Low Mow Spring

Tools to Save You Time

In support of pollinators and conservation efforts, the Town of Ledgeview is promoting a Low Mow Spring. More than just ‘No Mow May’, the Town is encouraging residents to take a more holistic and long-term approach to supporting bees and other pollinators throughout spring and summer.  Not mowing your lawn for a whole month may not be realistic or practical for some.  Additionally, allowing your lawn to grow until June without cutting it your first cut may send your lawn into shock and or dormancy especially if we have a heat wave in June, which inadvertently will then have a negative effect on pollinators.  As such, we are encouraging residents to allow a greater time between mows.  Studies have shown that less frequent mowing increases both the variety of species and the number and of pollinators in lawns over time.  Additionally, longer grass encourages deeper root growth, which helps with stormwater resiliency and the overall health of your lawn.

Best practices long-term practices for encouraging pollinators and bee-friendly landscaping include:

  • Mow less frequently.  Allow the grass to grow,and adjust your mower height to the highest setting.
  • Don’t mow more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time in a single mowing.
  • Avoid using herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides.
  • Plant native plants that bloom during the spring, summer, and fall to provide a continuous food source.  The following link from the Pollinator Partnership website provides an example of plants you could plant for a native pollinator garden.  https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/pollinator-garden-cards_midwest-region.pdf
  • Plant native flowering trees.  Trees provide a large nectar source from their blossoms and habitat for some bees.

If you are looking for additional resources on how to help bees or have pollinator friendly landscaping, here are some helpful links:

  • Pollinator Resources (from UW Extension)

https://pollinators.wisc.edu/pollinator-resources/

  • Growing Plants to Help Bees and Other Pollinators (From UMN Extension)

https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators

The Town is suspending the noxious weed ordinance JUST for the month of May, should residents elect to not mow their lawns during May. This would allow residents to let their lawn grow beyond 6” without a fine.This is entirely voluntary; residents can opt not to mow or can mow as normal. Residents can register by emailing abauknecht@ledgeviewwisconsin.com with their name and address or call Amy at 920-336-3360 ext. 118 to get registered. An information sheet will be emailed to all registered participants.

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