No Mow May has become a popular bee conservation movement but it has several drawbacks.
So, is it still worth supporting?
To participate, all you better do is leave your lawn alone in May.
Credit: Courtesy of Anne Readel
This allows lawnflowers to bloom and feed hungry native beesemerging from hibernation when other flowers are scarce.
Neatly kept lawns typically provide little food for bees.
No Mow May encourages people to understand it doesn’t have to be this way.
Credit: Courtesy of Anne Readel
But No Mow May isnt perfect.
It has a number of known drawbacks that have people questioning whether it is worth continuing to promote.
Here’s what you should know before participating, according to experts.
Over the last few years, the movement has encountered several criticisms.
Additionally, the original research study that supported the movement was retracted.
All these factors have contributed to confusion about whether participating in No Mow May is still beneficial.
Despite these concerns, No Mow May still has value, according to experts.
Shepherd also notes that the Xerces Society continues to promote No Mow May as part of itsBee City USAinitiative.
Participation is free and easy.
The entry fee is nothing.
Lawn flowers do provide some food for bees.
However, lawns dont have to be ecological deserts.
The endpoint of conservation shouldnt be growing dandelions, says Shepherd.
No Mow May sparks conversations about bee conservation.
As interest in the program grew over the following years, the city expanded its bee conservation efforts.
Educate your neighbors.
After a few weeks of not mowing, your neighbors will wonder about the long grass.
TheXerces Societyoffers free, print-at-home signs including a kids' version that children can color.
This helps the whole family get involved in helping bees.
Check your local rules.
Many cities and homeowner associations have regulations that restrict grass height to eight or ten inches.
If such rules are enforced in your area, you might get fined if your lawn gets too tall.
However, communities that adopt No Mow May will often suspend enforcement of their grass height regulations for participants.
Cut back your lawn gradually.
Lawns can grow pretty shaggy after a month of not mowing.
When it’sfinally time to mow, aim to reduce the height of your grass gradually.
Consider alternative timing.
The idea is the same: bees emerging in spring need food.
So, whatever your climate, refrain from mowing whenlawn flowersstart blooming.
Low Mow May has been adopted by numerous communities.
To participate in Low Mow May, mow your lawn twice in May instead of weekly.
This modified schedule allows lawn flowers to bloom while keeping grass at a more manageable height.
Another excellent option is Slow Mow Summer.
This approach also provides food for bees all season long instead of just for one month.
Mowing less to help bees is also backed by research.
One study found that lawns mowed biweekly attracted more bees than those mowed weekly.
Native bees will thank you.
Larson, J.L., Kesheimer, A.J.
& Potter,D.A.
Biological Conservation, Volume 221, 2018, Pages 160-174, ISSN 0006-3207
