Does No Mow May Really Help Pollinators? :- There has been an increase in No Mow May. Before allowing your grass to go crazy, make sure you are aware of all the advantages and disadvantages.
Does No Mow May Really Help Pollinators?
What Is No Mow May?
It’s likely that you’ve seen yard signs indicating participation in No Mow May or heard about it on social media, and you may want to give it a try. Delaying the first mow of the season is a developing practice in gardening and landscaping that aims to temporarily produce a more biodiverse and welcoming habitat for pollinators, especially bees, who awaken after winter.
No Mow May isn’t the greatest strategy for everyone, even with its noble objective and apparent ease of use. Take into account the following criteria and a few less contentious possibilities before skipping the initial mow.
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Pros and Cons of No Mow May
An added benefit of this viral movement is a greater awareness of specific insects and their requirements. Melinda Myers, horticulturist at Birds & Blooms, says, “No Mow May has helped with awareness, to the point that some people now think National Pollinator Month is May and not June due to the public attention it has received.”
Additionally, it’s a low-commitment way to start exploring the realm of pollinator conservation—it’s as simple as putting your mower in storage for an extra month. However, there are some drawbacks.
Once their food supplies are gone, the pollinators that adore your lush, unmowed lawn will probably return later to discover a harsh reality. Or, much worse, creatures and insects that establish residence in neglected lawns might not withstand a severe pruning in the end.
Next is the dishevelled appearance. While some are willing to assist, they would rather see a well-kept green area. Thankfully, alternative pollinator-friendly strategies may help avert these consequences and better suit your preferences.
Do Some Research Before You Participate
If you decide to put off cutting the grass, there are a few crucial things you should look at first. First, there’s timing. Not Mow Although it’s a nice tagline, May might not be the best month for every location because it originated in the United Kingdom. The goal is to promote the growth of pollen-rich blooming plants, such clover and dandelion. It is best to refrain from cutting them down during their full bloom.
Delay treating your lawn if it has already been treated for weeds. According to Melinda, “I’ve heard from lawn care companies that some of their regular customers participated in No Mow, only to discover the treatments had already eradicated the pollinator plants.”
Furthermore, before moving forward, find out what is permitted in your area as municipal ordinances and homeowners association restrictions differ. If there is a grass height restriction in your community, consider discussing exemptions with the municipal council. Urge them to weigh the benefits.
Share the Message With No Mow May Signs
whether the movement is supported in your neighbourhood, ask whether yard signs are available to inform and involve your neighbours. A sign can also assuage anyone’s criticism of the messy appearance!
Finally, remember that dealing with the massive growth at the end of the month may be challenging and harmful. Gradually reduce the height of your lawn over a few mows. By doing this, pollinators are not shocked and have time to recognise that it is being reduced.
No Mow May Alternatives Abound
There are options for every level of commitment if you’d like to attempt something more deliberate or long-term. Take it slowly by cutting back on the number of times you mow with a “Less Mow May.” Reducing the use of pesticides and chemicals that are hazardous to bees and their food sources is another option.
Try pocket planting, which is the process of designing tiny spaces with certain plants, as the name suggests. This method also functions effectively in yards with space constraints and local laws.
If you’re willing to work more and have the space and freedom, you should think about meadowscaping. This transforms your urban yard into a meadow that benefits the environment. Once established, relatively little upkeep may be required.
Speaking with your local extension office about specifics is always a smart starting step, regardless of whether you decide to stop mowing or choose another pollinator-friendly route. Any amount of space or time you can provide pollinators will benefit, regardless of size or level of dedication.
