After it rains, you may be eager to get outside and mow your lawn to keep it looking tidy. However, mowing wet grass can cause a variety of problems, including damaging the grass and soil, clogging your mower's blades, and leaving unsightly clumps of grass clippings on your lawn.
As a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 24 hours after a light rain before mowing your lawn. If the rainfall was heavy or your lawn has a lot of shade, you may need to wait longer. In some cases, it may be best to wait until the next day or even a few days after the rain has stopped to mow your lawn. A great way to check if your lawn is ready to mow after getting wet is by walking on the lawn and feeling the ground beneath your feet. If the grass and soil feel spongy or waterlogged, it's best to wait a little longer before mowing.
Reasons to avoid mowing wet grass:
I have to mow wet grass, what do I do?
Mowing wet grass can result in uneven cuts
When grass is wet, the moisture causes the grass blades to bend and stick together, making it difficult for the mower blades to cut cleanly. As a result from cutting wet grass, you may end up with patches of grass left uncut or trimmed at varying heights. This unevenness can create an unsightly and unprofessional look for your lawn, detracting from its overall beauty and curb appeal.
Moreover, the clumps of wet grass left behind after mowing can further contribute to the unevenness. Instead of being evenly dispersed, the clippings tend to accumulate in certain areas, creating unsightly clumps and leaving other areas bare.
Mowing wet grass can result in increased strain on the mower
When cutting wet grass, it becomes heavier and more challenging for the mower blades to cut through. This increased resistance requires the mower's engine to work harder, putting additional stress on its components. The heightened strain on the engine can lead to reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and even premature wear and tear.
Also, wet grass clippings often stick to the underside of the mower deck, further adding to the strain. The clumps of wet grass act as additional weight, impeding the blades' rotation and making it even more difficult for the mower to function efficiently. This can result in the engine stalling or even causing damage to the mower's blades or drive system. To protect the longevity of your mower and ensure its optimal performance, it's recommended to wait until the grass is dry before mowing. By doing so, you reduce the strain on the mower's engine and minimize the risk of potential damage.
Mowing wet grass can result in poor lawn health
When grass is wet, the moisture on the grass blades makes the grass more susceptible to tearing and bruising during the mowing process. Open wounds on the grass blades provide entry points for pathogens, such as fungi, to invade and attack the weakened grass, leading to various lawn diseases.
In addition, wet grass clippings tend to clump together instead of being evenly dispersed across the lawn. These clumps can create a thick layer that blocks sunlight and air from reaching the underlying grass, hindering photosynthesis and inhibiting healthy growth. The lack of airflow and sunlight in these clumped areas create a favorable environment for the growth of fungal diseases, such as mold and mildew.
Furthermore, the accumulation of wet grass clippings can smother the grass beneath, further impeding its growth and potentially causing patches of dead or yellowing grass.
Mowing wet grass can result in soil compaction
When the soil is wet, it becomes softer and more susceptible to compression. As the mower moves across the wet lawn, its wheels and the weight of the machine press down on the soil. This pressure compacts the soil particles, reducing space between them. Compacted soil also inhibits the movement of nutrients and water within the soil. This can lead to poor drainage and waterlogged conditions, which can further promote root suffocation and the development of root diseases.
Additionally, compacted soil makes it more difficult for grass roots to penetrate deeper into the soil and access essential nutrients, limiting their ability to establish a strong and healthy root system.
To avoid soil compaction, it's advisable to wait until the grass is dry before mowing. This allows the soil to firm up, reducing the risk of compression and maintaining optimal conditions for healthy grass growth.
(Check out this article, here, to learn how to fix soil compaction)
Mowing wet grass can create dangerous conditions
When the grass is wet, the moisture on the blades and the ground surface can make it extremely slippery, especially when combined with the smooth, hard surfaces of lawnmower tires or shoes. This increased slipperiness makes it challenging to maintain stability and control while operating the mower, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
The slippery conditions can cause the mower to lose traction and slide on the wet grass, making it difficult to steer and maneuver effectively. This lack of control can result in unintended skidding or sliding movements, potentially leading to collisions with obstacles, uneven terrain, or even nearby individuals or objects.
