You have those days where the rain seems to be going on and on. And all that water makes your lawn grow even quicker than usual. Mowing dry grass is always more comfortable, but sometimes it is impossible to wait for it to dry. So what is the best way to mow wet grass? Before we dive into that, we first have to look at what wet grass is. Wet is a word for many different situations. Wet can mean your grass has pools of water, and if you walk on it, you see that your boots leave big imprints on it. Wet can also mean that there was just a small shower, and the soil itself is still reasonably dry. And wet can also mean it is more a kind of damp, and if you walk around, you see your shoes getting a little bit wet. You probably understand that it just isn’t a good idea to mow when it is exceptionally wet. But when it is not that wet, and you can’t wait for it to dry, you can give it a go. The blog post contains the best steps to mow your wet grass.
Mowing Wet Grass, step by step:
- Step 1: Prepare your lawnmower
- Step 2: Raise the mowing deck
- Step 3: Use as much power as possible
- Step 4: Mow wet grass slowly
- Step 5: Mow in half-row intervals
- Step 6: Use side discharge
- Step 7: Mow in different directions
- Step 8: Cut the perimeters first
- Step 9: Clean the machine
- Step 10: Use your edge or string trimmer for the last parts
Contents
- 1 How to mow wet grass, step by step
- 1.1 ● Step 1: Prepare your lawnmower
- 1.2 ● Step 2: Raise the mowing deck
- 1.3 ● Step 3: Use as much power as possible
- 1.4 ● Step 4: Mow wet grass slowly
- 1.5 ● Step 5: Mow in half-row intervals
- 1.6 ● Step 6: Use side discharge
- 1.7 ● Step 7: Mow in different directions
- 1.8 ● Step 8: Cut the perimeters first
- 1.9 ● Step 9: Clean the machine
- 1.10 ● Step 10: Use your edge or string trimmer for the last parts
- 2 Why not cut wet grass
- 3 Related Questions
How to mow wet grass, step by step
If you do not have the time to let your grass dry before mowing, there are several ways to deal with mowing wet grass. Ensure that your lawn is capable of carrying your lawnmower’s weight and that the tires do not ruin the grass. If you have an electric lawnmower, do not mow when it is wet. An electric mower needs an extension that will move partly be on the grass. A wet environment and electricity do not match.
● Step 1: Prepare your lawnmower
The first important step for mowing wet grass is to prepare your lawnmower.
– Step 1.1: Spray lubricant on your mowing deck’s underside
Use a high-quality Silicone lubricant and spray the mowing deck underside. This makes it harder for the grass to stick on the underside. Sticking grass is one of the biggest problems when mowing wet grass. And it often means you have to stop the lawnmower, clean the underside before you can continue. The silicone spray often comes in the shape of an aerosol spray and can be found in your local hardware store or online. It should not cost more than a couple of dollars.
– Step 1.2: Sharpen the blades:
Mowing wet grass can have a shredding effect on your lawn and lead to uneven cutting. The sharper your blades are, the better they will work. Ensure that the cutting edges are straight and well-balanced.
– Step 1.3: Add some fuel stabilizer
When your lawn and environment is damp, excess water can enter the lawnmower’s fuel tank more easily. Water in your gas tank can make your machine run rough and having less power. Worst case, it can even make the engine stop. An easy way to protect your machine is to use a fuel stabilizer.
– Step 1.4: Check your lawnmower’s air filter
Check the air filter of the lawnmower. If you find your lawnmower’s air filter damp, let it dry or replace it. And while you’re at it, if it is dirty clean it.
● Step 2: Raise the mowing deck
When mowing wet grass, you should raise the mowing deck. The increased height helps to minimize the grass clippings’ quantity. Shorter clippings also mean that there is less chance that they become stuck under the mower. If you need to have the grass even shorter, mow it in multiple sessions. With each consecutive mowing session, you make it a little bit shorter.
● Step 3: Use as much power as possible
When mowing, let the engine run on full power. With wet grass, the engine has to work harder, and using full power means that the blades will rotate as fast as possible. When you encounter a more difficult part, the higher speed will help deal with it.
