Can You Mow Grass with Morning Dew? Let’s Find Out!

How does the morning dew interact with your lawn mowing? Our comprehensive understanding of this subject will provide the insights you need. We’ll explore this intriguing topic in detail. Let’s start this journey of discovery now.

Mowing grass when wet with morning dew can damage the lawn and mower. Dewy blades lie flat, tearing out instead of cutting evenly. Wet clippings also increase disease. It is better to mow mid-morning after the dew evaporates or late afternoon before night. Allowing blades to fully dry prevents tearing, ensures an even cut, and reduces fungal growth.

Is the morning dew causing more harm than good to your lawn? The answer might surprise you. Join us as we explore the effects of mowing dewy grass and share expert advice on maintaining a healthy lawn.

Mowing dewy grass can hurt the lawn

Grass blades should stand up off the ground for an ideal cut so that the mower’s blades can easily cut them. Because dewy grass has wet blades, these blades are heavier than dry ones, so they hug the ground. Can you mow damp grass? The answer is it’s not ideal.

As the grass starts to dry after it rains, some blades dry quickly and return to their upright position. These blades will be easily removed when you mow. But the remaining wet blades will still bend towards the ground, so the mower will pass over them rather than cut them.

When the lawn dries up, these uncut blades will pop up again and give your lawn a rough and untidy look.

With mowing wet grass, you end up tearing the grass from the ground rather than a clean cut. These tears, unfortunately, provide the perfect scenario for fungus to come and attack your lawn – and the moisture in your yard helps the fungus spread all over.

So, mowing a wet lawn can create a perfect storm for fungal infestations. Mowing dewy grass can stop your lawn from looking neat, and it may stress your grass by causing it to turn yellow until it has recovered from the stress.

• The Threat of Brown Spot Disease in Your Lawn

The grass clippings of wet grass can also aid the fungal infestations in your lawn. Damp grass clippings mat down and hinder the flow of healthy air. A common fungal disease, known as a “Brown spot,” can appear due to the large number of grass clippings covering the turf and the grass’s roots. 

On the other hand, some commercial mowers are designed to handle wet grass better than others.

Wet grass clippings also stick to the underside of your mower and can cause mold if allowed to stay there. This mold can spread to your lawn the next time you take the mower out.

When your lawn is dewy from the early morning dew, the wheels of your mower sink into the moist surface. The wheels moving on the wet grass can cause direct damage to the grass by creating ruts in your yard.

Moreover, it can also cause the soil in the yard to become compacted, which causes damage over time. This is another reason you won’t want to mow when your grass is wet.

So, waiting for your lawn to dry before you cut is always best. This will prevent your mower from causing unnecessary damage to your yard and help keep it looking its best.

When mowing a dewy lawn is a must

You may have to mow the lawn when it’s covered with dew, despite knowing that mowing grass with morning dew is problematic. For example, this could be when you have put your property on the real estate market and need to show it today, and the lawn is not looking great.

Or if there has been a lot of rainfall in your area with even more forecasted, and you know that waiting longer to mow could cause the grass to grow much taller than its recommended height. This is one of the problems with mowing when it’s wet.

In such cases, you can mow dewy grass, but you must ensure the ground is not soggy and you don’t sink into it. You must test the saturation of the lawn. It would be best not to fall into it or see water rising around the edges of your shoes. If you do, you will get patches of grass.

• The Importance of Using Sharp Blades

If no standing water is on your lawn, you can use a mower with sharp blades to mow the grass. Ensure that the blades are sharp to ensure that the grass is cut cleanly and quickly and that the blades can cut the grass easily.

Otherwise, you may put your mower under extra stress by cutting wet grass with dull blades. Use a gas mower instead of an electric mower to avoid injury due to electric shock.

You must add a stabilizer to the gasoline in your fuel tank to overcome the effects of moisture in the fuel tank that may enter your fuel tank while mowing the dewy grass.

If you don’t add the stabilizer, the moisture can leave your fuel less likely to ignite correctly in the mower’s engine the next time you mow. This is one of the problems with mowing grass with morning dew.

While mowing dewy grass, set your mower to side discharge mode so you don’t have to deal with the mess of a wet mower bag. Although this leaves the clippings on your lawn for manual bagging later, it may reduce the effort you have to put it in compared to cleaning a wet mower bag.

Set your mower deck to the highest setting possible to cut blades to three or four inches long. It is difficult for the mower to get a clean trim when working with dewy grass. So, if you want your mower to do its job as well as it can, cut it some slack.

Avoid stressing your mower by cutting the dewy grass at lower heights. This way, you’re more likely to restore your lawn once it has dried.

