Can You Cut Wet Grass? Read This Before Cutting

Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by Mattias

This article answers the question many homeowners ask themselves after heavy rain. “Can you cut wet grass?”

Consider this the ultimate guide when it comes to cutting wet grass.

Can You Cut Wet Grass?

Yes, you can cut wet grass if you have the right mower. As you may know, there are many types of mowers, and some of them may be very good at giving your lawn a good cut.

But when it comes to mowing a wet lawn, it can be a good idea to look over your model first since some models aren’t made for wet conditions while doing the job better.

But sometimes, it may be hard to resist cutting the grass when wet, so it can be a good idea to know how you should do it but also understand that there are several risk factors to consider.

How To Cut Wet Grass

If you know how to cut wet grass, you can avoid the most common lawn care mistakes most people make.

Test The Soil

Before you start cutting, make sure the soil is ready for it. If you’re standing on the ground and notice that you’re starting to sink or seeing water around your shoes, don’t cut.

Avoid Using a Heavy Mower

The weight of the mower can leave ugly tramlines, which is the last thing you want.

Avoid Using a Roller Mower

A roller mower often leaves skid marks on your lawn since it’s often much heavier.

Pick The Right Mower For The Job

Some mowers are good for wet weather, while others work better during dry conditions. So make sure to pick the right mower for the job.

Use a Mower With a Hard-sided Collector

A hard-sided collector is one feature that helps mowers leave a good finish in the wet. It’s easier to get the wet grass clippings away from your lawn, + they won’t clog so much compared to bag collectors.

Try To Collect The Grass

Even the best lawn mower will leave clumps of wet grass behind. Mostly this is due to the wet grass that the wheels of the mower pick up and too much accumulation under the mower’s undercarriage. Try to collect the grass, and you can avoid this problem.

Cut Higher Than Normal

Wet clippings can make your mower clog up very easily. You can avoid clogging your lawnmower by cutting higher than you normally do.

Check The Blades

The best way is to ensure you have sharp blades when cutting wet grass. It makes cutting easier.

Don’t Use a Lawnmower Bag

Cleaning a lawnmower bag from wet grass can be time-consuming. If you got one on your lawnmower, set it aside.

Why You Shouldn’t Cut Wet Grass

Well, now you know the answer to “can you cut wet grass?”. But even if you can, it’s important to know the risks before doing so.

• It’s easy to slip under your mower. The lawn mower blades are spinning very fast, which may be risky.
• You might want to think again if you got an electric lawn mower / corded electric lawnmower. Mixing electricity with water is a very bad idea. There’s always a risk of electric shock if the electricity finds its way, and for obvious reasons, you should not cut wet grass if you have an electric lawn mower.
• Damp grass can get stuck at the sharp mower blades, which means that your mower’s engine may work harder than it needs to. Either way, you must clean off the damp grass clippings, but for your safety, don’t forget to do this when the mower is off.
• Don’t expect to get a clean cut when cutting wet grass. It’s almost impossible sometimes to get a nice lawn when the grass is wet, and you will end up with an uneven cut and tall grass just lying down.
• When you cut wet grass, fungal diseases are likely to spread since they love the wet ground. You can also expect brown patches on your lawn. Do you know those brown ugly spots? It’s because of all the grass left on your lawn after cutting when wet, which means a risk of rut damage, which is why it’s extra important to clean your lawnmower if you cut when it’s wet, especially under it. If not, the fungal may spread the next time you decide to cut.
• Aside from fungal infections, there’s always a risk of the soil getting hurt when cutting wet grass, which can hurt the lawn from growing fine green grass in the future.
• Cutting wet grass means extra work for you. You must ensure there’s nothing left on your lawn and clean your lawnmower extra well.

How to Spot Fungal Diseases

Fungal can destroy anyone’s lawn, and it’s important to know what to look out for.

• Brown patch – circle-like spots of brown grass
• Leaf spots – small brown spots with a darker brown border around
• Red thread – can be seen on the tips of your grass blades
• Anthracnose – patches that are reddish-brown

These are all signs of different fungi that can be seen after cutting wet grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to mow your lawn?

Mid-morning between 8 AM and 10 AM is the best time to mow your lawn.

Is it okay to cut slightly wet grass?

Mowing wet or dewy grass can damage your lawn and do more harm than good, making it a bad idea to cut when wet. Your mower may also suffer from it. 

How soon after the rain can I mow?

Don’t mow your lawn immediately after rain. Wait between 2-5 hours or until the grass is dry enough. 

Is it better to mow before or after rain?

If you know that rain is coming, try to mow before. Stay updated on the weather forecast so you can be prepared.

Can You Cut Wet Grass Summary

Cutting grass is fully possible, but there’s always a risk, and you will force the lawnmower more than it needs to, which means a decreased lifetime for it. So the best thing you can do is to wait until the grass is dry.

Good luck with cutting your grass!