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Council rescinds "Less Mow May" resolution, moves to year‑round pollinator support and tweaks wording
Summary
After staff advised that May‑only mowing suspensions may not align with Minnesota pollinator biology, the Roseville City Council unanimously rescinded its prior Less/No Mow May resolution and approved a shift toward a year‑round pollinator support approach and related outreach, including substituting "bumblebees" in the resolution wording.
The Roseville City Council unanimously moved on Monday to rescind its previous Less/No Mow May resolution and to refocus the city’s outreach on year‑round pollinator support, following a staff presentation and council discussion.
Noelle Bakken, Sustainability Specialist, reviewed the city’s Less Mow May program history and recent research that indicates a single month pause in mowing may not provide the best benefits for Minnesota pollinators. Bakken said research from the University of Minnesota and other local findings suggest pollinators emerge across a broader seasonal window and that May in Minnesota can be wetter and not the optimal month for a blanket no‑mow policy. "Most of the beneficial blooming species ... do not grow much beyond 2 to 3, maybe 4 inches. So they're well within our existing turf ordinance," Bakken told the council.
Bakken recommended rescinding the earlier resolution and shifting Roseville toward the University of Minnesota’s "Slow‑to‑Mow Summer" guidance, emphasizing year‑round pollinator support such as planting native flowering trees and shrubs, promoting bee‑friendly turf alternatives (fescues, bee‑lawn mixes), responsible mowing practices, mulching clippings, and encouraging transitions to electric lawn equipment.
Council discussion included expanding outreach on watering and rebates for smart irrigation systems, Xcel Energy electric‑equipment rebates, and the city’s tree sale as a vehicle for promoting flowering trees. A council member suggested a wording change in the draft resolution to reference "bumblebees" rather than a more general "bees," and staff agreed to update the text.
Councilor Graff moved to adopt the revised resolution (including the wording change); Councilor Schroeder seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Council instructed staff to update outreach materials and noted staff will coordinate with Parks and Community Development if questions arise about natural landscaping and invasive species.
