Village Opts Out Of 'No Mow May' Movement

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood residents will have to keep their grass in proper shape this May—a change from prior years' popular "No Mow" month.

The Village on Monday informed residents they wouldn't be participating in this year's "No Mow May," an initiative to take a break from lawnscaping in May to give flowers in lawns a chance to bloom, and boost early season pollinators.

"While the Village supports pollinator health and environmentally friendly practices, research shows that long-term native planting solutions are more effective than simply not mowing for a few weeks," the Village said in a release. "The lack of mowing can also negatively affect lawn health by encouraging pests, invasive weeds, and allergens."

No Mow May was first popularized by Plantlife, an organization based in the United Kingdom, but is now gaining traction across North America, according to Bee City USA.

Instead of skipping mowing, the Village said they encourage:

• Planting native flowers and establishing pollinator gardens
• Creating bee-friendly yards with diverse, sustainable vegetation
• Maintaining healthy turf to reduce invasive species and pests

"Together, we can support our environment in ways that are sustainable, attractive, and consistent with Homewood’s community standards," the Village said.

With Homewood passing on the initiative this year, residents are reminded that grass and weeds must not exceed six (6) inches in height, per local ordinance.