Most homeowners appreciate well-manicured lawns. But the viral trend “Let It Bloom” June is trying to change that.
Its goal is to let wildflowers, native grasses, and pollinator-friendly plants steal the spotlight.
“Instead of clean-cut lawns and formal landscaping, this concept favors wilder, more organic appearances,” says Jonathan Ayala, a licensed real estate agent and founder of Hudson Condos in Hoboken, NJ.
It’s no surprise that “Let It Bloom” June has taken off on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The results can be very pretty—think fields of color and buzzing bees. Plus, it taps into the larger trend of sustainability and eco-friendly living. But there are some significant downsides to letting your yard run wild, especially if you’re thinking about selling your place.
Why the idea is catching on
The “Let It Bloom” June trend encourages homeowners to create a more resilient, biodiverse landscape that supports wildlife, especially pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, and even some bird species.
Traditional lawns, which are made up of non-native grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, offer very little in terms of nectar or habitat.
“When you let native plants like milkweed, goldenrod, yarrow, and purple coneflower grow, you support pollinator populations that are essential to local ecosystems and agriculture,” explains Eduard Negodenko, a landscaping expert and gardener at Avanti Landscaping in Woodbridge, Ontario.
In addition, these plants have deep root systems that improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance water retention. This is a win for homeowners as it can lead to a lesser need for watering and make their yards more resilient during dry spells.
“In areas that are drought- or water-restricted, letting native species grow naturally is both an environmentally sound and practical solution,” says Negodenko.
Why it might be a bad idea for some homeowners
Now, here’s the rub: If you decide to participate in “Let It Bloom” June, you might be doing more harm than good.
“Letting your yard grow wild can inadvertently create a haven for invasive species like Canada thistle or Japanese knotweed, which spread aggressively and are hard to remove,” explains Negodenko.
The only way to combat these invasive perennials? Mowing the lawn and tending your garden beds.
Additionally, overgrown areas can also be a habitat for rodents like mice or voles, and tall grasses can harbor ticks—a big concern in the Northeast and Midwest where Lyme disease is prevalent.
“Some wild plants can even be toxic to pets or children, like pokeweed or poison hemlock,” adds Negodenko.
Furthermore, homeowners in suburban neighborhoods might face HOA restrictions or neighbor complaints if their yard looks unkempt.
Why it’s a really bad idea if you’re trying to sell your home
Real estate is all about first impressions. To a prospective buyer, an untended yard will likely suggest the house has been neglected. They might also assume that, because the yard isn’t cared for, the interior probably isn’t either.
“The rain garden, even if it is meant to attract local pollinators, may not be perceived as attractive to buyers and could be seen as a costly or time-consuming problem to address,” says Ayala.
We can’t forget the health and safety concerns as well. Certain buyers might be worried about allergies or the possibility of ticks.
“From a resale standpoint: You want to give off a clean, safe, and inviting exterior that’s easy to envision someone else moving into and feeling comfortable at home,” explains Ayala.
