How to Embrace No Mow May

Interested in adopting No Mow May in your lawn? Here are some tips to get you started.

1. First, check the rules. Make sure your community or homeowners association doesn’t have any rules prohibiting overgrown lawns. And if they do, seize the learning opportunity! Penn State Extension offers a robust myth-busting fact sheet to help you start the conversation.

2. Add a sign. If worrying what the Joneses will think is holding you back, consider installing an informational sign in your yard. Bee City USA offers a free toolkit, including printable signs and social media posts for you to share with your community.

3. “Low mow” is an option, too. Just can’t bring yourself to let the lawn go? “Low Mow May” (or even “Low Mow Spring”) is a great second option. Try going an extra week between mowings or bring your blade height up. (The latter is a good lawn-care habit anyway, says UW–Madison professor Doug Soldat.)

4. Download WiBee!

Already a no-mow expert? If you live in Wisconsin, take No Mow May to the next level by downloading the free WiBee app and tracking pollinator activity in your yard.