APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton’s municipal services committee voted against a plan called “No Mow May.”
It would’ve temporarily prevented the city from enforcing its long grass law from May 1 to June 15.
Right now, homeowners are not allowed to let their grass get taller than eight inches.
Supporters were pushing the idea as a way to improve the bee population.
But opponents tells FOX 11 letting the grass grow could bring unwelcome guests.
“As far as being neighborly and wanting the stuff to grow I get that, but when I go to those properties there’s no bees or butterflies or anything around. It’s other stuff. Critters, mice, rabbits all over, and for the neighbors that can get into their house,” one resident said.
“We really don’t foresee a lot of properties even exceeding the existing policy, and so essentially it’s just about allowing people to have that conversation, because right now most of us will mow our lawns when it’s over two inches or an inch and a half because we feel like we’re going to be violating the policy, but in reality we can let it grow quite tall,” another resident said.
The committee’s vote is just a recommendation.
Supporters plan to make people more aware of the city’s current policy, even if the resolution fails at city council.
Appleton is a “Bee City,” meaning it’s committed to creating sustainable bee habitats.


