Georgia Landscaping and Hardscaping LLC
It is Sunday, and you were supposed to tackle your lawn care. But the grass is soaked.
What happened? Last night, it rained cats and dogs.
Now you’re left wondering, “Should I mow wet grass?”
While it might seem tempting to get it over with, especially if you’re pressed for time, Georgia Landscaping’s experts recommend waiting until your lawn dries.
With over 10 years of experience in maintaining Atlanta’s lush landscapes, we’ve seen firsthand the risks and problems that mowing wet grass can cause.
We’ll explain why mowing wet grass isn’t ideal, its potential damage to your lawn and equipment, and safer alternatives for keeping green, healthy grass.
Mowing wet grass might seem harmless, but it can cause various issues for your lawn and mower.
Here are some of the main reasons why you should hold off until your grass dries out:
Wet grass blades are softer and more pliable than dry ones. This makes it harder for lawn mower blades to make a clean cut, often resulting in jagged tears rather than smooth cuts.
Wet, torn grass is more susceptible to fungal diseases like rust, brown patches, or mold. Moist environments promote these infections, which can spread quickly and damage large sections of your lawn.
Mowing wet grass can tear the blades instead of slicing them, weakening the overall health of your lawn. This leads to stunted growth and makes it harder for the grass to recover.
When grass is wet, it tends to clump together. These clumps can stick to your mower blades, reducing effectiveness and making the task even more difficult.
Wet grass may bend under the mower rather than standing tall, leading to uneven mowing. This results in patches of uncut grass and an overall messy appearance.
Wet clippings often clump together, forming large piles that don’t break down easily. These clumps block sunlight and can suffocate the grass underneath, creating yellow patches and harming your lawn.
Mowing wet grass can also damage your equipment.
Moisture from the grass can cause rust to form on your mower’s blades and inner parts, shortening its lifespan. You might also run into issues like:
Wet grass is much more likely to clog the mower’s deck and blades, causing jams and requiring you to stop frequently to clear it out.
Wet conditions create a slippery surface, increasing the risk of losing control of your mower, especially on slopes or uneven terrain.
This safety hazard could result in accidents or damage to your mower.
The best time to mow your lawn is when the grass is dry. But what if you’re working with a tight schedule and need to cut it sooner? Here’s what to look for:
Touch your grass to see if it still feels wet. If it’s damp and not soaking, you may proceed with caution. However, waiting until the grass feels dry to the touch is ideal.
Avoid mowing if the soil is still muddy or soggy. Wet soil can be easily compacted by your mower’s weight, causing root damage and poor aeration for your grass.
The best way to speed up drying is to wait for a sunny or windy day. This will help evaporate the moisture and get your lawn ready for cutting.
Ideally, you’d always wait for your lawn to dry completely. But sometimes, you don’t have a choice. If you need to mow wet grass, here are a few tips from Georgia Landscaping and Hardscaping LLC to minimize the risks:
Sharp mower blades are essential for a clean cut, especially on wet grass. Dull blades will tear the grass, which can cause the issues we discussed earlier.
Set your mower to a higher level than usual to reduce the strain on the grass and mower blades. This will help you avoid creating large clumps of wet grass.
Take your time when mowing wet grass. Slowing down allows the blades to cut more effectively and reduces the chances of clogging or tearing the grass.
Wet grass is sticky and quickly accumulates under the deck and around the blades. Stop periodically to clean out any buildup and keep your mower running smoothly.
If you want to avoid the hassle of mowing wet grass altogether, consider these preventative tips to maintain a healthy lawn without the added headache:
Try to plan your mowing schedule around the weather forecast. If rain is expected, mow the day before or wait until your lawn dries after a rainfall.
If your lawn takes a long time to dry, you might have drainage issues. Consider installing a drainage system or grading your yard to help move water away and keep the grass dry.
On dry days, mulch your grass clippings to promote healthy lawn growth. Mulching breaks the clippings into small pieces, which helps return nutrients to the soil, aiding in the overall health of your lawn.
Mowing wet grass might seem like a time-saver, but it can lead to more significant problems for your lawn and your mower.
Georgia Landscaping and Hardscaping LLC always advises waiting for the grass to dry before mowing. Not only will you achieve a better cut, but you’ll also protect your lawn from disease, damage, and unsightly clumps.
If you’re ever in doubt or want a professional touch, contact Georgia Landscaping. With 10 years of expertise in Atlanta, Georgia Landscaping and Hardscaping LLC can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round, no matter the weather.