● Step 4: Mow wet grass slowly
Always mow wet grass slower. As with step 3, the goal is to use the engine power as good as possible and have less strain on the engine. That way, it can cope more comfortably with the problematic parts. Try to go 50% slower than usual. If you see that some parts are not fully cut, mow it again until it looks okay.
● Step 5: Mow in half-row intervals
After you have mowed the first row, try to move only half an interval away. That means you cut only half the width of your blade. It means your lawnmower will be moving partly over uncut grass and partly over already cut grass. The reason is also to limit the amount of grass cut at any time.
● Step 6: Use side discharge
Mulching and bagging wet grass are backbreaking, time-consuming, and messy. That is why it is better to use the side-discharge mode on the lawnmower and then rake away the grass later. Using the side-discharge means that the grass has the shortest route from the blade to the outside and fewer places to stick and clog parts of the lawnmower.
● Step 7: Mow in different directions
Don’t mow wet grass in uniform strokes. Make sure you mow damp grass in both horizontal and vertical paths.
● Step 8: Cut the perimeters first
Start mowing wet grass with the edges of your lawn and work your way inward. In this way, the blades of your lawnmower will also be moving over half-cut and half-uncut grass.
● Step 9: Clean the machine
When you are done, clean the mowing deck’s underside carefully before storing it. You must also make sure that you scrape down the upper parts of the deck, wipe down the entire body to make it grease-free, rust-free, stainless, and shiny. And then brush off your lawnmower’s tires and clean and lubricate your lawnmower’s blades after the completion of mowing your wet or damp lawn.
● Step 10: Use your edge or string trimmer for the last parts
After finishing, use your edger or string trimmer. Your lawn will look like a man who gets a shave after a shower.
Why not cut wet grass
There are four main reasons not to mow your lawn when the grass is wet.
1. Risk of clumping and clogging your lawnmower:
The main reason not to mow your lawn when it is wet or saturated is that the wet grass clippings tend to quickly clog up your lawnmower. Forcing you to clean the machine regularly during mowing. I can say from my experience that this can be a pain, and takes quite some time you have to do it.
2. Mowing wet grass takes more time
Mowing wet grass takes considerably more time than mowing dry grass. This is mainly because the lawnmower has to go slower, can not cut as much grass simultaneously, and cuts less.
Added to that comes the times you have to clean the mower’s underside when it is clogged.
And the last is that if you do not use a collection bag, you have to rake the grass later.
3. Risk of tearing up the grass:
You don’t want to tear your grass from its root. When the soil is wet, it is much easier to pull the grass out of the ground.
4. Risk of damaging your lawnmower:
Mowing wet grass is more difficult for your mower. The engine just has to work harder, and there will be more wear and tear. A damp environment can also mean a higher chance of corrosion for certain parts of the machine.
Related Questions
1. How to check the dampness level of the grass?
To check the saturation level of your lawn, look around. If you see numerous puddles full of rainwater around your yard, your heavy lawnmower will start sinking deeper into the soil as soon as you bring it out of your garage. If you see water rising around the edges of your shoes, it also means that the ground can not cope with the weight.
There is a simple test that you can do to check the dampness level of the ground. Take off your shoes, and walk through the grass with your naked feet. If you can place stable footing and the soil is flat and hard underneath, and your toes and heels remain completely dry after the walkthrough, you can start mowing.
But if you can easily see your footprints and the grass does not immediately stand up after you walk through, it means that the ground is too damp to start the work. In that case, it is better to wait for a different moment.
2. Which are the ten wettest states in the USA, and which month is the wettest in each state?
The ten wettest US states | Wettest Month |
|---|---|
Alabama | March |
Arkansas | May |
Florida | August |
Hawaii | December |
Louisiana | June |
Mississippi | December |
Georgia | July |
South Carolina | August |
North Carolina | August |
Tennessee | July |
Final Remarks:
You can mow wet grass. But It means you have to prepare yourself well and make sure you mow slower, mow less area at the same time, and make a higher cut. Expect that mowing wet grass will take considerable more time than mowing dry grass. In general, it is better to wait for the grass to dry.
