Letting our lawns revert back to Ohio’s native prairies is not a viable option for everyone. If you don’t live in a rural setting, chances are there are local weed abatement laws that require lawns to be trimmed before they start to look unsightly. In Columbus, for example, grass is usually considered too high when it surpasses 12 inches. But even if a tallgrass prairie isn’t an option, there are other ways to benefit wildlife without making a statement about un-mowed lawns.
To start, don’t gut crass shorter than 3 inches. Not only is your grass healthier, greener, and more drought-resistant when it’s not sheared as short as a putting green, but 3 inches still allows small clovers to flower, providing benefit to pollinators. You could also try mowing your lawn every other week instead of on a weekly basis. This keeps lawns looking nice but can support 30% more bees with the increase in flowers.
If mowing lawns just isn’t for you, try planting a native plant garden to fill your lawn space. Gardens can be allowed to grow wild to help wildlife and a garden looks better than an overgrown, weed-filled lawn. Reducing lawns helps wildlife, and even if you have to maintain your lawn at least somewhat there are still ways to benefit wildlife. For more information on creating pollinator-friendly lawns, visit https://www.pollinator.org/learning-center/gardens