VOLUME 8⚪ISSUE NO. 8⚪ APRIL 16, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
◻️ No Mow May
◻️ April is…
◻️ Earth Day
◻️ Color Your World
The No Mow May initiative has garnered positive attention for pollinators, but like any strategy, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. By refraining from mowing lawns during the month of May, home and business owners are told they can support biodiversity by allowing wildflowers to bloom and provide essential habitats for pollinators. However, it is important to consider the drawbacks as well. Understanding both sides of the equation, along with alternatives, is crucial in making an informed decision on whether or not to participate in No Mow May. ~Shayne
NO MOW MAY
As we near the end of this month, you may start to hear a lot about “No Mow May” – a movement that encourages people to not mow their lawns during the month of May as a way to support pollinators. The idea behind this initiative is to let the grass and weeds grow and bloom, providing food and shelter for essential pollinators like birds, bees, flies, wasps, beetles, and butterflies early in the season when these much-needed resources may be scarce. It was started in 2019 by citizen scientists focusing on urban areas in the UK and has since spread to other countries, including the US.
DON’T LET “NO MOW MAY” TURN INTO “OH NO JUNE”
No Mow May is a fantastic idea in theory, but it is not without criticism. We have found that there are much better ways to help our pollinators and avoid the negative effects in your soil and on your turf.
SOME DISADVANTAGES:
- It only “helps” for one month.
- Tall grass and weeds could shade the soil too much, leading to turf diseases.
- High grasses increase pest populations – think ticks!
- Weeds and other invasive plants that are allowed to establish themselves during the month might not disappear after mowing.
- The reliable food sources created during the month are abruptly taken away once regular mowing resumes.
- This “false habitat” also suddenly disappears to the detriment of the beneficial insects that decided to make their homes there.
- Removing too much of the grass blade at once can send your turf into shock.
- Clumps of long grass that are left on the turf can kill the grass below.
- An unkempt lawn can look unsightly.
Despite the controversy, No Mow May continues to gain popularity as a simple way for individuals to contribute to environmental conservation. It’s also seen as a bridge to understanding how we share our lawns with many small creatures. But…
YardScapes will always advocate for helping the pollinators all year, not only for one month. For our part, we encourage homeowners to instead, “Mow High, May, June & July” to best help suppress weeds and allow grass roots to grow deeper and stronger, which in turn, makes the turf more resilient to pests and disease and also helps reduce the need for supplemental irrigation.
We also promote and encourage planting of early blooming native trees, wildflowers and ornamentals that oftentimes offer much more nutrition than dandelions alone. Some of our clients have also opted to install dedicated wildflower/pollinator gardens, replaced areas of grass with flowering ground cover like clover, and even created wildflower meadows on a portion of their property. If you really want to make a positive impact, an established and permanent area set aside for insects is best.
A variety of native plants that bloom throughout the year is the easiest way to create a pollinator-friendly space. If you are planting to attract butterflies specifically, make sure plants their larvae feed on are also included in the plan. It’s also a great idea to add a few night-blooming flowers for the often overlooked, yet still important pollinators, moths. Add a water feature where they can rest and refresh, and you’ve created a pollinator paradise!
Having a healthy lawn can offer numerous benefits, both environmental and personal. Here are some of the key advantages:
Environmental Benefits:
- Oxygen Production: Lawns are living organisms that produce oxygen while sequestering carbon, contributing to cleaner air.
- Dust and Dirt Trapping: Lawns can capture dust and dirt particles which helps reduce air pollution.
- Stormwater Filtration: A healthy lawn can absorb pollutants from stormwater runoff, preventing them from entering the sewer systems and eventually, bodies of water.
- Natural Cooling: Grass can be significantly cooler than hard surfaces, reducing the ‘heat island’ effect in urban areas.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of lawn grass help hold soil in place, preventing erosion by wind and water.
Personal and Lifestyle Benefits:
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-maintained lawn enhances the beauty of your home and can increase property value.
- Recreational Space: Lawns provide a safe and comfortable space for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
- Stress Reduction: The greenery of a lawn has a natural calming effect, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.
- Noise Reduction: Grass can absorb sound, making your surroundings quieter and more peaceful.
- Wildlife Habitat: Lawns can serve as habitats for various micro-flora and micro-fauna, supporting biodiversity.
These benefits show that lawns are not just for aesthetics; they play a significant role in environmental conservation and personal well-being.
EARTH DAY
First celebrated by the US in 1970, Earth Day is now a global event that honors our shared home while bringing the importance of environmental conservation to the forefront.
Earth Day is celebrated by over 193 countries around the world, making it the world’s largest non-religious observance.
This is the day to be reminded about the interconnection of all life on Earth and be reminded to appreciate the planet’s natural beauty every day and not only once a year.
It is also a day to acknowledge the environmental challenges we all face from climate change. These include, shifting weather patterns, the decline of natural resources (especially water), overpopulation, urban development, deforestation, chemical and plastic pollution, loss of biodiversity, and illegal activities like wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, mining & fishing, and a threat we just learned about, sand trafficking,
If, like us, you believe every day is Earth Day, we hope you are embracing some of the simple things we can all do to help make a difference.
Take the first step by calculating your carbon footprint. CLICK HERE
“The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.”
— Ernest Hemingway
2024 SPRING DAY OF SERVICE
Our Spring Day of Service is held as close to Earth Day as possible, and on this special day, team members, friends, family and business associates come together to perform spring cleanups at a few local non-profit organizations then return to HQ for a cookout. Look for us working around town!
COLOR YOUR WORLD
As we step into the spring season, we want to share some ways to bring a burst of life and color to your garden. Imagine stepping outside to vibrant hues, where every corner is a delightful surprise of natural beauty.
Why Add Color? Color does more than just beautify; it creates mood, adds depth, and reflects your personal style. It can turn your garden into a tranquil retreat or a lively space for entertaining.
How to Add Color?
- Seasonal Blooms: Introduce a variety of plants that flower at different times of the year for a continuous display of color.
- Foliage with Flair: Consider plants with colorful leaves that provide visual interest throughout all the seasons.
- Pots & Planters: Use containers in bold colors to add instant vibrancy to your patio or porch with annuals.
- Artful Accents: Incorporate garden art or decorative pieces that complement the plant colors and textures.
We’re here to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams. Together, we can design a landscape that not only adds monetary value to your property, but also brings joy and color to every day. We look forward to crafting your personalized garden utopia!
HUG A TREE ON ARBOR DAY
Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, a special day in the US dedicated to the planting and nurturing of trees as well as highlighting the importance of trees and nature in our lives. We are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, and what better way to honor Arbor Day than by planting a tree!
In the US, Arbor Day is most commonly observed on the last Friday in April. However, some states have adjusted the date to coincide with optimal tree-planting weather. For instance, Florida celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday in January, while Alaska marks it on the third Monday in May.
The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit organization, inspires people worldwide to plant, care for, and celebrate trees. With a mission to plant 500 million trees by 2027, they collaborate with partners globally, employ a science-based approach, and draw from over 50 years of tree-planting experience. Their efforts contribute to addressing climate change, fostering community well-being, and promoting biodiversity.
So, let’s embrace Arbor Day this April and join in planting more trees, educating others, making a positive impact on our planet, and showing our trees some love!
“The talented team at YardScapes has truly reinvented our property, working organically, with the natural beauty of the area to create a magical haven for birds, butterflies, and humans alike! We are so grateful for the work they’ve done in elevating our environment; to step outside into our own private paradise is invaluable!” L.C. – New Preston, CT
