The NCC says it's okay to let your lawn look a little tatty this month (file photo)

By Glenn Hicks

yard moves

Go easy on the lawn this month, and the critters: NCC

May 8, 2021 | 10:00 AM

The snow has melted, growing season is upon us, and that means it’ll soon be time to mow the lawn, right?

No. While our yards and green spaces have become important refuges during this pandemic, they’re also critical for pollinators. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is suggesting we hang on for a little when it comes to cutting the grass. And that means you can leave the weeds too during No Mow May.

“You’ve got my personal permission to have a few dandelions up there,” Osler-based Mathew Braun, manager of science and planning with NCC Saskatchewan told paNOW, only partially in jest.

“We’re not looking for the complete abandonment of the lawnmower, but take a break, give it a bit of a head start,” he advised.

He said allowing early flowers- including dandelions – to bloom, will give a vital boost to the habitat for native pollinators and migratory birds. This in turn has an impact on the quality of our urban eco systems.

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“When you’re out there in your yard keep an eye on those insects making use of those early flowers. Across the province our yards are pretty important for a lot of different species to get that first edge when they emerge or arrive,” he said.

Bumblebee on flower (submitted photo NCC/Jason Bantle)

According to the NCC, bees and butterflies are the most familiar insect pollinators, while moths, flies, beetles and ants are lesser-known pollinators that still play an important role. In recent years, there has been a sharp decline in some pollinator populations due to climate change, habitat loss (including the loss of native plants) and pesticides. Many of the fruits we buy or that we grow in our own gardens, including strawberries, apples and melons, depend on pollination by wild insects.

If you do feel compelled to get the lawnmower out, the NCC suggests doing so less often and go slow to allow insects, frogs and other wildlife to move out of the way.

One study found changing a mowing routine and allowing plants to flower can create enough nectar for 10 times more pollinators.

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glenn.hicks@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow