits are prey for skunks and foxes. Skunks and lizards are eaten by birds, which are then consumed by coyotes, bears, and foxes. Arrows indicate the direction of energy flow through the food chain, from producers to top predators.\" class=\"wp-image-39178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Food-Chain.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Food-Chain-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Food-Chain-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Food-Chain-610x343.png 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic Credit: Ryan Amjad | Lawn Love | Created using Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additional environmental advantages include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Conserving water<\/strong> because shading the soil prevents evaporation&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Reducing your carbon footprint <\/strong>by using gas-powered lawn mowers less<\/li>    <li><strong>Self-sustaining <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-organic-fertilizer\/\"><strong>organic fertilizer<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>from decaying plants and animals<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-media-hype\"><span id=\"media-hype\">Media hype<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bee City USA started promoting \u201cNo Mow May\u201d 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 &#8220;Now Mow May.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later that year, PeerJ, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, published the study showing evidence of the benefits of \u201cNo Mow May.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The media proclaimed \u201cNow Mow May\u201d the bee&#8217;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.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-easy-effort\"><span id=\"easy-effort\">Easy effort<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To participate in \u201cNo Mow May,\u201d all you have to do is NOT mow your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s an easy way for people to get involved and make even just a small difference on their own property,\u201d Gaines Day says.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-%E2%80%9Cno-mow-may%E2%80%9D-controversy\"><span id=\"no-mow-may-controversy\">\u2018No Mow May\u2019 controversy<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Now-Mow-May-sign-1.jpg\" alt=\"A No Mow May sign with a bee illustration on a yard\" class=\"wp-image-39170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Now-Mow-May-sign-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Now-Mow-May-sign-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Now-Mow-May-sign-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Now-Mow-May-sign-1-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/portsmouth-nh-usa-may-9-2023-2310283405\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2022, University of Minnesota bee expert Zach Portman published an article <a href=\"https:\/\/zportman.medium.com\/documenting-serious-issues-in-a-bee-paper-on-no-mow-may-dd9b563feac0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">challenging the benefits<\/a> of \u201cNo Mow May\u201d cited in the Lawrence University study.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later that year, the PeerJ editorial team retracted the study \u201cafter finding several potential inconsistencies in data handling and reporting.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As more scientists suggest valid criticisms (see list below), headlines buzz with controversy.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No proof:<\/strong> Has the \u201cNo Mow May\u201d movement had a positive impact? \u201cThat is yet to be determined,\u201d says Ohio State\u2019s Dave Gardner, a turfgrass science professor. \u201cIt sounds good on paper and there is some evidence from other parts of the world that the practice has helped.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Climate confusion:<\/strong> Bloom time varies by <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/plant-hardiness-zones-and-your-yard\/\">USDA Hardiness Zone<\/a>. \u201cThe issue is that having one month is not going to cover this geographically,\u201d Ohio State turfgrass science professor Ed Nangle says. During his study, nothing with nectar sprouted until June. \u201cThe only activity we seemed to see was an increase in lightning bugs.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chemical treatments:<\/strong> Chemicals prevent pollinator-friendly plants from growing. After years of treatments, \u201cweed populations probably won&#8217;t be there to allow for a sudden bloom,\u201d Nangle says. During his research, it took 2 years for any wildflowers to bloom on regularly treated plots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Neighborly nuisance:<\/strong> Many <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/do-you-have-to-mow-lawn\/\">homeowners must mow<\/a> in May due to local laws or HOA regulations that restrict grass height. Also, neighbors may complain when your lawn becomes a meadow.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Invasive species:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mowing mayhem:<\/strong> Come June, it&#8217;s time to mow again, and the pollinator-friendly habitat gets destroyed, along with all its benefits. Many say one month just isn&#8217;t enough to make a difference.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Troubled turf:<\/strong> 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&#8217;t cut the grass high enough to let you apply the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/one-third-rule-of-mowing\/\">one-third mowing rule<\/a>. In Nangle\u2019s case, he saw bare spots throughout his grass after resuming mowing in June.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-%E2%80%98no-mow-may%E2%80%99-alternatives\"><span id=\"no-mow-may-alternatives\">\u2018No Mow May\u2019 alternatives<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The media buzz has inspired many &#8220;Now Mow May&#8221; spinoffs. These movements counter some of the criticism.