Why Rockford Homeowners Should Participate in No Mow May

If you've been driving around Rockford lately and noticed lawns looking a little taller than usual, there's a good reason for it.

"No Mow May" has become a popular movement across Illinois, encouraging homeowners to put the lawn mower away for the month to help bees and other pollinators thrive during one of the most important times of the year.

Why Rockford Homeowners Should Participate in No Mow May

At the start of spring, bees are coming out after winter and searching for food, but flowers can still be hard to find.  Letting your grass grow a little longer gives dandelions, clover, and other small flowers a chance to bloom, providing nectar and pollen that pollinators desperately need.  Those tiny insects play a massive role in helping plants, gardens, and crops grow.

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The start of the growing season is a critical time for hungry, newly emerged native bees. Flowers may be hard to find. By allowing it to grow longer, and letting flowers bloom, your lawn can provide nectar and pollen to help your bee neighbors thrive. [beecityusa]

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For Rockford homeowners, No Mow May can also create a healthier local ecosystem.  Longer grass providers shelter for butterflies, lightning bugs, birds, and other wildlife that benefit from natural habitats.  Plus mowing less means using less gas, creating less noise pollution, and spending less time doing yard work every weekend.

Read More: Rockford Residents: Here’s the Height Limit for Tall Grass 

Of course, some neighborhoods and cities have grass height ordinances, so homeowners should still make sure their lawns aren't getting completely out of control.  But even mowing less frequently or leaving part of your yard untouched can still make a positive impact.

No Mow May isn't about being lazy.  It's about helping nature during a critical season while making Rockford a little greener and more pollinator-friendly.  So, if your neighbors are giving you side-eye for your tall grass this month, just tell them you're helping save the bees!

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