STARKVILLE — City officials are encouraging residents to mow less this spring as part of a strategy aimed at supporting wildflower growth and helping pollinators thrive.
The City of Starkville announced it will implement a reduced mowing approach in select areas this season, allowing naturally occurring wildflowers to grow and provide food for bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife emerging after winter.
Officials say the effort also beautifies the community while reducing costs associated with fuel, herbicides and routine mowing.
“We’re fortunate in Mississippi to have so many wildflowers that appear this time of year,” said Chris Smiley, director of Sanitation and Environmental Services. “They’re an important part of Starkville’s natural beauty and a key indicator of a healthy environment.”
A variety of spring wildflowers commonly appear in local lawns and green spaces, including spring beauty, daisy fleabane, ranunculus, oxalis, jonquil, phlox, violets and clover. Many of these plants act as “companion plants,” which grow alongside turfgrass and can help improve soil health, reduce pests and suppress weeds.
Experts say protecting wildflowers can play an important role in supporting pollinators, which have experienced significant population declines in recent decades due to habitat loss, pesticide use and invasive species. Research suggests about 40% of invertebrate pollinators could face extinction in the coming decades.
Bob Brzuszek, professor emeritus in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mississippi State University, said even small changes in mowing habits can help.
“It’s not a lack of care if you don’t mow — you’re actually caring about pollinators,” Brzuszek said, suggesting homeowners delay mowing for a week or two to see what wildflowers naturally emerge.
Some homeowners, he said, choose to mow around patches of flowers, creating colorful “islands” in the grass while preserving habitat for wildlife. Others plant native wildflower seeds to encourage biodiversity and beautify their yards.
City officials say the reduced mowing strategy highlights the natural beauty of the Starkville area while supporting a healthier local ecosystem.
