What Is No-Mow May?

Many are growing concerned over pollinator populations, the recent trend called "No-Mow May" has emerged in the Mid-West. This trend encourages homeowners to let their lawn grow until native wildflowers that pollinators depend on for food have had a chance to bloom. The reason for this movement is to generate food sources for bees during a time of year when they are more vulnerable, but it's not the only way that you can help!

How Else Can I Participate?

"No-Mow May" is not a phrase that should be taken literally, as there are many ways to accomplish your goal of helping pollinators! One of the best ways that you can help is by providing food and habitat for them. Here are a few other ways that you can participate:

• Create native flower beds. This can benefit both homeowners and pollinators because garden beds enhance your property while also providing a food source to pollinators. Adding native flowers to your garden means that you are growing species that are best suited for the pollinators in your area.
• Create "Bee Hotels." These structures provide safe places for bees to rest. These small structures are also a good way to add visual interest to your garden.
• Research your lawn products. Many pesticides can affect pollinator populations in addition to the pests that they were meant for. It's important to research your products and make sure that it can accomplish your goals without causing unnecessary harm. Green Oasis has adjustable programs offering a wide range of fertilizer only, organic options, limited visit applications that will offer weed control without specially targeting bees.
• Keep your landscape healthy. A lush, well maintained and well watered landscape provides habitat and food for pollinators. Some helpful ways to take care of your landscape include irrigation systems for consistent watering, lime applications for soil health, weed & feed programs for lawn health, and plant health programs for shrub and tree care. You can view more services to care for your landscape when you click here.

The "No-Mow May" movement shows that people are ready and willing to take care of their landscapes. While not mowing can provide some benefits early in the year, ultimately the best way to help bees and other pollinators is going to come through providing lush, native landscapes that help them year-round year round with the creation of garden beds and keeping your landscape healthy. Helping the pollinators doesn't have to come at the cost of your lawn health, instead choose an option that is a permanent, aesthetically pleasing, and safe solution!