Mowing Grass When Wet

Unusually Wet Summer

The last few weeks, several thunder storms have dropped higher amounts of rain across north Texas. The storms have caused constant growth in the lawns since the beginning of summer. With this in mind, the realities of lawn maintenance during the summer months in the Dallas, Fort Worth area can be quite harsh. If you avoid mowing wet grass, within two weeks an entire yard can look like it has been neglected for months.

Given enough rain grass can easily grow three to six inches in a week.  Now consider you could not cut the grass on time due to rain. It grows another two to three inches. When you do finally cut the grass it is very lush, wet and hard to cut. It takes you twice as long because you may have to cut areas twice. This leaves little time for other things like pruning or weed control.  But you have to make time because these tasks will quickly get out of control if you don’t.

Dangers of Mowing Wet Grass.

1. Do not use electric mowers: Water and electricity don’t mix. Using an electric lawn mower on wet grass—especially with an extension cord—runs the risk of electric shock. When the connections (not to mention any wiring just beneath worn or damaged portions of the cord) are exposed to moisture, that could mean damage to the machine and an electrocution to its operator.
2. Slippery when wet: Mowing wet grass poses a personal danger. Walking the slick lawn with enough force exerted forward to push the mower could cause the operator to slip and fall too close to the mower’s blades or hot engine.
3. Damaging your lawn mower: Damp blades of grass can damage the mower itself. Grass clippings themselves interfere with mower’s job by sticking to the equipment in clumps that block the vacuum or the blade itself. These blockages will force the machine to work harder until it shuts off if you’re not carefully cleaning as you go.

A More Difficult Clean Up

Mowing wet grass is very difficult. Wet grass blades are slick and tough to slice, creating an uneven shred rather than the clean cut achieved on a sunny afternoon. Unless your mower’s blades are in peak conditioned, newly sharpened or replaced,  t may take two or three passes over the same patch of wet lawn to get the desired results.

After mowing wet grass will require extra cleanup, damp grass clippings that stick to a mower’s undercarriage can create a breeding ground for mold. Machinery could become damaged if it stays too moist for too long. To preserve your equipment scrapping the deck clean will help considerably. Cleaning blades, brushing off the tires, and wipe down the body of the mower will maintain mowers functionality.

Given enough rain grass can easily grow three to six inches in a week.  Now consider you could not cut the grass on time due to rain. It grows another two to three inches. When you do finally cut the grass it is very lush, wet and hard to cut. It takes you twice as long because you may have to cut areas twice. This leaves little time for other things like pruning or weed control.  Calling Ryno Lawn Care for a weekly mowing will keep you from having to deal with these issues. Your lawn is professionally cut, and save time and money.

Ryno – Tips for Mowing Wet Grass PDF