Alternatives to No Mow May

No Mow May has become a popular option for those seeking to support pollinators in their yards, but how effective is this practice? ISU’s Yard & Garden examined the pros and cons of No Mow May and found that there are many potential drawbacks to this practice including: management difficulties after the month is over, the lack of native floral resources available in an unmowed lawn, and negative feedback associated with the aesthetics of No Mow May.

In response, they’ve offered some alternatives to No Mow May that provide better habitat for pollinators while creating a better aesthetic view for neighbors:

• Mow Less May - mow every other week to create a balance of flowers and management
• Create an intentional pollinator garden - provides better resources with greater aesthetics
• Eliminate the lawn altogether - replacing it with garden spaces or a bee lawn with low-growing flowers

Whatever you decide to do this May, consider how you might best support pollinators in your yard!