Can You Mow Wet Grass? Here's What You Need to Know

Whether it is safe to mow wet grass or not is a common question posed by many homeowners. There are situations when you plan to go on a trip and leave a tidy lawn with trimmed grass, but the lawn is wet. The answer to the question is subjective because it depends on certain factors and the reasons to avoid such as mowing a wet lawn may damage the blade of the mower and lead to other related problems. In this blog, we discuss all the reasons for not mowing the lawn with wet grass.

Is It a Good Idea to Mow Wet Grass?

Mowing wet grass on the lawn is not a good idea. There are situations when you are free on weekends and plan to devote some time to work on the lawn, but it rains the night before. In such a situation, it's not advisable to mow the wet grass. Rather, it's advisable to wait until the lawn completely dries.

Why Should You Avoid Mowing Wet Grass?

There are multiple reasons to avoid mowing wet grass on the lawn. Here is the list of all the reasons:

Improper Cutting Distorts the Lawn's Look

Mowing wet grass gives an uneven cut to the grass. This is because the mower's blade bends due to the weight of the water on the grass. When cut grasses dry completely after mowing, the unevenness is more noticeable. Hence, mow the grass when it's dry.

Vulnerable to Infections

Mowing wet grass can become a breeding ground for lawn disease. It happens because wet grass sticks to the mower blade, and if, mower blade is not cleaned, it can lead to mold and fungal growth on it. As a result, when you mow the grass next time, fungal infection can spread to the lawn.

Damage to the Mower

Wet grass mowing can damage the mower in many ways- moisture from grass can seep into the fuel tank, leading to engine failure, wet grass clippings can block the vacuum or blade, which puts more pressure on the engine, and rusting of the blade due to moisture build-up on the blades from the grass stuck on them.

Higher Risk

Safety is also one of the reasons you should avoid mowing wet grass. Wet grass makes the lawn slippery, adding to the risk of injury. If you use a mower with an extension cord, the chances of electric shock are higher due to a wet lawn.

Soil Compaction

Using a mower over wet grass results in compacted soil, which cuts the oxygen supply to the roots, blocking water, sunlight, and airflow to the roots. All these suffocate the rooting system.

Poor Mulching

Usually, grass clippings are used as mulch in the lawn to act as natural fertilizer. However, when wet grass is cut and added to the lawn as mulch, it sticks to the sides of the mower. The grass forms clumps on the lawn.

Higher Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption increases when mowing wet grass. It happens because the weight of the soaking grass in the lawn mower bag makes it difficult to push the mower. As a result, lawn mowers work harder due to the extra weight, reducing their fuel efficiency.

Stain on the Clothes

While mowing wet grass, there's a chance that wet grass will stick to your clothes or shoes and leave behind stains. Grass can also stick to mower wheels.

What is the Best Time to Mow the Lawn?

The best time to mow the lawn depends on various factors such as the type of grass in the lawn, the existing weather conditions and slope, and terrain of the lawn. It's also advisable to mow in the mid-morning or late afternoon because then the grass is less wet from dew or rain. Choose dry and cool days to mow the grass and always avoid mowing after heavy rain. Wait until the grass is completely dry.

Tips to Consider When Assessing the Lawn for Mowing

• The simplest way to assess the lawn's readiness is by touching the grass. If, on touching the grass, it feels wet, avoid mowing until the grass is dry.

• Visually inspecting the lawn can also help assess the lawn for moisture content. If grass has dew, you can consider mowing, but if it's rain-soaked, avoid mowing completely.

• Avoid mowing on waterlogged turf to avoid soil rutting.

• If you have a corded mower suitable for small lawns, never use an electric mower in wet conditions.

How Long Should You Wait to Mow the Lawn After Rain?

If it rains, wait for at least 24 hours before mowing. Other factors like local climate, season, and weather patterns also affect the lawn drying time. For example, in an area with enough sunlight, the lawn dries in less time compared to other areas.

Conclusion

To mow wet grass or not is a common concern for most homeowners because of the associated risk. There are multiple reasons to avoid mowing in wet conditions, which are discussed in this article. You should avoid mowing wet grass until it is dry.