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No Mow March <\/strong>is promoted in North Florida. After winter dormancy, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-calendar-warm-season-grass\/\">warm-season lawns<\/a> grow slowly in March, but \u201cspring wildflowers are flourishing,\u201d Bolles explains. \u201cIf we waited until May for the celebration, turfgrass would be seriously overgrown.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Slow-Mow Summe<\/strong>r is now promoted in Appleton, instead of \u201cNo Mow May.\u201d&nbsp; Slow-Mow Summer encourages citizens to mow less, plant natural landscaping, and minimize lawn treatments.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Low Mow Spring<\/strong> is endorsed by Bee City USA, encouraging homeowners to mow less frequently.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-better-ways-to-protect-pollinators\"><span id=\"better-ways-to-protect-pollinators\">Better ways to protect pollinators<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/humming-bird-flower.jpg\" alt=\"macro photography of two brown hummingbirds  on a flower\" class=\"wp-image-39164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/humming-bird-flower.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/humming-bird-flower-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/humming-bird-flower-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/humming-bird-flower-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/PWR9m_ebonQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unpslash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need a catchy name to play your part in preserving our planet. Here are some better ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ways-save-bees-yard\/\">save the bees<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose native plants:<\/strong> The best way to attract native pollinators is by growing <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/reasons-to-grow-native-plants\/\">native plants<\/a>. Since Mother Earth loves harmony, she gave her children a preference for the local cuisine. Check out Lawn Love\u2019s articles on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/california-native-plants\/\">best native plants for California<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/native-plants-florida\/\">Florida<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/texas-native-plants\/\">Texas<\/a>, and several other states and even cities.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Create a garden:<\/strong> Nangle promotes planting a pollinator-friendly plot beside the lawn or growing flowering trees. Also, consider creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-butterfly-garden\/\">butterfly garden<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-rain-garden\/\">rain garden<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Minimize mowing:<\/strong> Keep a small section of the lawn unmowed, or replace turf with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/no-mow-grass-alternatives\/\">mowless grass alternatives<\/a>. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/ground-cover-grass-alternatives\/\">ground covers<\/a> like creeping phlox and thyme are low-maintenance and nectar-rich.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Promote pollinator-friendly practices:<\/strong> Talk to neighbors, post on Facebook, or hold a local workshop. Also, consider lobbying lawmakers \u2013 and your HOA \u2013 to raise the allowed grass height.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Curtail chemicals:<\/strong> In addition to preventing wildflowers from blooming, some chemical treatments poison bees. They \u201cdisrupt bee learning and navigation and weaken their immune systems,\u201d says Braelei Hardt, an evolutionary biologist at the National Wildlife Federation.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-faq-about-%E2%80%9Cno-mow-may%E2%80%9D\"><span id=\"faq-about-no-mow-may\">FAQ about \u2018No Mow May\u2019<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747420318676\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I participate if I don\u2019t have a lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You don&#8217;t need a lawn to protect pollinators, which is the program&#8217;s point. Lawn-less homeowners can <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-attract-bees-to-garden\/\">attract bees<\/a> by planting native flowering plants on a balcony or patio, and using less pesticide.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747420325161\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I maximize the benefits of \u201cNo Mow May\u201d?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To maximize the benefits of \u201cNo Mow May\u201d:<br\/><br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Find out when the plants that pollinators prefer are most likely to bloom. (Know your Plant Hardiness Zone.)<br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Plant native flowering plants throughout your yard.<br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Avoid applying chemicals to your lawn and landscape.<br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Choose a low-maintainence grass type.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747420333928\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the benefits of a freedom lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/benefits-freedom-lawn\/\">benefits of a freedom<\/a> lawn include:<br\/><br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Protecting pollinators<br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Conserving water<br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Saving time<br\/><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Saving money<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-hire-a-helping-hand\"><span id=\"hire-a-helping-hand\">Hire a helping hand<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Promoting pollination takes a lot of elbow grease. No worries, Lawn Love&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">gardeners<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">lawn care pros<\/a>, or a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/yard-clean-up\">yard cleanup crew<\/a>. Our 30+ services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-36279bc4-3870-47e0-8014-9c3f043b1651\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-36279bc4-3870-47e0-8014-9c3f043b1651\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-36279bc4-3870-47e0-8014-9c3f043b1651\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-36279bc4-3870-47e0-8014-9c3f043b1651\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.postcrescent.com\/story\/news\/local\/2024\/07\/18\/appleton-transitions-from-no-mow-may-to-slow-mow-summer\/74440616007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Appleton transitions from No Mow May to Slow-Mow Summer<\/a>.