Cities throughout Michigan are reconsidering their "No Mow May" policies amid concerns that longer grass may attract ticks and an increasing realization that a temporary cessation of mowing is unlikely to significantly benefit pollinators. This initiative, which urges residents to refrain from mowing in May, aims to provide more habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during a critical period when food sources are scarce. Many ornamental flowers, such as bee balm and sunflowers, do not bloom until mid-June, which limits the availability of nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators.
However, experts like David Lowenstein, a consumer horticulture specialist at Michigan State University, highlight that the potential impact of skipping one month of mowing may be overstated. The current research on whether allowing grass to grow for just a few weeks significantly aids pollinators is limited. Lowenstein emphasizes that for bees to thrive, they require two key resources: access to food in the form of pollen and nectar, and suitable nesting sites, which can vary from underground spaces for certain bees to decaying logs for cavity-nesters.
The "No Mow May" concept gained traction in 2019 when the British conservation organization Plantlife promoted it as an easy method to support pollinator populations. Allowing low-growing plants such as clovers and dandelions to flourish can provide essential nectar and pollen while also conserving water. However, instead of a complete halt to mowing, Lowenstein advocates for a more moderate strategy, suggesting a rebranding to "Reduced Mow May." This method would involve less frequent mowing, such as every two to three weeks, which allows beneficial low-growing weeds to thrive and serve as food sources for bees.
This shift towards a sustainable approach is already evident in East Lansing, where officials recently passed a resolution to redefine what constitutes weeds and promote pollinator-friendly landscapes year-round. Cliff Walls, the city's environmental sustainability manager, noted that while "No Mow May" raised awareness about the importance of pollinators, it could not be the long-term solution for a healthy ecosystem. Under the new rules in East Lansing, plants over six inches tall may now be considered part of a native garden if they are intentionally cultivated and maintained, providing a consistent framework for ecological landscaping.
In Ann Arbor, city council members have transitioned away from a strict "No Mow May" ordinance, which was implemented in 2022, towards an overarching "Pollinator-Aware Yard Care" initiative. This change came in response to mixed feedback from residents during the previous year, with many expressing concerns about the unintended consequences, including the potential attraction of ticks due to taller grass. Sean Reynolds from the Office of Sustainability and Innovations highlighted that while residents appreciated the idea, worries about potential health hazards related to ticks led to a more flexible policy that encourages planting native species and reducing traditional turf lawns.
Similar efforts are underway in other Michigan cities. In Jackson, officials launched a limited version of "No Mow May" in 2023, permitting residents to forgo mowing in backyards while still maintaining front yards. Christina Crouch, the city's communication manager, emphasized the importance of May for pollinators due to the limited floral options available at that time. Ferndale, however, has opted to discontinue its "No Mow May" program, citing insufficient evidence of its effectiveness despite initial enthusiasm. The city found that typical suburban lawns often lack pollinator-friendly vegetation, leading to a reevaluation of their approach. As a result, Ferndale now recommends maintaining grass at a height of three to four inches to better compete with weeds and recommend mowing practices that reduce air and noise pollution.
Through these varied approaches, Michigan cities are addressing both the need to support pollinator populations and the importance of public health, especially concerning tick-related diseases. As municipalities navigate this balance, they are focusing on creative, sustainable solutions that promote ecological health while still respecting community concerns.
