Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie signed off on a “No Mow May” proclamation a few weeks ago, asking Des Moines residents to refrain from cutting their grass to help pollinators thrive by preserving native wildflowers and grasses.
To be clear, a proclamation is not a law but merely a suggestion. In other words, this “suggestion” will be encouraged but not enforced. It apparently is a suggestion for private property owners only, though, as there will be no change to the city’s mowing and maintenance schedule in May.
The proclamation sounds nice, and although I am not a fan of bee stings, I do understand the value of bees and the need for better pollination to preserve certain flowers. Even so, if bees give you anxiety, you should know that a recent study found homes that didn’t mow in May had five times more bees compared to yards that were mowed. And aside from the bees, there are few other things you should consider, too, as noted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Grass will grow at least 12 inches during the month of May. Most mowers are not equipped to cut grass that tall. Experts say you should only remove one-third of the total leaf blade in a single mowing to avoid damage to your grass. That math doesn’t work.
Assuming you will mow in June, you should be prepared for some serious grass clipping clean-up. If left on the grass, those clippings will smother and kill most everything underneath and will leave bare spots in your lawn. Those bare spots will be filled by weeds like crabgrass, foxtail, purslane and spotted spurge, and these species do not support pollinators well.
If you don't live in Des Moines, you should check the weed ordinance for your city or homeowners’ association, or you risk getting fined. These ordinances are created to reduce noxious weeds, manage pest problems, minimize allergens, and maintain aesthetics and property values.
I have to admit, like many of you, I appreciate a well-maintained lawn. I also admit, like many of you, I typically break my New Year’s Resolutions and Lenten promises after only a few days. I also happen to like Frank Cownie, and I appreciate his efforts (although I am going to check his lawn).
As such, I am opting for an alternative to No Mow May, which may more appropriately be called, Mow Less May. Some studies show that mowing every two weeks, and raising your mower blade as high as possible, can still significantly increase the bee population. I can manage my lawn in a way that supports pollinators with more flowers and avoid many of the drawbacks.
This “ask for a dollar and you may get a dime” approach may be exactly what Mayor Cownie was hoping for. Regardless, I appreciate his suggestion.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com | 