The dewy grass and the lawnmower

A lawnmower is always at risk if moisture can come into contact with its metal parts. Moisture can create rust if it stays on the metal in a damp place for an extended period. Moisture can also cause problems for the gasoline in the mower’s fuel tank if you don’t mix a stabilizer into the fuel tank.

The intruding moisture can cause corrosion inside the fuel tank. Mowing wet grass may indirectly damage the engine of your lawnmower.

The clippings of wet grass stick to the metal underside of the mower and could eventually cause rust. Moreover, the clippings sticking to the mower’s bottom can create a breeding ground for mold.

If these clippings are not removed from the mower, they could also hinder the movement of your mower’s blades and put stress on the engine to make up for it.

Lawnmowers collect the grass by vacuuming it up after cutting it. Dewy grass makes this process difficult as it is heavier than dry grass. Dewy grass blocks the underside of the deck or grass chute, preventing the grass from being collected efficiently.

Always clean the deck by removing the stuck grass blades and brushing off the mower’s wheels.

Mowing dewy grass and personal safety

The personal safety of a person is always the priority in every field of work. A person might be at a greater risk of injury when mowing dewy or wet grass. Two factors can increase the risk of injury.

The first factor is using an electric mower to cut dewy grass. If you use an electric mower, especially with an extension cord, then there is always a risk of getting an electric shock.

The connections or a damaged cord exposed to moisture could cause damage to the machine and lead to electrocution to the person operating the mower.

The second is mowing on slopes. Slopes are not the best place to walk when the ground is wet. There is always some danger of slipping on dewy turf. It could cause you to pull a muscle or even break an arm or a leg.

Mowing a wet lawn while exerting force in a forward direction to push the mower could cause you to slip and fall too close to the mower’s blades – which could cause a severe injury.

Mowing a dewy lawn causes extra work

It is always challenging to mow dewy grass, and it takes more time and extra effort as the grass is wet. Dewy grass blades are hard to slice, creating an uneven shred rather than a clean cut.

If your mower’s blades are not sharp enough, you will have to pass over the same patch of wet lawn to get a fraction of the cut you would get if the lawn were dry.

The frustrating thing is that your lawn will still not look good after this extra effort and hard work. You must mow the lawn again when it dries to give it a tidy look.

Moreover, wet grass can stain your clothes, shoes, and the place where you walk with those shoes. Cleaning up all these stains afterward is also extra work that could be avoided by mowing the grass when it is dry.

What’s the best time for mowing?

It is essential to mow a lawn at the right time of the day. The two optimal times for lawn mowing during the day are mid-morning and late afternoon. At mid-morning, the dew dries out, and the day’s heat hasn’t yet peaked, so the grass has enough time to recover before the full heat of the midday sun hits it.

There is less stress for the grass in the late afternoon as the temperature starts to cool down.

Never mow your lawn during the hottest part of the day. During this time, the grass is already under tremendous stress and using all its energy to stay hydrated. Mowing the lawn this time adds to the stress, resulting in brown patches due to heat damage.

Tips to mow dewy grass

These might help you when mowing dewy grass.

• Higher mowing height: Mow higher than usual to put less stress on the mower. Raise your mower’s height to the upper limit.
• Reduce the mow width: Reduce the swatch’s width so less grass is cut with each pass.
• Low speed: Keep the speed down to reduce the load on the mower blade.
• No bagging of wet grass: Avoid bagging and mulching damp grass, as it can make your bag dirty. Discharge it out the side chute.
• Dry the mower: Leave the mower in a ventilated area to dry. This will prevent your mower from getting damaged by moisture.
• Clean the underside: To avoid wet grass clippings sticking to the mower, clean the bottom of the mower and discharge the chute.
• Wet clippings: Don’t let wet clippings stay on the ground after mowing. Rake the clippings and mow them to the compost bin.
• Add Fuel Stabilizer: Add a stabilizer to your gas tank to cope with the damp environment.

Remarks

Mowing dewy grass can damage a lawn. Mowing wet grass can lead to simply tearing grass rather than cutting it. As wet grass blades are heavy, they hug the ground and become difficult to cut.

This causes uneven lawn cutting, which gives it an untidy look when the grass dries and the blades pop back up. Dewy grass can also put your mower under great stress. Therefore, always avoid mowing dewy grass unless it is necessary.

Potential Damages from Choosing to Mow Wet Grass

University of California researchers have demonstrated that mowing wet grass can result in avoidable damage to your lawnmower. The excessive moisture in the grass can accumulate to form clumps inside the lawnmower.

This could clog up the internal components, causing the machine to overheat and possibly break down. Clumping of wet grass is not restricted to large lawnmowers.

Even smaller domestic lawnmowers can suffer the same mechanical fate. Your hard-earned investment can be wasted due to a situation that could be avoided by simply waiting for the grass to dry.

