Should you mow the lawn when it’s wet?
We’ve all been there. You look out the window and realize the lawn desperately needs a trim, but it’s soaking wet from a recent rain. Ideally, you’d wait for it to dry, but life doesn’t always work that way. Maybe you have a party coming up, or maybe you just want to reclaim your weekend. Whatever the reason, sometimes you need to mow the lawn when wet.
But is it a good idea? Mowing wet grass comes with risks – safety hazards, potential damage to your mower, and even harm to your lawn. But sometimes, the need for a tidy lawn outweighs the drawbacks.
This article will help you decide whether to mow, and if you do, how to do it safely and effectively. We’ll cover how to assess the situation, the best techniques for mowing wet grass, the right equipment to use, and even some long-term solutions to avoid this soggy situation in the future.
Assessing the Situation: Is Mowing Necessary?
Okay, so the lawn is damp, but do you really need to mow right now?
Evaluating Moisture Levels
The first step is to get a feel for how wet the grass is. Head outside and touch it. Is it just lightly dewy, or is it heavy with water? If the grass blades are clinging together and laden with moisture, it’s best to postpone. If it’s just a little damp and the weather forecast shows improvement, you might be able to proceed.
Think about recent rainfall and the upcoming weather. Has it been raining non-stop for days, or did you just have a quick shower? Is more rain on the way?
Evaluating Urgency and Alternatives
Ask yourself if mowing is truly essential at this moment. Do you have a party or event coming up that requires a perfectly manicured lawn? Or can you delay mowing for a day or two without any major consequences?
If possible, consider alternative solutions. Could you let the lawn grow slightly longer than usual? Or maybe just use a string trimmer to tidy up the edges if those are the only areas that need attention.
The Risks and Challenges of Mowing Wet Grass
While it might be tempting to mow the lawn while it’s wet, there are several good reasons to wait for drier conditions. Here are some of the risks and challenges you might face:
Increased Safety Hazards
Wet grass can be slippery, which means you’re more likely to slip, trip, or fall, especially if your yard has slopes or uneven ground. Mowers also have reduced traction on wet grass, which makes them harder to control and increases the risk of an accident. If you’re using an electric mower, remember that water and electricity don’t mix!
Impact on Lawn Health
Wet conditions promote the growth of lawn diseases like dollar spot, brown patch, and rust. Also, wet soil is more susceptible to compaction, which can hinder root growth and make it harder for your grass to absorb nutrients.
Quality of Cut
Wet grass tends to clump together, which makes it difficult for the mower blades to cut cleanly and evenly. The wet grass blades are also more pliable and prone to tearing, so you could end up with a ragged, uneven cut.
Mower Damage
Wet grass clippings tend to stick to the underside of the mower deck, which reduces airflow and cutting efficiency. All that moisture can also accelerate rust and corrosion on the mower’s components.
Preparing for Wet Mowing: Lawn and Equipment
If you’re determined to mow your lawn while it’s wet, there are some steps you can take to minimize any potential damage. This involves prepping both your lawn and your equipment.
Preparing Your Lawn
- Remove debris from the lawn. Even if you can usually mow right over them, remove any sticks, stones, or other objects that might be lurking under the wet grass.
- Consider pre-treating with fungicide (if necessary). If your lawn has been prone to fungal diseases in the past, you might want to consider a preventative fungicide application.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower
Your mower needs to be in top shape to handle wet grass.
- Sharpen mower blades. Sharp blades are essential for getting a clean cut on wet grass, which tends to bend and lay flat under the mower.
- Clean the mower deck. Remove any old grass clippings or debris that might be clinging to the underside of the mower deck.
- Apply a non-stick spray to the mower deck. Use a mower deck spray or even a silicone spray to help prevent wet grass clippings from sticking to the deck and clogging it up.
- Check the air filter and spark plug. Make sure your mower is running efficiently. Wet grass can be tough to cut, so you’ll want your mower to be operating at peak performance.
Mowing techniques for wet grass
If you have to mow your lawn when it’s wet, there are things you can do to minimize the damage and get a reasonably good cut.
Adjusting Mower Height
Set your mower deck higher than you normally would. Cutting wet grass too short can just make the clumping and tearing worse. Try raising the height by an inch or two.
Mowing Speed and Pattern
Go slowly and deliberately, giving the mower blades time to slice through the wet grass cleanly. Slightly overlap each pass to make sure you’re cutting the grass evenly.
If you’re mowing a slope, try mowing diagonally across it. That will help improve your traction and make you more stable.
Using a Bagger Attachment
If you have a bagger attachment, use it to collect the clippings, so they don’t clump up and spread disease. Be sure to empty the bag frequently, because wet grass is heavy.
Avoiding Sharp Turns
Wide, sweeping turns are better than sharp turns when the grass is wet. Sharp turns can stress the lawn and tear the grass blades.
Post-Mowing Care and Equipment Maintenance
If you decide to mow a wet lawn, it’s a good idea to give your lawn and your mower a little extra TLC afterward.
Raking and Cleanup
After you’ve finished mowing, take a quick walk around your lawn and rake up any clumps of grass clippings. This will help prevent the spread of lawn diseases.
Dispose of those clippings properly — either in a compost pile far from your lawn or in the trash.
Cleaning Your Mower
Once you’re done mowing, clean the mower deck and undercarriage really well to get rid of any stuck-on grass clippings and debris. Getting all the wet grass off the mower will go a long way toward preventing rust and corrosion.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the blades for damage and sharpen them, if needed. Dull mower blades can tear the grass, rather than cutting it cleanly, which can make your lawn more vulnerable to disease.
Long-Term Solutions: Improving Lawn Drainage and Grass Selection
If you live in a place where wet lawns are the norm, there are a few things you can do to improve the situation over the long term.
Improving Lawn Drainage
Here are some steps you can take to help your lawn drain more efficiently:
- Core aeration. Regular aeration can help reduce soil compaction and improve drainage.
- Amend the soil with organic matter. Adding compost or other organic materials can significantly improve soil structure and drainage.
- Consider installing drainage systems. If you have areas that are persistently soggy, you might consider installing French drains or another type of drainage system.
Choosing Grass Types for Wet Regions
The type of grass you have can also make a difference. Some grasses are naturally more tolerant of wet conditions.
Grasses that tend to do well in wet regions include:
- Fescues
- Ryegrasses
- Bermuda
- St. Augustine
- Buffalo
- Zoysia
It’s always a good idea to check with a local lawn care expert to find out which grass type is best suited to your specific climate and soil conditions.
Final Thoughts
Mowing wet grass isn’t ideal, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. Just remember the risks: clumping, an uneven cut, and potential damage to your lawn and your mower.
If you have to mow when it’s wet, make sure you take the time to prepare, use the right technique, and maintain your equipment. The tips above can help you deal with wet grass and keep your lawn looking good.
Whenever possible, wait until the grass dries out before mowing. And if you consistently struggle with drainage issues, consider long-term solutions to keep your lawn healthy and your mowing experience safe and effective.