No Mow May

A perfectly manicured lawn has been a symbol of American suburb…but is it time to reconsider? This May many homeowners across Massachusetts may decide to participate in No Mow May. 

For the last few years there has been a slow push to allow the natural grass cover of dandelions and clover to grow. These plants are some of the first sources for bees and pollinators. 

No Mow May was first started in the United Kingdom in 2019 by a climate action group. It was then implemented by Bee City USA in Appleton, Wisconsin in 2020. The data has been astonishing in the variety of bee species that are being found in areas that have participated.

But it important to note that the concept behind No Mow May is a gentle prod—not a big shove. One neighbor may choose to allot a portion of their side lawn to the effort, another might dedicate the whole lawn, others might mow every other week for the month of May… Some more shy and wary neighbors may just walk by and see their neighbors’ proud signs indicating participation in No Mow May, ask what the movement is and spread the news or join in themselves.

The key to this movement is to just start. Or stop—mowing, that is! All puns intended: This is a grassroots movement to rethink American landscaping and how it might need to change to better support us.

For more information please visit beecityusa.org/no-mow-may.