No Mow May…

…and Other Contrary Ideas I Have About Campaigns

• We heard about the "No Mow May" campaign years ago, before it spread around the world via the internet. If you know me, you know I'm not a blind follower of much of anything, but I do champion causes I truly believe are beneficial.

  And out of the gate, I have no problem if you decide not to mow your lawn this May.

  But I've done quite a bit of research and experimentation on our little farm, and I've found some compelling reasons to continue to mow in May. Here's what I've learned.

  Why We Mow in May

  The Wisconsin reality. We live in a place where snow can fall one day, and temperatures can hit 90°F the next. These variables matter enormously when managing grass. If we have a warm spring and the grass is growing by May, skipping mowing would leave us with an unmanageable tangle by month's end. With decent rain and sunshine, our yard can grow 9 inches or more in a single week, and the weeds grow even taller.

  Our lawn is intentionally diverse. We don't have a manicured, homogeneous lawn. Our permaculture yard is home to creeping Charlie, white clover, dandelions, and whatever native and seed grasses manage to survive. All three of our "weeds" actually bloom, and they bloom better when mowed. White clover, in particular, becomes more productive under regular cutting. Mowing higher in spring helps these low-growing plants minimise competition and spread.

  Not everyone loves a lawn made of mostly "weeds," but out here in the country, no one minds as long as it's green. And the pollinators love them.

  The Real Problem Isn't Mowing

  Here's what I've discovered through observation: grass itself isn't the enemy to pollinators. The real culprits are chemical sprays and fertilisers.

  If you're spraying your lawn for weeds or pests, you're causing far more damage to pollinators than mowing ever would. Insects are extraordinarily sensitive to chemicals; even small amounts can fundamentally alter their habitats. A lawn full of clover, dandelions, and native plants is infinitely better for bees than a pristine chemical-treated monoculture, whether it's mowed or not.

  And here's something counterintuitive: not mowing can actually harm your grass. They're biologically designed to be trimmed regularly, originally by grazing animals, now by our mowers. Regular cutting keeps them healthy.

  What Actually Supports Pollinators

  If you truly want to help pollinators, skip the slogans and focus on measurable action:

  Plant flowers strategically. Exchange some of that perfect green grass for genuine pollinator habitat. Pollinator seed mixes are excellent, but not all work in every climate. Try a variety and observe what thrives. You'll learn far more from experimentation than from following a single campaign.

  Understand your local ecosystem. Know what grows well where you live and plant accordingly. An exotic flower might look beautiful, but native and well-adapted plants are better for your time, budget, and the creatures that depend on them.

  Stop spraying. I won't pretend it's always practical, a genuine infestation sometimes requires intervention, but chemical and even many organic sprays are brutal on insects. If you want to give pollinators a real chance, eliminating sprays is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Yes, it takes more effort and patience. It's worth it.

  Embrace permaculture and organic methods. Your yard won't look like a golf course. It'll be healthier, for the creatures living there and for you.

  Mow thoughtfully. Mow when it's appropriate, mow a bit higher if needed, and observe how your plants respond.

  The Bigger Picture

  Sustainability and genuine stewardship of our ecosystems require thoughtful observation and action—not one-size-fits-all slogans.

  "No Mow May" might serve a purpose in cities where bylaws penalise unmown lawns, or as an initial spark of interest in pollinator support. But if you truly care about building a thriving ecosystem, there are so many more meaningful things you can do that produce measurable results.

  Be observant. Be patient. Growing a sustainable yard and truly supporting a healthy ecosystem takes time and intention. But it's absolutely worth it.