To Mow or Not to Mow? Join Ridgewood’s “Slow Mow May” to Save the Bees
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As spring blooms across Bergen County, the Village of Ridgewood is buzzing with a familiar eco-friendly movement: Slow Mow May.
This grassroots initiative encourages residents to rethink their lawn care routine for 31 days to support essential pollinators. But is the “shaggy” look right for your property? Here is everything you need to know about joining the movement, the environmental perks, and the practical downsides to consider.
What is Slow Mow May?
The goal is simple: Adopt a two-week mowing schedule and skip the lawn chemicals for the entire month of May.
By letting your grass grow a little longer and keeping pesticides and herbicides off the soil, you create a vital sanctuary for bees and other early-season pollinators. These insects are waking up from winter and desperately need the food sources (like dandelions and clover) that a strictly manicured lawn usually eliminates.
The Benefits: Why Your Lawn Matters
Participating in Slow Mow May isn’t just about being “lazy” with the lawnmower—it’s a deliberate act of environmental stewardship.
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Pollinator Paradise: Increased habitat for bees, butterflies, and local wildlife.
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Cleaner Air: Fewer mows mean a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and noise pollution.
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Safety First: By ditching harsh chemicals, you create a healthier environment for children and pets to play.
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Sustainable Beauty: Promotes a diverse, resilient landscape that can better handle the New Jersey summer heat.
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Community Solidarity: It’s a visible way to show you care about Ridgewood’s local ecosystem.
The Flip Side: Is It Right for You?
While the ecological benefits are massive, the Village of Ridgewood acknowledges that a “wild” lawn isn’t for everyone. Before you put the mower in the shed, consider these factors:
1. Aesthetics & Property Value
Let’s be honest: a two-week-old lawn looks different. If you live in a neighborhood where “golf course green” is the gold standard, the unkempt look might impact your curb appeal or draw a side-eye from the neighbors.
2. The “Pest” Factor
Longer grass can become a Hilton for more than just bees. Ticks and mosquitoes thrive in tall blades, which can be a concern for families and dog owners in North Jersey.
3. Local Regulations
Always check your specific HOA rules. While the Village promotes the program, some private associations have strict height requirements for grass that could lead to fines if you aren’t careful.
4. Allergies & Lawn Health
Taller grass releases more pollen, which can be a struggle for allergy sufferers. Additionally, depending on the humidity, very long grass can occasionally be more susceptible to fungal diseases.
How to Sign Up in Ridgewood
Ready to let it grow? Joining the movement is easy and helps the Village track our collective environmental impact.
[Click Here to Sign Up for Slow Mow May Ridgewood]
Once you sign up, grab a lawn sign (if available) to let your neighbors know that your long grass isn’t neglect—it’s a intentional habitat for our fuzzy pollinator friends!
Search SEO & Metadata
Google Discover Optimized Headlines:
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Option 1: Ridgewood’s “Slow Mow May” is Back: Should You Stop Mowing Your Lawn This Month?
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Option 2: Why Ridgewood Residents are Ditching Lawn Chemicals and Mowers This May
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Option 3: Help the Bees, Skip the Mow: Everything You Need to Know About Slow Mow May 2026
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Tags: #SlowMowMay #RidgewoodNJ #SaveTheBees #EcoFriendlyLiving #BergenCounty #SustainableGardening #NJPollinators
yeah don’t cut your lawn. I need the tall grass to live so I can continue passing along Lyme disease. also my friends the ants need to get strength to invade your homes.
fleas and ticks
Is this a Village council initiative requiring a vote? I’m wondering because the post reads “ this is a deliberate act of environmental stewardship”
Shouldn’t the Schedler property be treated with the same care by keeping all trees and natural environment as a “deliberate act of environmental stewardship”
Like the bees 🐝 the Schedler neighbors would appreciate bee-ing the beneficiaries of
“ a deliberate act of environmental stewardship”
Hypocrites
And once the pollinators make a home we mow them in June?
this whole thing is bs. other than clover the bees aren’t interest in your law. grow some flowers and thats where the bees go
This is all bullshit, this is not about the bees, this is about having less yard waste, just like years ago oh, we think everyone should have mulching plates, let the grass fetch just blow leave it on the lawn, meaning just got it and leave it. Yeah, OK, pick up the yard waste.
Funny..they changed it from no mow may to slow mow may.
Doubling down on a silly idea
Ridgewood used to take pride in manicured lawns now we are promoting NOT cutting lawns and looking like crap. Wait to go ridiculous council members. Just gross and untamed. Get off your high horse and help your neighbors cut their lawns
Have the Village Council commit to a no shower May. Have all Village meetings on May, the 29th.
My landscaper pointed out that this project reduces the number of lawn mowings and therefore reduces landscapers’ pay, only to make their job twice as hard when they have to mow more grass at a time later. It is frankly ridiculous and should be dropped.