Sustainability Spotlight - May 2025 - Rethinking the Lawn: Simple Ways to Support Pollinators

Each spring, you may hear about “No Mow May.” This campaign encourages people to delay mowing to let early flowers grow, providing food for bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Even if you’ve already mowed this season, there are still plenty of ways to support pollinators year-round.

Across Colorado’s Front Range, native bees, butterflies, birds, and even garden snakes help keep our landscapes healthy. Many live in or near our yards. Mowing less often and allowing patches of grass or flowers to grow taller gives insects a place to live and feed.

Planting native species is another great way to help. These plants naturally thrive in Colorado’s climate, need less water, and support local pollinators. You can also mix in clover, wildflowers, or flowering groundcovers in place of grass. The Colorado Native Plant Society’s guide (PDF) offers excellent recommendations for low-water native plants.

Using fewer or no lawn chemicals is also key. Many weed sprays and bug killers harm more than just pests. Even organic products can be dangerous to pollinators, so always check the label. The National Wildlife Federation shares helpful tips on maintaining a chemical-free lawn.

And finally, leave a little wildness. Brush piles, bare soil, and dry leaves create habitat for insects, birds, and other beneficial creatures. Denver Urban Gardens has great ideas for creating a pollinator-friendly space.

A healthy yard doesn’t always look perfectly green. It might buzz, flutter, and even slither—these are signs of life! Supporting pollinators helps your whole garden and ecosystem thrive.