unmowed

Unmowed is an adjective used to describe vegetation that has not been cut or trimmed by mowing. It is most commonly applied to grass, lawns, fields, or roadside vegetation that has not been mowed for a period. The term is sometimes spelled unmown in British English, but unmowed is widely used in American and international contexts.

Unmowed areas can occur by design, such as in meadow restoration, pollinator-friendly landscaping, or conservation programs that aim to support biodiversity. They can also result from irregular maintenance schedules, resource constraints, or deliberate postponement of mowing.

Ecological considerations include increased plant species richness and habitat diversity when mowing is reduced or delayed. Unmowed vegetation can provide forage for insects, birds, and small mammals. However, it can also raise concerns about fire risk in dry conditions, nuisance, or the spread of certain invasive or weedy species if not managed thoughtfully.

Management of unmowed areas often involves balancing aesthetics, safety, and ecological goals. Practices may include establishing mowing windows, choosing appropriate mowing heights, and designating specific zones for unmowed vegetation while keeping other areas regularly trimmed.

This article uses unmowed to describe a condition or management choice rather than a specific plant species or technique. See also lawn maintenance, meadow management, and habitat restoration.