Frequently Asked Questions

No Mow 'til Mother’s Day is a voluntary initiative encouraging residents to delay mowing their lawns until Mother’s Day to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Allowing grass and early-blooming flowers to grow provides vital early-season habitats and food sources for pollinators emerging from winter. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the registration form. 

Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. In 2025 it is May 11. 

Delaying mowing allows early-season flowers and ground cover plants—such as clover and violets—to bloom, providing vital nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

No, participation is completely voluntary. Residents are encouraged, not mandated, to delay mowing as part of a broader effort to support urban biodiversity and pollinator health.

Yes, but there is no cost to participate. Registering assists Public Works and Community Development in ensuring that no unnecessary violations will be issued and that the location will not interfere with Public Works programming. 

The Village will relax enforcement of lawn height ordinances for registered participants during the No Mow ‘til Mother’s Day period for participating residents. 

However, no mow does not mean no maintenance; lawns should still be maintained to avoid creating nuisance conditions (e.g., removing excessive weeds, standing water, or debris).

Absolutely. Some residents choose to mow pathways or border areas while leaving portions of their yard natural. This helps support pollinators while still maintaining a tidy appearance. Residents can do their full yards, parts of the yard, or a small patch to experiment. 

Plants like dandelions, clover, violets, and other flowering ground covers are important early food sources for pollinators. Native wildflowers and unmowed grasses also offer shelter.

Yes! The Village encourages residents to proudly display participation signs. For the first year these will be flyers hung within windows. These can help educate neighbors and spark conversations about supporting pollinators. Printable signs will be available on the Village website.

After Mother’s Day, residents are encouraged to resume lawn maintenance. At that point, the Village will resume normal enforcement of lawn height regulations. Grass must be maintained at a height of no more than 6 inches. 

It’s best to avoid using herbicides and pesticides during this time, as they can harm pollinators. If you choose to fertilize, consider using eco-friendly, pollinator-safe products.

Participating in No Mow 'til Mother's Day offers several environmental benefits that go beyond just helping pollinators. First, reducing mowing frequency lowers the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, which decreases carbon emissions and air pollution. This contributes to cleaner air and helps mitigate climate change.

Second, longer grass has deeper root systems, which improves soil health by reducing erosion and increasing the soil's ability to retain moisture. This means your lawn may require less watering, conserving a valuable natural resource.

Third, allowing native plants and flowering ground covers to grow provides food and shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects at a critical time in the year. This supports biodiversity and strengthens the local ecosystem.

Overall, it's a simple but impactful action that promotes a more resilient, sustainable, and pollinator-friendly environment—right in your own yard. 

There are many ways to create a welcoming environment for pollinators beyond the No Mow 'til Mother's Day period. One of the most effective steps you can take is to plant native flowers, grasses, and shrubs. Native plants are adapted to our local climate and soil, and they provide the best food and habitat for native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.

Reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides and herbicides also helps protect pollinators from harmful chemicals. Instead, consider organic or integrated pest management approaches when addressing garden issues.

Installing bee houses or creating small brush piles and bare patches of soil can offer nesting sites for solitary native bees. You can also create a dedicated pollinator garden—a space filled with diverse, flowering plants that bloom from early spring through late fall to provide consistent food sources.

For tips on selecting native plants and designing pollinator-friendly landscapes, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Native Gardening Guide. This resource provides plant lists, garden designs, and maintenance tips to help you get started.

Creating a pollinator-friendly yard not only supports vital species but also adds natural beauty to your property and contributes to a healthier ecosystem for everyone.