&#8221; By Duke Behnke, Local government reporter. Post Crescent.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ag.ndsu.edu\/news\/columns\/dakota-gardener\/dakota-gardener-the-messy-and-controversial-science-behind-no-mow-may\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dakota Gardener: The messy and controversial science behind No Mow May<\/a>.&#8221; By Esther E. McGinnis, horticulturist. North Dakota State University Extension and AG Research News.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.nwf.org\/2024\/08\/dangers-of-lawn-chemicals-impacts-and-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dangers of Lawn Chemicals: Impacts and Alternatives<\/a>.&#8221; By Braelei Hardt, an evolutionary biologist. National Wildlife Federation Blog.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;Documenting serious issues in a bee paper on &#8216;No Mow May&#8217;.&#8221; By Zach Portman, bee taxonomist at the University of Minnesota in the Cariveau Native Bee Lab. Medium.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/hcs.osu.edu\/our-people\/dr-david-gardner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Gardner<\/a>, professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/hcs.osu.edu\/our-people\/dr-edward-nangle\">Ed Nan<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/hcs.osu.edu\/our-people\/dr-edward-nangle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">g<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/hcs.osu.edu\/our-people\/dr-edward-nangle\">le<\/a>, professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/experts\/bbolles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elizabeth R. Bolles<\/a>, horticulture agent at UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/gratton.entomology.wisc.edu\/directory\/hannah-gaines-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hannah R. Gaines Day<\/a>, research scientist at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ifas.ufl.edu\/news\/2023\/02\/21\/no-mow-march\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laziness encouraged: No Mow March promotes pollinators in the Panhandle<\/a>.&#8221; By Kirsten Romaguera Rabin, public relations specialist. University of Florida IFAS.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/bygl.osu.edu\/node\/2137\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">No Mow May in Full Swing\u2026So what&#8217;s wrong with &#8216;No Mow May&#8217;?<\/a>&#8221; By David Gardner, professor of turfgrass science, and Thomas deHaas, agriculture natural resource educator. The Ohio State University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/peerj.com\/articles\/10021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">No Mow May lawns have higher pollinator richness and abundances<\/a>.\u201d By Israel Del Toro\u200b, biology professor, and Relena R. Ribbons, geoscience professor at Lawrence University. PeerJ\u00a0<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/peerj.com\/articles\/10021\/retraction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Retraction: No Mow May lawns have higher pollinator richness and abundances<\/a>.\u201d PeerJ Editorial Office.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/landscape-design\/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Planting and maintaining a bee lawn<\/a>.&#8221; By Kristine Moncada, turfgrass scientist, Maggie Reiter, extension educator, and James Wolfin, sustainable land care manager. University of Minnesota Extension.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/gardenecologylab\/2023\/09\/20\/the-controversy-surrounding-no-mow-may\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Controversy Surrounding \u2018No Mow May\u2019<\/a>.&#8221; By Gail Langellotto, professor of horticulture.\u00a0<\/li>    <li>Oregon State University.\u00a0<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/u.osu.edu\/osuturgrassfieldday\/2023\/07\/31\/the-impact-of-no-mow-may-on-pollinator-numbers-and-turfgrass-quality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The impact of No Mow May on pollinator numbers and turfgrass quality<\/a>.&#8221; By E. Nangle, D. Petrella T., and Morris S. Cusack. The Ohio State University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/about-usda\/general-information\/initiatives-and-highlighted-programs\/peoples-garden\/importance-pollinators\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Importance of Pollinators<\/a>.\u201d U.S. Department of Agriculture.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/yard-and-garden-news\/what-not-mowing-may-could-mean-your-lawn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What not mowing in May could mean for your lawn<\/a>.&#8221; By Jon Trappe, Extension turfgrass educator. University of Minnesota Extension.<\/li>    <li>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/hort.extension.wisc.edu\/articles\/whats-the-deal-with-no-mow-may\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What&#8217;s the deal with &#8216;No Mow May?&#8217;<\/a>.&#8221; 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.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Photo Credit: Image created using Gemini AI<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No Mow May may help pollinators a little, but its evidence is murky.  We decipher fact from fiction, so you can save the bees in your yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":39190,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[132,222,226],"class_list":["post-39153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-gardening","tag-landscaping","tag-lawn-care-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/No-Mow-May-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Michelle Selzer","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/michelle-selzer\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39153"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39774,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39153\/revisions\/39774"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}