Moreover, the combination of wet grass clippings and the slippery surface can also affect your footing as you walk or stand in the mowed area. The clippings can form a slimy layer, further reducing traction and stability. This can increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls, putting you at risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, or even more severe accidents with the mower.
Mowing wet grass can lead to time consuming cleanup
When the grass is wet, the clippings tend to clump together rather than being dispersed evenly across the lawn. These clumps can stick to various surfaces, including the underside of the mower deck, the discharge chute, pathways, and other areas of your yard.
The clumped wet grass clippings can clog up the mower, particularly the discharge chute, hindering the efficient expulsion of grass clippings. This requires frequent stops during mowing to manually clear the clogs, adding extra time and effort to the mowing process.
Furthermore, the clumps of wet grass left behind after mowing can create a messy appearance and require additional cleanup. They can stick to walkways, driveways, and other paved surfaces, making them slippery and potentially hazardous. Cleaning up these clumps often involves manual removal, using a rake or other tools, to prevent them from blocking drainage systems or causing potential damage.
Mowing wet grass can cause clogging and blockages
When cutting wet grass, it tends to clump together, sticking to the underside of the mower deck and the blades. As, mentioned above, this buildup of wet grass clippings can quickly clog the discharge chute, preventing the grass from being effectively expelled. As a result, the mower's cutting efficiency is significantly reduced, requiring frequent stops to clear the clogs and blockages manually.
More seriously, the accumulation of wet grass clippings can also obstruct the airflow around the mower's engine. This can lead to overheating, potentially causing damage to the engine or even resulting in a complete engine failure. The excessive moisture from the wet grass can mix with debris and form a thick, compact layer, inhibiting proper ventilation and cooling of the mower's components. To avoid the hassle and potential damage, it's advisable to wait until the grass is dry before mowing, ensuring a smoother operation and preventing clogs and blockages that can compromise your mower's performance.
How to mow wet grass without clogging the mower
While in most situations we encourage everyone to mow when the yard is dry. We recognize there are some many hours in the day, and days in the week. When push comes to shove, you have to mow your lawn, and may be wondering how to mow wet grass.
While challenging, if you need to mow despite the wet conditions, here are a few tips to help minimize clogging and keep your mower running smoothly:
Choose the right mower: Opt for a mower with a high-powered engine and a mulching feature. Mulching mowers are designed to finely chop grass clippings, allowing for better dispersal and reducing the chances of clumping.
Adjust the mowing height: Set your mower to a higher cutting height than usual. Cutting the grass too short when it's wet can increase the likelihood of clumping. By leaving the grass slightly longer, you allow for better airflow and reduce the chances of clogging.
Mow in smaller sections: Instead of attempting to mow large areas at once, divide your lawn into smaller sections. This approach prevents the accumulation of excessive wet clippings, reducing the strain on the mower and minimizing the chances of clogging.
Mow more frequently: If you're expecting wet conditions, consider mowing more frequently. This allows you to cut shorter grass, which is less likely to clump. Regular mowing also helps prevent the grass from becoming too long and unmanageable.
Keep the mower deck clean: Regularly inspect the underside of your mower deck and remove any grass buildup during breaks or when necessary. A clean deck allows for better airflow and prevents excess clippings from clogging the chute.
Use a grass catcher or bagging attachment: If you're dealing with excessively wet grass, consider attaching a grass catcher or bagging attachment to your mower. This collects the clippings directly into a bag, preventing them from clogging the discharge chute or sticking to the mower deck.
Summary
In conclusion, taking the necessary precautions is important when mowing your lawn after rainfall to avoid damaging your grass and help maintain the health and appearance of the lawn. The ideal time to mow your lawn after it rains depends on several factors, including the intensity of the rainfall, the type of grass you have, and the condition of your lawn.