Is It OK to Mow Wet Grass?

Just as you’re getting ready to mow the lawn, a rain cloud races overhead and soaks your grass. So you’re out of luck, right? That’s what everyone says. Your dad, your grandma, your neighbor, your friends, they all say that mowing wet grass is a bad idea. It’ll ruin your lawn, they say, don’t do it! But is this just a lawn care myth? Or is it true that you can harm your lawn and lawn mower by mowing wet grass?

There are many reasons for people to believe that mowing wet grass is harmful. Since the grass is wet, it will be limp and soft, which makes it more difficult to get a crisp cut. There’s also the chance that your wet grass will be slick, which could cause you to fall. Mowing wet grass could leave you with clumped clippings (you’ll have to rake them up to make the yard look neat) and the yard’s finished cut won’t be flawless enough to satisfy a lawn perfectionist. Plus, because chlorophyll in the grass is more likely to stain when wet, you could end up with green clothes and a green-stained driveway and house. Finally, wet grass tends to be more soft and sticky, so you’ll need to be careful with your mower. Clippings could stick to the bottom of the mower and possibly even clog the motor, so you’ll need to move slowly and maybe clean up the mower as you go along.

However, if all those disadvantages don’t scare you and you truly need your lawn cut today (maybe you need your yard in tip-top shape because you’re having a party or hosting an open house), you can indeed try mowing wet grass. There are a few factors to watch out for though. First, check that the ground isn’t too soggy. If you sink into it as you walk, it’s not safe for mowing. Second, keep safety in mind and never use an electric mower with an extension cord; electricity and rain don’t mix well. Finally, your mower blades should be very sharp. As an extra precaution, you might want to spray the underside of your lawn mower’s deck with silicone spray or oil. Some homeowners believe this helps the mower stay clean and free of loose clippings.

It won’t be comfortable and the results will not be perfect, but if you don’t have time to let your yard sunbathe, you are allowed to mow wet grass. It’s challenging, but not impossible.