Less Mow May
After an enthusiastic response from the community in May 2022, the Roseville City Council passed a resolution in January 2023 supporting the initiative known as “No Mow May” in many areas, rebranding Roseville’s response as “Less Mow May” based on feedback from residents and staff.
If you would like to participate in Less Mow May 2023, please fill out our online form or call 651-792-7057 to request a lawn sign (1 sign per household). Lawn signs are limited to the first 100 sign-ups and will be available to pick up at City Hall starting May 1, 2023. You can also download a PDF copy and print your own sign!
The City of Roseville will suspend the enforcement of City Code, Section 407.02 regarding lawn care requirements until June 1, 2023.
What is Less Mow May?
Less Mow May is an effort to support pollinators who emerge from hibernation or migrate to Minnesota in early spring and are in deep need of nectar and pollen for food. Common lawn “weeds” such as dandelion, clover, wood sorrel, and even Creeping Charlie can provide much-needed nutrition to these important insects at a time of year when few plants and trees are flowering. Did you know we can thank the work of pollinators for one in three bites of the food we eat?
Note that if you have been treating your lawn for weeds in the past but want to participate, it may take a couple of years after ceasing herbicide treatment for wildflowers to find their way back to your yard.
What isn't Less Mow May?
- A requirement for homeowners to *not* mow their lawns - this is 100% optional!
- It is not an opportunity to let noxious weeds grow alongside spring wildflowers. We discourage the use of herbicide to remove these weeds.
Benefits of Less Mow May
- Reducing how many times you mow your lawn in May gives these early spring wildflowers more chances to bloom.
- Cuts down on fuel used for yard work.
- Grass that grows longer also grows deeper roots and can be more drought-resistant, requiring less water usage.
- Helps encourage biodiversity of both plants and animals in your yard, which leads to a healthier ecosystem in Roseville!
Returning to regular lawn maintenance in June
- Mow late in the day or when grass is dry.
- Mow down in small increments (never more than 1/3 of grass blade’s height at one time), and keep your lawn 3.5-4.5" in height over the summer.
- Rake up excessive clippings to prevent them from going into streets. This protects your local water quality and keeps storm drains clear.
Looking for help with a pollinator-friendly garden project?
Grants are available for development of rain gardens, bee lawns, and other similar garden projects from the following places:
- Lawns to Legumes - taking applications for cost-share grants of up to $350 to create pollinator habitat for the 2023 fall cohort.
- Local watershed districts also have similar grant programs for projects that improve water quality and protect native plants and wildlife! Check which watershed you are in and learn more about their grant options:
Visit the University of Minnesota Extension Bee Lawn information page for details on how to plant and maintain a bee lawn.