A team from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, southern Poland, spent three years exploring how to care for lawns in a way that supports biodiversity without compromising comfort, the PAP news agency reported earlier this week.
Their work also examined whether grass height has any impact on the presence of ticks.
On the university campus, researchers set up experimental plots subjected to different mowing regimes, ranging from 12 cuts per season to just once every two years.
Over time, the plots developed clear differences in both appearance and ecosystem dynamics, allowing for real-world comparisons rather than laboratory-based results.
The team monitored plant diversity, insect populations, and soil conditions.
Their findings suggest that mowing more than once a month offers little benefit. Instead, a patchwork strategy—cutting only areas where it is necessary—helps strike a balance between aesthetics and ecological health.
Frequent mowing was found to harm biodiversity, increase soil temperature, compact the ground, and contribute to environmental degradation. However, abandoning mowing altogether is also not ideal, as it can encourage the spread of invasive species.
Importantly, the study also challenges a common assumption about ticks. Contrary to popular belief, the researchers found no clear link between grass height or mowing frequency and tick presence, suggesting that taller grass does not necessarily mean a higher risk.
(mo)
Source: PAP