No Mow May: Procrastinate Like a Pro (It’s Cool, It’s Eco-Friendly, and It Saves the Bees)
Spring is here, and your first instinct might be to grab the mower and get that lawn looking pristine—but slow your roll. Cutting your grass too soon could actually wreck your lawn’s long-term health and make life harder for pollinators that are just waking up.
That’s why No Mow May (or at least a delayed mow) is catching on. Less mowing means healthier grass, stronger roots, and a buffet for bees and butterflies. Plus, we’ll show you how to team up with your neighbors on Pigybak to book seasonal lawn care at a group rate—because smart choices should also mean smart savings.
No Mow May: Why You Should Hold Off on Mowing
Pollinators Need a Head Start
Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects rely on early-spring wildflowers like dandelions and clover for food. A study from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation found that reducing mowing frequency can increase bee populations by up to 60%. If you mow too soon, you’re cutting off their food supply just as they’re waking up for the season.
Stronger Roots = A Tougher Lawn
Letting your grass grow out a little in early spring builds deeper roots, meaning it holds water better, withstands summer heat, and bounces back faster. Cutting too soon stresses the grass and makes it more vulnerable to disease. According to Cornell University’s Turfgrass Program, taller grass also shades out weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
Healthier Soil, Less Fertilizer Needed
Holding off on that first mow allows organic matter to build up, feeding microbes in the soil. Research from the University of Minnesota Extension shows that taller grass encourages microbial activity, which improves nutrient absorption—meaning less need for synthetic fertilizers.
Fewer Weeds, Less Work
A thick, healthy lawn naturally keeps weeds in check. The longer the grass, the more it shades out weed seedlings, meaning less need for herbicides. According to Michigan State University’s Turfgrass Science Department, maintaining a lawn height of 3 inches or more can reduce crabgrass by up to 80%.
When Should You Mow for the First Time?
Experts recommend waiting until your lawn has grown to at least 3.5 to 5 inches before the first cut. This gives roots time to establish properly and ensures pollinators have had enough time to emerge.
Ideal Mowing Timeline:
- Early Spring (March-April): Leave the mower in the garage and let nature do its thing.
- Mid to Late Spring (May): Mow for the first time—set your mower height no lower than 3 inches to protect the grass from stress.
- Summer: Maintain a higher cut to protect against heat stress and keep weeds in check.
🔗 External Resource: Learn more about the best mowing practices from the National Association of Landscape Professionals
Lawn Care, But Make It Smarter (And Cheaper)
Mowing less often doesn’t mean skipping lawn care altogether. Instead of tackling maintenance solo, team up with your neighbors on Pigybak to book group deals on seasonal lawn care.
Pigybak Tip:
- Bundle lawn aeration, fertilization, and mowing services into one group deal.
- Share a landscaping project with neighbors and save on bulk pricing.
- Support eco-friendly lawn care pros who use sustainable methods.
Start a Lawn Care Group Deal on Pigybak
Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Alternatives
If you’re looking for an even greener lawn (literally and environmentally), try these alternatives:
- Swap Out Grass for Native Plants: Less mowing, more color, and a win for local wildlife. The Audubon Society has a handy database to help you pick the best native plants for your region.
- Upgrade Your Watering Strategy: The EPA reports that switching to water-efficient landscaping can reduce outdoor water use by up to 50%. Consider drip irrigation or rain barrels.
- Dedicate a Pollinator Patch: Let a section of your yard grow wild with wildflowers—it’ll look great and attract beneficial insects.
- Go Electric: Gas-powered lawn mowers pollute as much in one hour as driving a car 300 miles, according to the California Air Resources Board. Switching to a battery-powered or manual reel mower is a win for the air and your ears.
🔗 Find Sustainable Lawn Care Experts on Pigybak
Spring Lawn Care That Works for You & The Planet
Mowing less often is a small change that makes a big impact—for your lawn, your wallet, and local pollinators. Healthier soil, stronger plants, and more buzzing bees mean a thriving, more resilient neighborhood.
So before you start the mower this spring, take a breath. Let nature do a little of the work, then Pigybak your way to a smarter, greener lawn care plan when it’s time to mow.