• Impacts of Wet Grass on the Lawn Condition

As a seasoned groundskeeper, I cannot emphasize enough the negative impact that mowing wet or saturated grass can have on the aesthetics and health of your lawn. Damp grass, when mowed, can create unsightly mud tracks.

This happens when the weight of the lawnmower pressurizes the saturated lawn, extruding mud onto the freshly cut grass. Over time, these mud tracks can evolve into deeper ruts, leading to enduring damage to the lawn.

Sometimes, rut damage can become so severe that you may need to lay down new turf to restore the lawn’s beauty. Such a measure requires money, time, patience, and energy – all of which could have been saved by mowing dry grass.

• Waiting for Grass to Dry: An Ideal Solution

I recommend waiting until the grass is dry before mowing. Dry grass is more accessible to cut and is less likely to cause mechanical or aesthetic problems. This method can save you money on potential repair or replacement costs, preserve the health of your lawn, and leave you with a more satisfying result.

While mowing in the early morning when the grass is damp with dew may not seem a big issue, it’s best practice to wait until the grass is completely dry. In my experience, even the lightest layer of moisture can cause undesirable results, including uneven cuts and potential mechanical damage to the lawnmower.

• Risks of Using Electric or Battery-Powered Mowers on Wet Grass

Possibly, the most important advice I can provide is that using an electric or battery-powered mower on wet grass can be dangerous. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that mowing wet grass with a powered device enhances the risk of electrocution. Avoid this dangerous scenario and ensure your safety by only mowing when the grass is parched.

• Roller Mowers and Ride-On Mowers on Wet Grass

Professional groundskeepers might use roller mowers or ride-on mowers for more extensive lawns. My advice is to avoid using these types of mowers on wet grass. While they may provide efficiency on dry lawns, they can result in the same rut damage and are prone to skidding when used on damp grass.

Skid marks and rut damage are not only obnoxious to the eye, but they can also harm the health of your lawn. Hence, wait for the grass to become completely dry for a smooth mowing experience with roller mowers and ride-on mowers.

• In Summary

We all want a beautiful, lush lawn, but achieving this requires mindful practices. Mowing wet grass can lead to damaged lawnmowers, rutted lawns, muddy skid marks, and increased hard work in physical maintenance.

So remember, the golden rule of mowing is to wait for the grass to dry! Safeguard your equipment and your lawn by following this simple yet practical advice.

• The Harm of Mowing Wet Grass

You may need to reconsider if you’re in the habit of mowing your grass while it’s wet. From creating uneven patches to posing a potential risk, mowing damp grass has many problems.

• The Uneven Appearance

When you mow wet grass, it doesn’t cut as quickly or evenly as dry grass. This can result in your lawn having a choppy, uneven appearance.

The grass blades tend to bend over when wet, making it harder to get a straight, even cut. This often leads to unattractive patches that detract from your lawn’s overall appeal.

• The Risks to Soil and Yard

Wet grass not only impacts the appearance of your grass but can also lead to soil and yard damage. When the grass is wet, the soil underneath tends to loosen. As the heavy mower moves over it, it can create ruts or depressions in your yard, further hampering its aesthetic appeal.

• The Increased Disease Vulnerability

Mowing wet grass could indirectly raise the risk of your lawn contracting diseases and developing fungal infections.

Wet grass clippings can clump together, creating damp, shaded areas that provide an excellent breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. The risk heightens if these wet clippings are not promptly and properly removed.

• The Mower Strain

Your lawn mower experiences undue strain when used on wet grass. The added resistance presented by the damp foliage tends to dull the mower blades quickly. This means more frequent replacement or sharpening of the blades, increasing costs and upkeep time.

• The Rust Risk

Wet clippings have a knack for sticking to your mower. If not removed promptly and thoroughly, these wet clippings can lead to rust development, a definitive problem affecting your mower’s performance and lifespan.

• The Electrocution Hazard

For those utilizing an electric mower, the risk increases manifold. Mowing through dewy grass creates a potential risk for electrocution. It’s essential to ensure your mower is designed for wet conditions if you cannot avoid mowing in the damp.

• The Slippery Slip-ups

Aside from the electrocution risk, wet grass is slippery, increasing the danger of accidents. This becomes especially critical if you’re mowing with a push mower. Everyone would do well to avoid the possibility of slipping and falling near the sharp metal blades.

• Minimizing the Strain

Increasing the blade height on your mower is one way to reduce the strain on the machine and, consequently, the grass. Higher blades prevent the grass from being cut too short, which helps it stay healthier and withstand fungal infections more effectively.

• Slowing Down the Mow

Reducing mowing speed is another way to combat the challenges of wet grass mowing. A slower speed gives your mower more time to cut the grass effectively, reducing the likelihood of uneven patches.

