Mowing Wet Grass: Tips, Safety, and Best Practices"

This is why wet grass cannot be successfully be cut, or at least, collected, with a lawnmower. Mowing wet grass can very frustrating and most lawnmowers just will not be able to get through the mowing if the intention is to collect the grass in a grass collector.

In this video I explain why mowing and collecting wet grass is challenging and why mulching the grass can be quite different in this situation.

So, whether you are using a Riding lawn mower, Push mower, Petrol lawnmower or even an electric lawn mower, this principle is valid. Also true whether your mower has either a 4 Stroke Engine or a 2 Stroke Engine. The Robot Lawn mower doesn't escape this principle either!

If you are having problems starting your lawnmower then please do take look at my other video, where I help you get back you and running again if your Lawn mower Won't Start:    • Lawn Mower Will Not Start? -This is P...  

It is normally not advised to mow damp grass, so try to avoid doing it whenever you can. Even though there may be wetness present, there are some circumstances in which it may be important to mow the lawn. Here are some things to think about when cutting wet grass:

Wet grass has a tendency to be stickier and more slippery, making it challenging to accomplish a clean, level cut. The lawn may appear uneven and unattractive as a result of the wet blades sticking together, forming clumps, and clogging the mower deck.

Risk of Damage Increased: Mowing wet grass can be difficult for both the mower and the grass itself. Because moist soil is weaker and more prone to compaction, compaction can damage grass roots. Mower weight can further compact the soil, causing poor drainage and perhaps harming the grass.

Uneven Cutting: Mower blades have a difficult time cutting cleanly through wet grass because the blades prefer to bend over rather than stand erect. This may lead to an inconsistent cut, leaving some grass untouched or only partially chopped.

Mowing wet grass can aid in the spread of certain lawn diseases. When the grass is wet, the moisture may let pathogens or other fungi spread from one part of the lawn to another. Additionally, cutting damp grass can cause wounds that make the plant more vulnerable to disease invasion.

Safety Issues: Mowing wet grass puts the operator of the mower and spectators at an increased risk of slipping and accidents. It may be more difficult to maintain stability while mowing on damp ground. Additionally, wet grass clippings can adhere to shoes, making walkways and roadways slick.

Given these factors, it is typically advised to postpone mowing until the grass has dried. However, if time or weather restrictions force you to mow damp grass, take into account the following advice:

To ensure mower safety, mow on wet ground with caution since it may be slippery. Take your time and preserve stability by donning the right traction-enhancing footwear.

Raising the mower's cutting height will minimise scalping and give the bent and wet grass blades some room to move around.

Mower deck cleaning: To avoid clumping and clogging, check and clean the mower deck frequently. This would need stopping to clear away any accumulated wet grass clippings off the deck and the blades.

Dry the mower after use: To avoid rust and moisture-related damage, it is best to thoroughly clean and dry the mower after cutting wet grass.

In conclusion, due to the challenges it poses and the potential for damage, mowing damp grass should be avoided if possible. To provide a better cutting experience and maintain the health of your lawn, it is best to wait until the grass is completely dry before cutting it.

Image Attribution:
House and Lawn Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-an... (Pixabay)

I hope you gain something from this video.

Many thanks indeed for watching

Craig (Owner and creator of The Repair Specialist Channel)

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