Typically it is not recommended to mow your lawn when it is wet. It damages the health of the grass and causes long-term problems. Let’s face it, we all have heard that mowing a wet lawn is never a good idea. It causes more harm than good. However, there are times when you have no other option but to mow your lawn in the rain.
Let’s say you only got a weekend on your hands to mow your lawn because of the busy schedule, and right then, the weather decides to change its mood and turns from a bright sunny day to a cold rainy one real quick. You become indecisive and frustrated as to whether or not to mow your lawn, but then you ask, ‘do I have to wait this long?’
Mowing In the Rain, the best method:
The best suitable way to mow your lawn in the rain is to choose the mower with large wheels, sharpen the mower’s blades, increase the mowing height, trim the grass in smaller sections, and dispose of the clippings properly. Clean the equipment after mowing the grass. Expect that it will take considerably more time and effort compared to mowing in dry conditions.
This article will discuss if it is true that you can mow in the rain or that it is just a made-up myth by the lawn perfectionists. The good and the bad sides of mowing your lawn in the rain, and what precautions you must take if you need to mow your lawn?
Contents
Why is Mowing Important?
Mowing is the common practice of cutting the grass to maintaining healthy turf. A well-groomed lawn is what most of the homeowners desire, but that doesn’t come easy. You have to spend yearly hours taking care of the grass, mowing it regularly, taking care of the water, and removing the clippings and weeds. Only then you’ll be able to achieve the perfect looking grass, which is pleasant to behold. Proper mowing increases the density of the turfgrass and promotes growth. Mowing the grass has many benefits that are not only limited to cosmetic perks.
Regular mowing makes the grass more robust and healthier; cutting the grass will remove all the weak and dull parts, which will give more room for fresh and healthier grass. It will also promote consistent growth; we all know how unpleasant bumpy and rough grass looks. Regular mowing will make your lawn look neat and tidy. Continuous mowing also helps in the even distribution of nutrients and sunlight, making your lawn look uniform. Some of the benefits of mowing might not be instant, but they contribute to the lawn’s overall health, like eliminating pests and clumps that might interfere in the growth process.
Mowing in the Rain Guide: The best method
If you want to mow your lawn in the rain and care less about the reasons why it is better to wait until the grass is dry (see further down in this article), there are some measures to avoid most problems. Maybe you have time to wait until it is dry, or the forecast gets even worse in the coming days. Whatever might be your case, it is important to follow our tips on mowing your lawn in the rain.
Here are some steps that you should follow if you are compelled to mow your lawn in the rain.
● Sharpen the Blades
It is highly recommended to sharpen the blades of the mower before starting. Due to the wetness, the grass becomes heavier and sticks to the ground, making the task more difficult. Blunt blades will not cut the grass evenly, thus making it looks unpleasant and bumpy. Sharp blades allow the mower to cut the grass smoothly without dragging or pulling. Another advantage of sharpened blades is that it gives the grass clean straight cuts, reducing the exposure to several grass diseases.
● Increase Cutting Height
As discussed earlier, wet grass hugs the ground, which means that not all the grass’s blades will be standing upright when the lawn is wet. Increasing the cutting height from the mower will evenly cut the grass as the blades cannot trim the grass lying on the ground. If you usually cut your grass at 3 inches, increase it to 3.5 or maybe 4 inches. The grass will be trimmed more equally, and it will look smooth and neat even after it is dried.
● Add Fuel Stabilizer
It is important to look after your mower in the rainy season. Always fill the tank before mowing, but not when the mower is hot. If you’re mowing your lawn in the rain or if you are going to keep the fuel in your mower for more than 30 days, it is essential to add a fuel stabilizer. It keeps the fuel fresh and starts the engine quickly. Besides that, it removes the water and avoids corrosion.
● Cut the Grass in Patches
Trimming the grass in patches makes the process easier, especially when it is raining. Mowing in small sections helps clean the mower easily. The amount of grass in the mower will be less, which will make your mower work efficiently without getting overheated. It is advised not to stop your mower on concrete or pavement as the chlorophyll from the grass will stain the area and make it messier. Dedicate one part of the lawn where you should clean the machine.
● Dispose of the clippings
Typically when mowing the grass, the clippings are difficult to remove from the lawn. You can try to collect them in a bag. The grass clippings can than be thrown away or later be used a compost. Another way can be to use a side discharge and try to mulch the clippings. The mulched clippings contain nutrients and organic matter that is broken down by soil microbes. However, this is more difficult when it is raining. The wet grass becomes heavier and can damage the bag. Mulching can cause fungal disease as the wet clippings clump together and don’t allow the air to pass through the grass easily. Therefore, a yard sweeper or a rake should be used to remove the clippings from the lawn.
