No Mow May
No Mow May: Help Your Bees and Trees
Are you looking forward to spring and watching the world turn green again? With the longer days and warmer weather, we’ll be seeing buds go from almost imperceptible dots to leaves and flowers in no time. That also means our drab lawns will be filling out with lush blades of grass. We’ll be bringing the lawnmower for service in preparation of months of cutting.
Stop! Your Favorite Arborist Has Important News
April showers really do bring May flowers. Stop and take a moment to notice what is growing in between those blades of grass. Can you see clover? Before you reach for the weed killer, stop to remember what’s printed on that bottle of honey you bought. Clover is a wonderful source of nectar for our little pollinating friends.
If you’ve ever craved that first cup of coffee and breakfast after a good night’s sleep, imagine how hungry bees are after months of cold winter months, during which they group together to keep warm while conserving energy. They wake from this long slumber party looking for food.
We can make their lives easier by making food more accessible. Waiting to cut our lawns will provide vital nutrients to these small but critical partners on whom we rely for our food supply.
Pollination: the Birds and the Bees… and Trees
If your parents taught you about the birds and the bees, then you know that flowers depend on our flying friends to reproduce. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pollinators like bees and butterflies help pollinate approximately 75 percent of the world's flowering plants and 35 percent of the world's fruits, vegetables, and other foods. A planet that needs to feed 8 billion people relies on a strong food supply; bees do something very amazing when they visit plants and flowers.
Bees like trees, too, and help pollinate our favorite trees like maples. As you sweeten your tea with honey and pour maple syrup over your pancakes, spare a thought for how you can feed the little bees.
Relax: Leave the Mower Alone and Talk to your Favorite Tree Service Professional
If you love relaxing in your backyard, then think about the gift you give yourself by delaying that first mow for a few weeks. What would you do with a few extra hours?
Some people dislike the idea of a lawn that looks anything other than perfectly manicured. You can still work on your lawn, just avoid the mower. There are some tasks you can do to tidy up your space, such as picking up sticks and branches that fell during winter. This is also a good time to take stock and make a plan for maintaining your lawn and all of the plants that grow in it. That includes trees and shrubs. A slow walk with a professional can bring you a wealth of information at no charge, possibly saving you as you keep your trees strong and healthy.
The state has provided a good primer and list of plants that help our pollinators. With good reading materials and free consultations, you can easily enjoy a healthier, more relaxed spring and still be proud of your lawn!