When set to "Rewilding Mode," this mower automatically leaves 10% of any lawn unclipped, the better to attract bees and other pollinators. Photo courtesy of Husqvarna
Swedish company Husqvarna says its robotic lawnmower now comes with a mode called "rewilding," which leaves 10% of a lawn unmown in order to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Why it matters: With spring here, Americans are debating whether to participate in programs like "No Mow May," which are meant to help the environment by keeping grass at a length that encourages biodiversity.
- But such programs are controversial because unkempt lawns are unsightly, and letting the grass grow too long can be counterproductive.
- Experts say that leaving a portion of your lawn unmown can achieve dual goals: keeping your turf attractive to both bees and neighbors.
How it works Husqvarna says the "rewilding" feature, introduced this month, uses GPS sensors to create a virtual map of the lawn and automatically allocate 10% to a rewilding zone. (See a video here.)