Slow Mow May
After completing a successful No Mow May initiative in 2023, the City Council passed a resolution in January 2024 supporting a rebranded version called “Slow Mow May”.
What is Slow Mow May?
While the City continues its efforts to become pollinator friendly by ensuring best management practices for vegetation, moving from No Mow May to Slow Mow May was based on the feedback from residents. Slow Mow May offers a more balanced approach encouraging participants to maintain their lawns at 3-4 inches (but no more than 8”) high to retain soil moisture, sediment and nutrients, crowd out weeds, and buffer against a drought throughout the summer growing season. Additionally, mowing later in May benefits pollinators by allowing flowers and other food sources to grow and flourish.
Spring is crucial for pollinators because it allows them to emerge from hibernation and forage effectively and safely. Reduced lawn mowing also conserves natural resources, such as gas and water, and promotes bird reproduction.
How it works
- The City of Brooklyn Park will continue its efforts to become a pollinator friendly city by ensuring best management practices for vegetation.
- The timeframe for Slow Mow May is May 1 through May 31.
- Registration is free to participate. Sign up by May 10, 2024.
- Enforcement of the above City Code requirements is not suspended during the month of May. Must maintain lawns below eight inches in height at all times.
Yard signs
Swing by City Hall for your FREE Slow Mow May yard sign! (While supplies last) Registered participants will receive an email when the yard signs arrive and are available for pickup.
If you participated in No Mow May in 2023 and kept your sign, please reuse it for the program this year.
The city will purchase a limited number of free yard signs for pickup at City Hall. Signs will be available on a first come, first served basis. Signs will also be limited to one per household. In the event we run out, you can download a copy of the sign using the link below. Printed signs can be placed in your front window for better visibility.
Download and print your own sign >
How to register
The deadline to register for Slow Mow May is Friday, May 10.
Other languages
If you need this information in another language or format or disability accommodations, email access@brooklynpark.org or call 763-424-8000.
Si usted necesita esta información en español: 763-424-8000
Yog xav tau kev pab, thov hu rau: Pang Yang, 763-424-8000.
View participants
Check to see if your neighbors are participating in Slow Mow May!
More information
Check out these helpful links to learn more about maintaining a healthy lawn while also supporting pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Mowing best practices >
Pollinator-friendly landscapes >
Blue Thumb workshops and events >