As spring arrives in full swing, many Americans are embracing the no-mow lawn trend, ditching traditional grassy lawns for wildflowers and native species. In our recent story on why people love their no-mow lawns, we received a flood of responses from readers sharing their experiences.
Those who have made the switch report numerous benefits, including reduced work and financial savings in drought-prone states. Emigration Canyon resident Rob Gerlach seeded his open spaces with native grasses and wildflowers, resulting in zero irrigation demand and a “huge blessing” – literally. In contrast to traditional lawns, no-mow yards now attract birds, insects, and wildlife.
Julie Maynard of Middletown, Maryland, has mowed her side yard for several years, enjoying vibrant patterns from flowering grasses and an array of wildflowers like goldenrod and wild aster. Meanwhile, Bradley Holt’s backyard in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, is teeming with young trees and a diverse range of bees and monarchs.
Other readers have reported similar successes, including Chad Moore of Missoula, Montana, who mows only the center of his yard to allow taller prairie flowers to grow toward the edges. Patti Bean of Plantersville, Texas, has seen an increase in native wildflowers year-round due to her once-a-year mowing schedule.
The no-mow lawn trend is not limited to larger properties; even urban gardeners like Victoria Lyall of Buncombe County, North Carolina, and Nan Forti of Manchester, Vermont, are finding creative ways to incorporate native species into their small spaces. By embracing this approach, Americans can create more wildlife-friendly environments while reducing their workload and environmental impact.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2025/no-mow-may-2025