• Frequent Breaks for Maintenance

Taking frequent breaks while mowing wet grass has several benefits. It allows you time to clean off the blades, preventing clippings from accumulating. It also allows you to check for any clogs that may be stressing your mower.

• Regular Raking

Raking up wet clippings post-mow is crucial to maintain a healthy lawn. Piles of clippings can harbor mold, mildew, and other fungi, creating a hotbed for lawn diseases.

• Optimal Timing for Mowing

Mid-morning is considered the ideal time for mowing. The morning dew has likely evaporated at this time, leaving the grass dry and upright for an even cut. If, for any reason, you cannot mow at this time, the late afternoon makes an excellent second option.

• Caution with Afternoon Mowing

While mowing in the late afternoon is a good second choice, it should be done cautiously. Cutting under the harsh afternoon sun can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to burns.

This knowledge can go a long way toward protecting your lawn and mower. The University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources website provides a wealth of resources for more information about lawn care and maintenance.

It’s necessary to approach mowing wet grass with caution, applying these tips if necessary and aiming for dry grass mowing when possible.

Optimal Time for Mowing: The Importance of Mid-Morning Mowing

Mowing usually occupies a prominent place within the spectrum of garden maintenance tasks. As an experienced professional, I can confirm that the optimal time for this crucial task is between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. So why is mid-morning the best time for mowing?

The simple answer lies in the position of dew on the grass blades.

At this time, the dew has dried chiefly, leaving the grass blades robust. It’s the perfect condition for mowing without causing undue damage or stress to your beautiful lawn. Mowing during this time substantially improves your grass’s overall health and vitality.

• Late Afternoon Mowing: A Smart Alternative

If the mid-morning slot is inconvenient, the late afternoon presents another acceptable window. Late afternoon, mainly between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., allows your freshly mowed grass a few hours of recovery time before nightfall.

However, a word of caution: mowing too close to nightfall is not advisable. If you cut as the night is about to descend, the grass will have insufficient time for recovery, leading to damage and long-term health problems for your lawn.

• Avoid Early Morning and Midday Mowing

While it may be tempting to get your chores out of the way early in the morning, avoid mowing at this time. When heat and humidity are reduced, mowing at daybreak can damage your lawn. Wet grass leaves ruts and clumps and can harm the grassroots, compromising the wellness of your yard.

Furthermore, mowing during midday, when the sun is hot, leads to accelerated moisture loss. Not only is this highly tiring for the person undertaking the task, but it also places unnecessary strains on the grass.

• Importance of Sharp Mower Blades

An often overlooked component of successful mowing is maintaining sharp, well-conditioned mower blades. Sharp blades deliver a clean and precise cut to the lawn, promoting better grass health and strengthening the aesthetic of your yard.

I always recommend checking and, if needed, sharpening your blades before you undertake mowing.

• Mindful Mowing Height

A common pitfall in lawn care is cutting the grass too short. This leaves new grass shoots exposed to the harshness of direct sunlight and significantly hinders growth.

The University of California’s guide to lawn care recommends maintaining an ideal mowing height to ensure the best growth conditions for your grass.

• Harnessing Technology for Lawn Care: The Use of Troy-Bilts Voice Assistant Skills

Finally, as we delve into technology, the role of Troy-Bilts Voice Assistant Skills for Amazon Alexa or Google Home cannot be overlooked. These skills help you schedule your mowing tasks efficiently.

They provide the ability to ascertain the best mowing time based on your schedule and weather forecast while seamlessly integrating with your calendar. Tools like these can also offer maintenance reminders or even reschedule your task if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What are the risks of mowing wet grass?

Mowing wet grass poses several risks, including uneven cuts, lawn damage from wheel ruts, increased disease vulnerability, excessive mower strain, rusting from wet clippings, and potential electrocution with electric mowers.

• Is it okay to mow grass when it’s wet?

No, it’s best to avoid mowing wet grass. The blades tend to bend down when wet, leading to an uneven cut. Mowing wet grass can also create ruts in the lawn, invite fungal diseases, and strain the mower.

• How can wet clippings harm my lawn?

Wet clippings left on a lawn can mat down and foster fungal disease growth. They prevent airflow to the grassroots and create conditions ripe for problems like brown patches.

• When is the latest I should mow the grass before nightfall?

Ideally, mow grass no later than 4-6 pm to allow sufficient recovery time overnight. Trimming too close to night doesn’t give the freshly cut grass time to bounce back before the dew returns.

•Should electric mowers be used on wet grass?

No, never use electric mowers on wet grass. Doing so poses a serious electrocution hazard from electric current conducting through the wet grass.