Growing, Not Mowing in Public Green Spaces

Cities and counties are evaluating publicly-owned and maintained property for inclusion in programs that reduce mowing costs and increase ecological benefits for select parcels.  Some plots of land may be mowed only once a year, others transformed into woodlands to increase tree canopy and the essential understory ecosystems that it nutures.  Special emphasis is placed on land little used by the public, or potentially hazardous to work crews due to slope or standing water.  Following the lead of other public entities (like Cook County, Illinois beginning in 2016), public entities will save Public Works resources; reduce mowing pollution; and increase the ecological value of green space previously mowed regularly.

Frequent mowing requires Public Works labor hours, expends gasoline creating air pollution, and compacts the soil. Areas mowed less frequently may have taller native grasses, meadow plants, or full plantings of trees and shrubs, depending on the location and public use. Short turf grass is ecologically bereft, providing few benefits to insects (including pollinators), birds, and small mammals. 

What are the benefits of reducing large swaths of frequently-mown grass?

Fiscal and Environmental Benefits

• Fewer hours of Public Works mowing

• Less fuel emissions and expense

• Less water and no fertilizer needed

Benefits for Wildlife and Pollinators

• Native plants provide food and cover for birds and insects, including at-risk native bees and butterflies

• Native plants provide a breeding ground for many species

Benefits to Water Quality

• Improves water quality by filtering pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides that would have otherwise entered the streams and lakes

• Shrubs and trees provide shade to cool streets, sidewalks, and streams

• Stabilizes the soil to reduce erosion

• Slows storm water runoff