No Mow Zone

A Simple Change That Makes a Big Difference

Imagine improving water quality, creating wildlife habitat, reducing yard work, and adding natural beauty to your shoreline—all by mowing a little less.

A No-Mow Zone is one of the easiest and most effective ways shoreline property owners can care for Torch Lake.

What is a No-Mow Zone?

A No-Mow Zone is an area between your lawn and the shoreline where grasses, wildflowers, and native plants are allowed to grow naturally. This buffer can be as little as 5 feet wide, but wider is even better.

Unlike turf grass, which has roots only a few inches deep, native plants develop root systems that can extend 12 to 36 inches into the soil. These deep roots act as a natural filter, holding soil in place while trapping nutrients and pollutants before they reach Torch Lake.

 If You Fertilize

If your lawn truly needs nutrients:

• Have your soil tested first.
• Choose phosphorus-free products unless a soil test indicates a deficiency.
• Follow application instructions carefully.
• Never apply fertilizer before heavy rain.
• Keep fertilizer off driveways, sidewalks, and roadways where it can wash directly into storm drains.

Our Choices Matter!

Getting Started is Easy

1. Stop mowing along the shoreline.
Choose a section where your lawn meets the lake. The wider the buffer, the greater the benefit.

2. Let nature take over.
Native grasses and wildflowers will naturally begin to return.

3. Remove invasive plants.
As the area grows, simply pull unwanted invasive species while allowing desirable native plants to thrive.

4. Add native plants.
Enhance your shoreline with native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and sedges for even greater benefits to wildlife and water quality.

Small Changes. Lasting Impact.

You don’t have to transform your entire shoreline overnight. Even creating a portion of your waterfront as a No-Mow Zone helps reduce runoff, protects wildlife habitat, and keeps Torch Lake clean and clear.

Together, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the same crystal-clear waters that make Torch Lake so special.