Most people service their mowers at the end of the winter season to mow the yard in May. But mowing at the start of the spring season is not the best idea.
A movement known as ‘No Mow May’ that started in the UK has quickly spread around the developed world including the US.
Here you will know more about this movement and how it will benefit the environment.
About the ‘No Mow May’
No Mow May is the movement of not mowing during May. The movement started to protect native bees that emerge from hibernation at the end of the winter season.
The population of bees in the US and many other places around the world is rapidly declining. The most common reason for the decline in the bee population is the use of an insecticide. Moreover, the decline in the pollinating flowers also contributes to the decrease in the population of bees.
Various studies in the US including Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Wisconsin found that lawn flowers can support bees and other types of pollinators.
Bees benefit from the growth of lawn flowers including creeping buttercup, speedwell, germander, and daisies. In addition, bees are attracted to white clover and bird’s foot trefoil on the lawn. Delaying the mowing till July will increase the pollinating flowers on the lawn.
How You Can Contribute to the Movement
Mow Lawn in Late Spring
You should consider cutting your lawn late in the spring season. This will result in more lawn flowers that will contribute to the population of bees. It will increase the nectar available for bees which will result in an increased bee population.
Don’t Mow Your Lawn too Short
You must also not mow your lawn too short. This is important since studies have found that leaving about three to five centimeters of grass. This will result in the growth of a diverse range of flowers that will be an important source of nectar.
Don’t Cut Down Weeds
Weeds on the lawn are considered a nuisance by many people. But the fact is that they play an important role in the pollination of flowers. Weeds such as dandelions serve as an important source of pollination for the bees and other pollinators. Studies have shown that only eight dandelions will be enough to meet the base energy needs of an adult bee.
Leave Some Areas of Grass Uncut
You should also consider leaving some areas of the grass uncut. Consider leaving areas of the lawn with flowers. This will contribute to an increase in the sources of nectar that will benefit the bees.
Reduce Mowing Frequency
You must use your lawn mower just once a month during the late spring, summer, and autumn seasons. This will promote the growth of pollinating flowers.
Cutting flower lawn plants once a month will stimulate flowers to bloom more often which will be beneficial for the bees.
Conclusion
The idea of No Mow May is revolutionary since most gardeners consider the beginning of the spring season to be the perfect time to mow the lawn. You should consider mowing late in the spring season and leave part of the lawn with flowers untouched.
Studies have proved that not mowing may increase the count of pollinating flowers on the lawn. This will contribute to the increase in the bee population which will greatly benefit our environment.
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