First popularized in the United Kingdom in 2019 by the conservation group PlantLife, No Mow May has taken root here in the United States. In 2020, Appleton, Wisconsin, became the first city in the country to adopt a practice in which you let your lawn grow throughout the month of May without mowing, watering or fertilizing. Now, several communities across the US have joined the No Move movement.
No Mow May started as a way to help bees and other pollinators, but there’s more to it than helping bees. There are some legitimate reasons to keep the mower in the garage this month.
1. It encourages natural wildflowers to grow.
Don’t mow your lawn May allow flowers to grow that might otherwise be lost to lawn mowers. Dandelions, CloverAnd the common blue violet starts blooming in the spring and can add some variety to your lawn. In A 2023 Press ReleaseAllowing lawns to grow longer can increase plant diversity and support more pollinator species, PlantLife said.
These May Bloomers do more than just help the bees: Dandelions can be good for your lawn Because their wide spreading roots can thrive in hard-packed soil. Their root systems also draw calcium and other nutrients from the deep soil, making these nutrients available to nearby plants and acting as a natural fertilizer.
2. It supports early season pollinators.
In recent years, studies have shown a drastic decline in bee populations worldwide. In response, the United Nations says the decline could affect global food supplies, as 75 percent of the world’s food crops and 35 percent of global agricultural land Depend on pollinators.
Early spring flowers, such as dandelions and clover, help local pollinator populations at times of year when nectar sources may be scarce. In fact, as reported in Gardens IllustratedWhen wildflowers are left to grow, a 1-square-meter patch of lawn can produce enough nectar to support about four bees per day.
3. It saves time and effort.
Skipping weekly mowing and chemical treatments saves you a lot of time and reduces the overall workload of lawn maintenance.
If you’re looking for other ways to help hay when you’re not mowing, try adding some Native plants in your yard. Native plants work great in garden borders, and they Support the bees and other pollinators, viz Butterflies And HummingbirdBy offering nectar and seeds. They can also provide shelter for birds and small ones Live the woodland.
4. It reduces pollution.
Gas-powered lawn equipment contributes significantly to air pollution. EPA-related estimates Say a typical operation Gas lawn mower 1 hour of pollution can produce as much as driving a car 500 miles.
No Mow May encourages participants to refrain from using any fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides during the month. Pesticides, for example, a A factor in the decline of bee colonies Both in North America and Europe.
5. It can improve the resilience of the lawn.
No Mow May not only helps pollinators; It can improve the quality of your lawn. Allow the grass to grow longer Can encourage deeper root systems, which can help lawns better tolerate heat and shorter dry spells.
Tall grass also provides shade to the soil, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds by limiting how much sunlight reaches the seed. Over time, this can reduce the need for frequent watering and chemical treatments, especially as the lawn adapts to a little less intensive maintenance.
That said, there are arguments for only reducing, rather than eliminating, the cuts in May. While communities complain about the unkempt appearance of extremely tall grass, lawn care experts point out that cutting grass more than one-third of its height can stress and weaken the plant. In fact, citing such concerns, in 2024, Appleton called for a Slow Mo Summer and reinstated year-round grass height restrictions.
6. It reduces water usage.
This Environmental Protection Agency It is estimated that one-third of all residential water use is spent on landscape irrigation. That translates to about 8 billion gallons per day.
Allowing the grass to grow longer during this period can slow evaporation and help keep the soil cooler, meaning less supplemental watering can keep your lawn greener. Frequent sowing and even short breaks from irrigation can make a significant difference in overall water use, especially during the hot summer months.
7. It helps you rethink your lawn habits.
No mow may change how you view your yard. You may find that you prefer slightly longer grass and change your mowing schedule every few weeks instead of every week. You may also notice that clover feels soft on your feet, or that a few dandelions aren’t the end of the world.
Holding off on mowing can also correct other garden habits, such as frequent watering or an unnecessary reliance on fertilizer. Think of it as a low-effort way to learn what your lawn actually needs and what it doesn’t.
8. It can inspire lower-maintenance landscaping.
Grass is a place to play and relax, but after participating in No Mow May, you may decide that traditional lawn maintenance isn’t worth it. Grass alternatives such as native plants, prairie grasses, Rain gardenOr Wild flower meadows Can reduce maintenance while supporting pollinators.
Replacing a portion of your lawn with these options can cut down on mowing, watering and chemical use while creating a more resilient, environmentally friendly yard.
Is No Move Me Right For You?
No move may not have to be all or nothing. If that seems too extreme or local ordinances don’t allow it, you can still participate in small ways: leaving a small section uncut, trimming edges for a more intentional look, or adding features like bee hotels can all support hay without sacrificing curb appeal.
If your community has strict lawn regulations, resources from groups such as Penn State Extension can help guide the conversation around more pollinator-friendly practices. Even small changes can make a meaningful difference to both your yard and the environment.
All you need to do is take care of your lawn and garden