Are there any specific brands of lawnmowers that are better equipped for wet grass?
Hi Ashley, I recommend preparing your lawnmower, raising the deck, and mowing slowly in intervals when tackling wet grass. It may take more time, but it can be done effectively.
Is there a specific type of fuel stabilizer to use for lawnmowers?
Yes, using a fuel stabilizer with wet grass can help protect your lawnmower from damage. Make sure to follow the steps for mowing wet grass to ensure a successful mow.
What is the best type of side discharge to use when mowing wet grass?
The best type of side discharge to use when mowing wet grass is the side-discharge mode on the lawnmower. It helps prevent clumping and clogging and makes cleanup easier.
Very clear and concise information on the risks of mowing wet grass
Thank you for your feedback, Carmen. I appreciate your kind words about the risks of mowing wet grass. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or comments.
Thank you for breaking down the different meanings of ‘wet’ grass, very insightful
Thank you for your kind words, Gabriel. I’m glad you found the breakdown of mowing wet grass insightful. Happy mowing!
I never knew there was a specific way to mow wet grass, very informative!
Thank you, Jerome! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Happy mowing!
How often should you sharpen your lawnmower blades when mowing wet grass?
Thanks for your question, Willie! It’s best to sharpen your lawnmower blades after 10 hours of use, especially when mowing wet grass. Keeping them sharp ensures a clean cut and prevents tearing the grass.
I appreciate the detailed steps for mowing wet grass, very helpful!
Thank you, Nellie! I’m glad you found the steps helpful for mowing wet grass. Happy mowing!
Can you use a regular lawnmower when the grass is wet or do you need a specific type?
Yes, you can mow wet grass, but be sure to follow the steps provided in the blog post for the best results. Take your time and be prepared for a slower process.
The explanation of why not to cut wet grass was eye-opening, thank you
Thank you for your feedback, Joanne. I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. Happy mowing!
I appreciate the final remarks on when it’s best to mow wet grass or wait
Thanks for your feedback, Lewis! I’m glad you found the final remarks helpful. Remember to prepare your lawnmower properly and mow slower when dealing with wet grass. Happy mowing!
Thanks for the reminder to check the air filter, I always forget about that
Glad the tips were helpful, Lloyd! Remembering to check the air filter is crucial for a successful mow. Let me know if you have any other questions or need more advice. Happy mowing!
How do you prevent rust on a lawnmower when mowing wet grass?
Thanks for your question, Landon! To prevent rust on a lawnmower when mowing wet grass, make sure to clean and lubricate the machine after use. Follow the steps outlined in the blog post for best results!
Great video references included, makes it easier to understand the steps
Daniel, thanks for your feedback on the video references in the blog post. I’m glad you found them helpful in understanding the steps!
Should you mow wet grass at the same frequency as dry grass?
Thank you for your question, Cindy! Mowing wet grass requires extra caution. Follow these steps for the best results. Happy mowing!
I had no idea that mowing wet grass could cause so much damage to the mower
Thank you for your comment, Philip. Mowing wet grass can indeed cause damage to the mower. Following the steps outlined in the blog post can help minimize the risk. Stay safe!
Great step-by-step guide, will definitely try some of these tips next time
Thank you, Mildred! Remember to take it slow and prepare your lawnmower properly. Mowing wet grass can be done with the right steps. Good luck with your next mowing session!
I will definitely take these steps into account next time I mow my wet grass, thank you
Glad to hear you found the steps helpful, Dwayne. Happy mowing next time!
Can you provide more tips on how to clean a lawnmower after mowing wet grass?
Thanks for reaching out, Sylvia! I’ve outlined the best steps for mowing wet grass in the blog post. Remember, always mow slower and use side discharge for the best results. Happy mowing!
I never thought about how wet grass clippings could clog up the lawn mower
Thanks for your comment, Adrian! Mowing wet grass can definitely be a challenge, but with the right preparation and techniques, it can be done. Happy mowing!