As spring arrives, there are again conversations about the meme No Mow May. This is a movement to restrict lawn mowing in May to encourage flowering plants that provide nectar for pollinators. In this post I’ll share the history of the movement with suggestions for pollinator support that is more applicable to northern New York.
The original concept of leaving grass long in the spring came in 2019 from Plantlife, a British organization. Their climate, however, is very different from that in the North Country so their results have limited applicability here. In 2020 a team in Appleton Wisconsin liked the No Mow May idea so much that researchers there tried it and published a paper which showed benefits to using this concept. It turned out the data was flawed, however, and the paper was soon retracted. In 2024 Appleton removed No Mow May from the city’s municipal code and reinstated an eight inch restriction on grass and weeds.
The Cornell Turf Team from CCE of Westchester wondered about this meme too, and did research in 2024 to test the concept. What the Turf Team and others (such as CCE Eric County , Lakeland Today, Cornell Turf Grass, and CCE Putnam County) observed indicates that No Mow May did not significantly increase the nectar sugar available to pollinators by June nor was it helpful in the long run. It did not increase the pollinator populations.
In fact, not mowing in May leads to additional concerns, such as grass health. Grass that is not mowed for a month can grow to 10-12 inches. Cutting more than 1/3 of a grass blade in June can cause it to go into shock and compromise the turf quality before the hot, dry summer. Additionally, small animals (like frogs, ground-nesting birds, rabbits, and snakes) that may make their home in the long grass are disrupted or harmed when the grass is mowed in June. Often the dandelions and ground ivy—which do provide nectar for pollinators in the spring—are smothered by longer grass.
Here are more effective ways to increase springtime nectar for pollinators.
- Continue to mow the lawn, maintaining a height of 3 1/2 to 4 inches and the dandelions, wild strawberries, and clover can bloom.
- Plant bulbs (daffodils, tulips, crocus) in fall, to provide nectar in early spring.
- Plant early blooming shrubs, trees, and native flowering plants or hang a planter.
- Eliminate or reduce the use of chemicals on lawn areas.
In fact, a better theme might be the one shared by Joellen Lampman in conjunction with the Cornell Turf Team: Mow HIGH, May, June, and July.
New York State is 10% turf, with 2.8 million acres of lawns, so sustainable lawn care practices can make a big difference. Check out our top lawn care resources, vetted by Master Gardener Volunteers, at our website here. And a Fruition post about Easy Climate -Smart Lawns here.
A Master Gardener since 2013, Anneke Larrance loves to grow perennials, annuals, vegetables, fruit, water lilies, and houseplants. She experiments each summer, cultivating at least one plant she’s never grown before. She led the CCE creation of a living barn quilt, enjoys judging 4-H horticulture exhibits at the county fair, and writes and presents about gardening.
Read more
Behnke, D. (August 18, 2024) Appleton Transitions from No Mow May to Slow-Mow Summer Appleton Post-Crescent
Lampman, J. (2024, May). No-mow may and what to do with grass clippings. Cornell CALS.
Mattimore, B. (July, 2023). No Mow May. What Do You Think? Cornell Cooperative Extension/Eric County.ny
No mow may? Good intentions, Bad Approach, critics say. LakelandToday.ca. (2024b, May).
No Mow May? There’s a Better Way! Facebook. (2024b, May). Cornell Cooperative Extension/Putnam County.ny
Stricker, S. (2024, May 2). No Mow May and Better Alternatives. YouTube.
The Truth About No Mow May (2024, May) Cornell Cooperative Extension/Westchester County.ny