DATE: March 14, 2023
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Haley Foster
(763) 295-2711 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us
City Council Approves ‘No Mow May’
Monticello, MN – On Monday, March 13 City Council approved ‘No Mow May’ in Monticello. For the second consecutive year, the City will suspend nuisance enforcement on grass lengths during the month of May.
No Mow May is a conservation initiative recommended by the Minnesota DNR. The goal is to allow grass to grow unmown during the month, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. Pollinators play a critical role in our food supply and keeping our natural resources healthy. 
Residents are encouraged to suspend mowing for the month, but it is not required. There are other ways you can help Minnesota’s pollinators if you want to continue to mow. The public can also plant bee flowers and native plants as well as keep plants pesticide free.
During the month of May, City staff will continue mowing around rental structures in the parks, and around City buildings to ensure accessibility. We’re excited to participate in No Mow May in other ways, like adding native prairie grasses and wildflowers throughout our parks system.
If residents plan on participating, please note that enforcement will resume Thursday, June 1. At that time, all lawns must be maintained per the City’s Code (grass cannot be over 8 inches). We recommend giving yourself a few days to safely manage your lawn. Here are a couple of tips from the University of Minnesota for mowing long grass:
- Adjust your mower to the highest setting, you will have to make more than one pass over the grass.
- After you have reduced the grass height to a more manageable length, change the mower setting by reducing the height of the blade, before making a second pass.
- Do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time in a single mowing. This helps prevent root stress and promotes a healthy lawn.
For more information visit the City’s website or check out the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab for other actions you can take to help our local pollinators.