Should You Cut Wet Grass After it Rains?

It can be really tempting to cut your lawn when it’s wet. Life’s busy, and if you had planned to mow on Saturday morning but it rains the night before, you might be tempted to go ahead with it anyway. After all, golf is on Sunday, and what’s the harm in mowing just this once?

While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, lawn care experts have long advised against cutting wet grass, and for good reason. It can cause more damage than you might realize, potentially harming you, your lawn equipment and your lawn. Ahead, learn more about why waiting that few extra hours or even a day to let the grass dry will ultimately save you time and effort in the long run.

Can You Cut Wet Grass?

The short answer: No. Mowing wet grass can be problematic for your lawn, your lawn mower and you.

If you do mow wet grass, you risk leaving clumps of clippings that could smother the grass beneath. Wet grass can clog the mower, causing it to overheat, and stick to the mower’s underside, which is difficult to clean. The wheels could also create ruts in the yard.

Pros and Cons of Cutting Wet Grass

There aren’t any “pros” to mowing wet grass. Besides damaging your lawn and mower, there’s the added risk of injury. No matter how much traction you think your shoes have, you can easily slip on wet grass. And if you use an electric lawn mower that plugs in, remember electricity and water do not mix.

Can You Mow Grass in the Rain?

You shouldn’t, for the aforementioned reasons. Do you need to stop the second you feel a raindrop? Well, that depends on how hard it is raining and how much lawn you have left to cut. But generally, using mower safety is common sense.

After It Rains, When Can You Cut The Grass?

This depends on how hard it rained and how absorbent your soil is. Do not mow if your lawn feels too slick. If you can walk through the yard and your shoes stay dry, that’s a good indicator it is safe to mow. If you have any doubts, err on the side of caution. Keeping your lawn mower blades sharp will also make cutting a breeze.

FAQ

Can cutting wet grass lead to lawn diseases?

Yes, grass tears when it’s cut wet, and the ragged edge invites fungal diseases like anthracnose and brown patch.

Are there any advantages to cutting wet grass?

No, cutting wet grass is never a good idea and is to be avoided.