● Clean the Mower
After mowing the lawn, it is essential to deeply clean your mower and remove all the clippings stuck on the different parts of the machine. You shouldn’t forget the mower’s underside; if the clippings aren’t removed properly, the dirt and moisture will cause corrosion and damage the equipment. It is recommended to spray silicone or put some oil on the underside deck before mowing; it makes the scraping process easier.
Helpful Tips when mowing grass in the rain
● Clear the lawn
Always clean your lawn before mowing it; remove any stones or sticks that might come in the way. Removing the unnecessary items will make mowing smoother. And they can not damage the machine or harm anyone with flying objects.
● Use Large wheels
It is always preferred to use a mower with large wheels when you are planning to mow your lawn in the rain. The pressure on the wheels can damage the soil, which is now becoming soft and fragile. Larger wheels will enable you to mow the lawn without ripping it apart.
● Use a Gas mower, battery-powered mower, or a Manual Machine
Water and electricity don’t go together. Although an electric mower has many advantages, using it while it is raining is risky. Using a good battery-powered mower will be fine. But for mowing in the rain, a manual or gas-powered machine will work best, also for small yards.
● Mow Frequently
It would be best if you preplanned your mowing schedule when rain is forecasted. It is recommended to mow your lawn more often when it is wet. Meaning you will be using your mower more frequently. If you mow regularly, the number of clippings will be lesser hence making your job easier.
Problems with Mowing Grass in the Rain
Honestly, there are several reasons why mowing in the rain is not the best idea, and not only after some heavy rainfall. Lighter rain also makes the word difficult. Cutting the grass on a rainy day is a messy task which you might want to put on hold unless your lawn is in absolute need of a trim. It is always recommended to wait until the grass is dry and upright. You will see the difference yourself.
Here is why lawn site mowing in the rain is inappropriate and why you should avoid it.
● Uneven Cut
When the lawn is wet, the grass’s blades don’t stand upright. They become heavy and stick to the ground. If you mow while it is raining outside, the mower’s blades will only trim some grass strings while the other parts are not cut. Once the grass is dried and all of the grass comes back to its original upright position, you will see the yard’s unevenness. Some sections of your lawn will appear like you haven’t mowed it. The uneven cut grass means that you have to do the whole process again to make your yard look even and tidy.
● Inadequate Health
Cutting the grass in the rain can lead to irregular and rough edges, as the mower blades are unable to cut all the grass evenly, which can cause fungal infections. The clipping from the grass can also cause fungal disease. When clippings get clumped, they can block the proper airflow to the ground. If these lumps aren’t removed on time, they can infect the grass and cause a ‘brown spot.’
● Damage to the Blades
Cutting the wet grass can increase the wear and tear and even damage the blades of the mower. The clipping that comes out during the mowing process gets clumped and clog the mower. This affects the efficiency of the equipment. Therefore, it is important to clean the blades before and after mowing the lawn to give your lawn a clean and healthy cut. When the clippings are too wet, you might even have to clean them during the work.
● Rusting Problem
If you mow in the rain or in a very damp environment, it is possible that water can get into the gas tank. This can result in your engine running rough or even stop working altogether. You can mix some fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank to counter some corrosion that can occur inside the engine. Also, clear as many grass clippings as possible that stick to the mower’s underside metal can lead to rust over time. Rust can also affect the performance of the mower and its blades. Those who worry and ask if mowing in the rain will be bad for my mower? The answer is: yes, it can.
● Safety Issues
Mowing in the rain with an electric mower is like inviting an accident on your doorstep. Using an electric mower with an extension cord is extremely risky and should always be avoided in wet conditions. It doesn’t matter which mower you use. There is always risk involved when walking on wet grass and working with sharp blades. If you have mobility issues, it is highly suggested not to mow in the rain. It is easy to slip and fall. Your safety should always come first.
● Double Hassle
The chlorophyll in the grass is more likely to stain when it is wet. Even mowing in light rain doubtlessly is going to stain your clothes, shoes, and all the places your shoes will touch. Cleaning after mowing will become another task.
Final Remarks
If your lawn is in desperate need of trim when it is raining you should follow the instructions and be extra careful. Following the preventive measures will make the work easier, protect you from harming yourself, and ensure that the yard’s maintenance is doable in less-than-ideal conditions.
Mowing the lawn in the rain is not recommended by many experts. It is better to wait until the grass is dry. Mowing in the rain will not give your lawn the perfect finish you desire, plus the rain will make the mowing process more tiring and take considerably longer.
How can I prevent rusting on my mower when mowing in the rain?
Mowing in the rain can lead to rusting on your mower due to the moisture. To prevent this, ensure to thoroughly clean your mower after use, especially the underside where grass clippings can cause rust.
Can I still mow in patches if my lawn is sloped?
Thank you for your question, Hazel. It is generally not recommended to mow a sloped lawn in patches when it’s raining due to safety and mower efficiency concerns. Take care!
Will following these tips make my lawn look better after mowing in the rain?
Avoid mowing your lawn in the rain if possible. It can lead to uneven cutting and potential health issues for your grass. Wait for dry conditions for best results.
What should I do if I have no choice but to mow in the rain?
Mowing in the rain can be tricky, but if you must, follow these tips: sharpen blades, increase cutting height, cut in patches, and dispose of clippings properly. Stay safe!
I never thought about adding a fuel stabilizer, thanks for the tip!
Thanks, Jerry! I’m glad you found the tip helpful. Just remember to take extra precautions and follow the steps mentioned for the best results. Enjoy mowing your lawn!
Is there a specific type of mower that works best in wet conditions?
It’s best to avoid mowing in wet conditions to maintain the grass’ health and appearance. If absolutely necessary, opt for a mower with large wheels and sharpened blades to minimize damage.
This article has convinced me to avoid mowing in the rain whenever possible.
Thanks for reading! Mowing in the rain can be challenging, but following the right steps can make it easier. Stay safe and keep your lawn looking great!
I had no idea mowing in the rain could be so harmful to the grass!
I agree, James! Mowing in the rain can harm the grass. Try to avoid it if possible, but if you must, follow these tips to minimize the damage.
This article has changed the way I approach lawn maintenance in rainy weather.
Thank you, Vera! I’m glad the article helped you approach lawn maintenance in rainy weather more efficiently. Happy mowing!
Can I use a regular lawn mower when mowing in the rain?
Mowing in the rain is not recommended due to potential damage to the grass and the mower. It is best to wait for the grass to dry before mowing for a clean and even finish. Stay safe!
I never knew there could be so many risks involved in mowing in the rain.
Mowing in the rain can be risky, but if you must, sharpen the blades, increase cutting height, and dispose of clippings properly. It will take more time and effort, but the end result will be worth it!
I wonder if there are specific mowers designed for rainy conditions.
Mowing in the rain can be done with precautions, such as sharpening the blades, increasing cutting height, and disposing of clippings properly. However, it is best to wait for the grass to dry for optimal results.
It’s interesting to learn about the impact of mowing in the rain on mower blades.
Thank you, Jackson! Mowing in the rain can be tricky, but following these tips can help make the process smoother and protect your lawn in the long run. Happy mowing!
Is it really necessary to sharpen the mower blades every time it rains?
Sharpening the blades isn’t necessary every time it rains, but it does help achieve a clean cut on wet grass. It’s a precaution to avoid damaging the grass and the mower.
I never knew mowing in the rain could lead to fungal diseases in the grass.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Ricky! It’s always best to avoid mowing in the rain whenever possible to prevent fungal diseases in the grass. Stay safe and keep your lawn healthy!
These tips are really helpful and will make my mowing process easier.
Thank you, Evelyn! I’m glad you found the tips helpful. Remember to proceed with caution when mowing in the rain to avoid potential issues with your lawn’s health and equipment.
I appreciate the detailed steps on how to mow in the rain safely.
Thank you, Kitty! I’m glad you found the steps helpful. Stay safe while mowing in the rain and take extra precautions to maintain both your lawn’s health and your safety.
Is it better to mow before or after a rainy day?
It is typically not recommended to mow your lawn when it is wet, as it can lead to long-term damage. It’s best to wait until the grass is dry for a better result.
I’ve always wondered why my grass looked uneven after mowing in the rain!
Louise, mowing in the rain can lead to an uneven cut and damage the health of your grass. Consider waiting for dry conditions to maintain the health and appearance of your lawn.
Thank you for explaining the importance of mowing the lawn regularly.
Thank you, Eileen! I’m glad you found the importance of mowing regularly helpful. If you ever find yourself needing to mow in the rain, just remember to follow some extra precautions.