Low Mow Spring 

Join the Cool Cities Committee in participating in Low Mow Spring!

 What is Low Mow Spring and why should I participate?

Mowing your lawn less allows flowering plants to bloom, providing bees and other pollinators with nectar and pollen to feed themselves. This is especially beneficial in spring, when pollinators are waking up from hibernation, and less plants are available to feed from. No Mow Spring is a conservation initiative first popularized by Plantlife, and organization based in the United Kingdom. Bee City USA is an initiative by the Xerces Society to promote this conservation effort in the United States. Visit Bee City USA for more information here. 

You can participate Low Mow Spring in many ways including:

1. Setting the mower blade a few inches higher to protect lower flowering plants.
   • Did you know? Setting mower blade higher is shown to help improve grass health by increasing water retention and keeping the soil cooler, especially in summer months.
2. Mow less frequently. 
3. Participate in one month of No Mow. Depending on your site conditions, April may be a great time to avoid mowing. April is peak time for pollinators to seek food. (Eight (8) inches and taller may be cited for code enforcement).
4. Avoid pesticide and herbicide use. Pesticides can be deadly to pollinators and herbicides reduce food sources by removing flowers in the landscape. 

Are lawns really effective for supporting pollinators?

Traditional lawns are maintained as a monoculture with a handful of native and non-native flowering species such as dandelions, clover, violets etc. The more diverse your lawn, the more effective Low Mow Spring will be. 

 Is letting your lawn grow permitted in the City?

The City enforces grass cutting and maintenance. Grass and weeds eight (8) inches in height or taller may be subject to violation in the City of Collinsville. Displaying the Cool Cities Committee sign will let Code Enforcement Officers know you are participating in a sustainable practice, however please ensure grass is maintained and below eight (8) inches in height. 

Low Mow Spring Sign

Complete the form below to receive a free Low Mow Spring Yard sign. Use this sign each year to show your support for our local pollinators!

First come first serve basis. Limited to one sign per address.

We are out of signs for this season. Thank you everyone for participating!

You may also print your own sign through Bee City USA. Follow this link for templates and more information.