Make the move from 'No Mow' to 'Slow Mow' and expand pollinator habitat to the entire growing season! Bees need food after May, too. Many bee species do not even emerge from hibernation until June or July, when self-heal, ground plum, lanceleaf tickweed or calico American aster may be blooming in your lawn.  

What is 'Slow Mow Summer?' Even small changes to minimize impacts on bees can make a big difference. 

What can you do?

• New research encourages to mow less often, 2-4 times a summer. 
• Mowing after lawn flowers bloom, instead of before.
• When mowing, remove 1/3 the total height of the turf. 
• Fertilizer use should be limited. 
• Creating less areas of turf and more areas of pollinator friendly species.
• Remembering to keep tuff grasses under 12" in height and noxious weeds out. 

Hibernating pollinators that utilize leaves need a little extra time to emerge.  Try to leave winer leaf litter until you notice blooming trees and flowers with active bees, then it is safe to remove the leaves.  

The University of Minnesota has updated research from no mow may, to slow mow summer.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgFMlNFJDi0 

Get your 'Slow Mow Summer' yard sign at Parks and Recreation in City Hall. 

Rochester has 8 participating parks each year.  These parks rotate annually. Keep an eye on our social media platforms to see the current years listing. 

Additional Information: