Grow Green, formerly known as No Mow May began as an initiative encouraging homeowners to implement alternative lawn care practices during spring time. No Mow May started the conversation, and Grow Green puts the ideas that blossomed from No Mow May into practice.
Refocusing No Mow May to Grow Green expands upon the once month-long program, which originally took place during the month of May, to a season-long program beginning in April. Doing so encourages the implementation of sustainable lawncare and landscape practices all season long, rather than one month of the year. By expanding these practices, we can help provide pollinators and other local wildlife with habitat year-round!
These actions include reducing pesticide use, reducing the frequency of mowing, introducing native plant species to your garden beds, and providing additional food/habitat resources for pollinators. The residual impacts of participating in Grow Green can include a healthier lawn ecosystem, increased pollinator populations, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from lawn mowers.
Participating in the Grow Green Program is optional.
Register for Grow Green
Springtime is a formative period for establishments of pollinators, when they emerge from dormancy and require flowering plants as crucial foraging habitat. Did you know there are 4,000 native bee species in the United States? Learn more about our area's native bee's by visiting pollinator.org. These opportunities are dramatically reduced with early spring grass-mowing. As grass is routinely cut, it weakens the root system. By allowing the grass to grow out, it gives the opportunity to develop a greater root system, which improves water retention and drought resiliency.
Participation is subject to property owner discretion. Please contact your property manager before registering or participating in Grow Green programs.
Yes, enforcement of Municipal Code Sec. 30-4 will continue alongside the Grow Green program. Code states lawns must be kept at eight inches or less.
Anyone! Participation in Grow Green is not limited to the City of La Crosse. However, we encourage you to check with your local municipality for any codes or regulations that may pertain to lawn care and landscaping.
Registration is not required but encouraged. This allows us a better understanding of program impact and participation.
Looking for examples of alternative lawncare and landscaping within the city? Check out the locations below to get inspired, and Grow Green!
Grass clippings or yard waste can be utilized in garden beds as a weed preventative and natural fertilizer. They can also be dropped off at Isle La Plume Yard Waste & Brush Site at 2000 Marco Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601; you must be a resident of the City and purchase a permit sticker to use this site.
Site Hours (Seasonal):
For special dates & closures, please visit the Brush & Yard Waste Website.