Can You Really Mow Wet Grass? 8 Reasons Why It Isn't a Good Idea

During a busy week, trying to find the right time to mow the lawn can be a challenge, especially if the grass is wet. It's not recommended to mow wet grass, and it's better to hold off until it's fully dry.

There are several reasons you shouldn't mow wet grass, from safety concerns to mower care to the health and appearance of your lawn.

Read on to learn more about why you shouldn't mow wet grass, including some tips for mowing wet grass if you really have to do it.

Can You Mow Wet Grass?

Generally, you shouldn't mow wet grass, as it could clog your mower, leave behind unsightly clumps in your lawn, or put you at risk of electric shock if using an electric mower.

Think about it: water weighs down each blade of grass, so your mower is going to roll over the top and only cut taller blades, leaving an uneven finish.

We round up 8 additional reasons to avoid doing this task in the rain or right after—you'll be grateful you waited.

Risk of Slipping

Safety is always the first consideration, and mowing the lawn when it is wet increases the chances of slipping on a wet surface (this chance increases if you have to mow on a slope).

Although today's mowers have safety features that make it less likely that your body is going to come into contact with the blade, you still want to avoid any accidents.

Risk of Electric Shock

Electricity and water don't mix. If you have an electric mower, using it on wet grass could put you at risk for electric shock. It's best to avoid using any electric mower when it's damp out.

Damage to Your Mower

When you mow the grass when it is wet, clumps can build up around the blade, blocking the blade from spinning properly. The harder it is for your mower's blade to spin, the greater the pressure you are putting on the engine. This can result in your lawn mower smoking because the engine is being overworked.

Nor is your mower so air-tight that moisture can't find its way into the fuel tank, which will eventually stop your machine from running properly.

Fungal Diseases Spread

Fungal diseases such as brown patch thrive under wet conditions. When mowing wet grass, you are transporting fungi (on your mower blade and wheels) throughout your lawn. Each time you cut a blade of grass, you are opening up a wound that fungi are able to invade. That's one reason why mowing wet grass is detrimental to lawn health.

Creating Ruts in the Lawn

Your mower's wheels will sink into soil that is waterlogged. The result will be wheel ruts. These ruts are a safety hazard, compact the soil (which could lead to draining issues), and it looks unsightly.

Unsightly Grass Clumps Will Be Left Behind

Because the grass clippings will be wet, they'll stick together in large clumps. Not only are these clumps unsightly, but they are also bad for your lawn's health: They tend to smother the grass. You will have to rake those grass clumps, meaning more work for you.

You Won't Get That Manicured Look

For that manicured look most people crave, your grass blades must be standing erect as you're cutting them. You don't get this when the grass is wet. The moisture sitting on the blades weighs them down. Your mower blade will spin right over many of the depressed blades. Once drying occurs, these uncut blades spring back up, looking like cowlicks.

Mowing Wet Grass Is Messy

As if all of these objections weren't enough, mowing wet grass is messy. The wet clumps of grass produced get all over everything. So even when the job is over, it's not really over: You'll have to take more time and energy to clean your mower, your shoes, etc.

What to Do If You Have to Mow Wet Grass

But what if you must break the rule and mow wet grass in a particular instance, even though it's not the best time to mow a lawn? Here are a few tricks to use to make the best of a bad situation.

1. Wear non-slip shoes. Combat the danger of slipping on wet turf by paying attention to the footwear you put on before you mow. Wear shoes that have good traction.

2. Clean the mower periodically. Keep a rag and a putty knife with you as you mow so that, periodically, you can clean both the top and the bottom of the mower.

3. Cut less grass. If you scale back how much grass is being cut at any one time, you can reduce the number of clumps.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if grass is too wet to mow?

If the grass blades are holding enough moisture to be weighed down to the ground, then the grass is too wet to mow. Wait until they're standing up again.

Is it okay to cut grass in the morning?

Mid-morning is okay. The dew will have evaporated by then.

How long after it rains can I cut the grass?

This depends on factors like how hard/long it rained, whether or not there's a drying wind and/or hot sunshine, and how well your soil drains. The best way to tell when it's time to mow is to feel the grass. If it's wet to the touch, then it's too soon to mow.

Read the original article on The Spruce.