Mowing a wet lawn may seem like a necessary task after a rainy spell, but it’s generally not the best idea. 7 reasons why cutting grass in damp conditions can lead to problems for both your lawn and your mower. Additionally, we’ll provide helpful tips for those times when mowing wet grass becomes unavoidable, ensuring you can minimize damage and maintain safety while keeping your lawn in shape.
Can You Mow Wet Grass?
Many homeowners find themselves asking this question after a rain shower or a morning of heavy dew seems to have spoiled their yard work plans.
The answer is NO! Technically, you can mow wet grass, but it's generally not recommended. While it may be tempting to go ahead with mowing despite the moisture, the best practice is to wait until the lawn dries out. Also, we will list some reasons that we don't recommend you cut wet grasses.
7 Reasons It's Recommended Not to Mow Wet Grass
1 Health of Your Lawn
One of the most compelling reasons to avoid mowing wet grass is its potential to spread disease and weeds across your lawn. As Dr. Joey Williamson, a horticulture expert, points out, damp conditions, especially those following frequent rainfall, create an ideal environment for lawn diseases to take hold and spread. When the grass is wet, fungal spores and pathogens that thrive in moisture are more easily transferred by the mower blades, allowing diseases to quickly spread across previously healthy areas of the yard. This can result in a lawn that becomes vulnerable to widespread infections, which weaken and discolor the grass, often requiring extensive treatment to restore its health.
2 Clumping of Grass Clippings
Mowing wet grass often results in unsightly clumps of clippings that can cause issues for both your lawn and mower. When grass is wet, the clippings tend to stick together, forming dense clumps instead of dispersing evenly across the lawn. These clumps not only look messy but can also smother the healthy grass underneath, blocking sunlight and air circulation. This trapped moisture creates an environment that encourages mold and fungal growth, leading to patches of dead or discolored grass over time.
Additionally, these clumps can clog the mower deck and blades, making the mower work harder and increasing the chances of engine strain or even damage. Clearing these clumps manually after each pass is time-consuming and can be frustrating.
3 Risk of Slipping and Injury
It will increase the risk of slips and falls, especially on slopes or uneven terrain. The combination of moisture on the grass and the weight of the mower can make for a hazardous situation. Wet grass is inherently slippery, and when pushing or maneuvering a mower, you may lose traction, which can lead to loss of balance and potential injuries.
This risk is not only limited to the operator of the mower; bystanders, pets, and children in the vicinity are also at risk of slipping on wet patches. Additionally, the added strain of controlling a mower on wet terrain can lead to fatigue and loss of focus, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.
4 Trouble Cleaning Grass Stains
Wet grass can lead to persistent grass stains on clothing, shoes, and the mower itself, making cleanup a hassle. Wet grass blades are more prone to tearing, which releases moisture and pigments that can cling to surfaces, resulting in difficult-to-remove stains. This is particularly troublesome for those who may not be dressed in work clothes and instead wear casual or light-colored attire while tending to their lawns.
Additionally, cleaning the mower becomes more complicated when it is coated in wet grass and clippings. The moisture can cause the clippings to adhere to the mower deck, blades, and wheels, creating a gooey mess that requires extra effort to remove.
5 Mower’s Motor and Blades Strain
Cutting wet grass places additional strain on your mower’s motor and blades, especially the robot mower, which can lead to decreased efficiency and potential damage over time. When the grass is damp, the blades become heavier and more difficult to cut through, forcing the mower to work harder than it typically would on dry grass. This extra effort can cause the motor to overheat, leading to premature wear and tear on the internal components.
6 Poor Lawn Appearance
Mowing wet grass often results in an uneven and ragged appearance, diminishing the overall aesthetic of your lawn. The mower's inability to provide a clean cut in wet conditions can lead to uneven heights and unsightly patches. Additionally, wet clippings that are not evenly distributed can create a patchy look, making the lawn appear unkempt. By waiting until the grass is dry, you can achieve a more uniform and polished finish, enhancing your lawn’s visual appeal and promoting a healthier growth environment.
7 Wheel Ruts
Mowers can create unsightly wheel ruts in your lawn, especially in soft or saturated soil. The weight of the mower compresses the ground, leaving indents that can disrupt the evenness of your lawn and affect drainage. These ruts not only mar the visual appeal of your yard but can also lead to water pooling, which further exacerbates lawn health issues like mold and root rot.
Suggestions for if You Have to Mow Wet Grass
While it's generally advisable to avoid cutting wet grass, there may be times when it becomes unavoidable due to scheduling constraints or an impending weather change. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some suggestions to minimize potential damage and ensure a safer mowing experience:
1 Adjust Cutting Height and Mower Speed
To ensure a safer and cleaner cut while mowing wet grass, raise the cutting height of your mower. This reduces the risk of tearing wet blades and promotes healthier regrowth. Additionally, slow down your mowing speed; this allows for better control of the mower and helps prevent slips and uneven cutting.
2 Clean the Mower Frequently
Frequent cleaning of your mower during wet conditions is essential to avoid clumping and clogging. Wet grass tends to stick to the blades and mower deck, which can lead to decreased performance and increased strain on the motor. By regularly removing accumulated clippings, you can maintain optimal mower efficiency, ensuring a smoother cut and extending the lifespan of your equipment.
3 Take Caution on Slopes and Wet Soil Areas
When mowing in wet conditions, special care should be taken on slopes and areas with soft soil. These regions can be particularly slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. To prevent slipping and the formation of wheel ruts, approach these areas with caution, and consider avoiding them altogether if conditions are too hazardous.
Of course, we still recommend that you can wait until the grass is dry before mowing your lawn.
