NO MOW MAY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I'm interested, but I don't want it to seem like I'm neglecting my messy yard.

A: That's understandable. A few tips:

• Post a free sign indicating you are participating in No Mow May so your neighbors and passer-bys understand what you're doing is intentional, temporary and beneficial. You may inspire them to be curious about the movement when they explore the resources provided on the sign.

• Mow a path or a section that you want to keep looking neat

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Q: I don't have a yard. Can I participate?

A: Yes! There are many meaningful ways to participate in the spirit of No Mow even if you don't have your own yard. These are also great ideas to participate in ways beyond delaying mowing if you do have a yard:

• If you have access to any outdoor space, like a patio or deck, plant native plants in containers. See our resource on Native Plants.

• Volunteer with Lincoln Common Ground, Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, or your local environmental group to plant pollinator pathways.

• If you have an HOA, landlord or property manager, encourage them to participate in No Mow May.

• Advocate to delay mowing of public land.

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Q: I want to participate, but I can't let my whole yard go unmown for all of May

A: It's great you want to do what makes sense for you! Try these techniques because some spring flowers are still likely to bloom under these conditions:

• It's not all or nothing. You can choose to mow a path, parts of your lawn, or just leave one patch unmown. All of these approaches count as participating.

• Mow on the highest setting only

• Mow less frequently than you would normally during May

• Delay mowing for some amount of time, if not the full month of May

Q: How long can I expect my lawn to grow during this time?

A: It's highly variable even within Lincoln, MA. Some families have experienced relatively low growth, around 3-4 inches. Others have seen moderate growth, 7-8 inches, and some very productive patches within yards have grown over 12 inches during May. We are collecting data and would love to share more precise information in the future.

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Q: I'm afraid of the first time I mow in June. Won't it be difficult to mow?

A: It could be more difficult to mow the first time after No Mow May. Try setting your mower to the highest setting (usually 4 inches) for a first pass. You can leave it at that length, or choose to mow again at a shorter length. It may take more time and effort to perform this mowing, but think of the time and effort you saved while not mowing before June!​ Also consider extending No Mow through a longer time and really committing to re-wilding your yard.

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Q: I use a landscaper to mow. Will they be supportive of No Mow May? I don't want to tarnish my good relationship with them.

A: We've talked to some local landscaping companies and many are aware of No Mow May and supportive of their clients to participate. It is a good idea to talk to your landscaper early to let them know you plan to participate and then want to get on the landscaper's schedule in June. Also, consider offering a higher payment for the first mow in June because it is likely to be a bit more time and effort to perform for your landscaper. It can also mitigate the issue that the landscaper lost revenue from you during May.

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Q: I'm afraid of bees and am not sure I want to attract them to my yard.

A: Many people have many personal reasons to not like bees, however, most bees have an inaccurate reputation. There are over 365 species of native bees in Massachusetts alone! Many of them are not easily recognizable as bees to the untrained eye. Most bee species in MA are gentle and singularly focused on gathering nectar and pollen from flowers. They are vital to the ecosystem, our food sources, and our survival.