An Action Line inquiry this week asked whether it was safe to abandon “No Mow May” early because local lawns are already getting long after a warm spring (Herald, April 20).
The question caught our attention.
With interest in using less water, less fertilizer and perhaps avoiding a fossil-fueled mower when possible, “No Mow May” has understandable appeal. Originating in England in 2019, the idea was to help pollinators by allowing lawns and gardens to grow more freely and produce flowering plants and nectar.
But apparently, the benefits of “No Mow May” are more complicated than advertised.
Much of what we have read suggests that waiting until June for the first mowing can shock grass already stressed by heat and dry conditions. And beneath 8 to 10 inches of growth may be beneficial to creatures that settled in, expecting continued cover.
The broader lesson seems less about abandoning mowing entirely and more about mowing thoughtfully. Let lawns grow somewhat longer in our dry climate, avoid unnecessary chemicals and consider pollinator-friendly plantings. But go ahead and mow.
