Cutting wet grass can be a difficult task for many lawnmowers, especially for homeowners who are used to collecting the clippings as they cut. While this may present a challenge, it is possible to cut wet grass effectively with the right tools and techniques.
Cutting wet grass can present some unique challenges that you don’t face when cutting dry grass. It can be pretty heavy and clumpy, making it hard to manoeuvre the lawnmower over it. It is also more difficult for the blades of the mower to cut through as many of them are designed to only cope with drier grass. Thankfully, you can take steps to ensure your wet grass is cut correctly and efficiently.
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can you cut wet grass?
Yes of course. When it comes to lawn mowing, cutting wet grass is sometimes unavoidable. Professional lawn mowing companies must be prepared to cut grass in damp or wet conditions as part of their pre-planned schedule. You should do the following:
- Avoid using a heavy mower
- Don’t use a mower with a roller
- Use a mower specifically made for cutting wet grass
- Use a mower with a hard-sided collector
- Collect the grass clippings after
Problems with cutting wet grass
Mowing wet grass can prove to be quite a troublesome experience, even for the most advanced mower; clumping and blocking of the machine are just some of its known issues. Moreover, achieving those neat striped patterns is not at all possible in rainy weather – so it’s important to take extra precautions when cutting wet grass.
Clumping and blocking of the lawn mower
Clumping of the grass can cause blockages in your lawn mower, reducing its efficiency and potentially damaging it. The clumps may even overheat the machine and cause further damage.
Reduced cutting power when dealing with wet grass
When cutting wet grass, the blades of the lawn mower may have reduced power as there is more resistance from the moisture in the grass. This makes it harder to cut through and can also cause damage to the blades if pushed too hard.
Can’t achieve neat stripes
When cutting wet grass, it can be difficult to achieve the same striped lines that you would normally get with a dry lawn. The increased moisture in the grass will make it harder for the blades to cut neatly, resulting in uneven strips or clumps where it is impossible to achieve the usual pattern.
Rut damage
Rut damage is a common issue when mowing grass, especially during wet conditions. The increased weight of your mower can cause the soil to become compacted, resulting in rutting which makes it more difficult for the lawn to retain water and nutrients.
What's the best way to cut wet grass?
Let’s have a look at some tips that should help you cut wet grass safely and efficiently:
1. Avoid using a heavy mower
When cutting wet grass, it is important to avoid using a heavy lawn mower as this can cause rutting and other damage to the soil. Lightweight and battery-powered mowers are preferable as they distribute weight evenly over the ground.
2. Don’t use a mower with a roller
Rollers can often cause clumps of grass to form which can block the machine and damage the blades. It is best to avoid using a mower with a roller when cutting wet grass.
3. Use a mower specifically made for cutting wet grass
Some mowers are specially designed for cutting wet grass. These mowers tend to be lightweight and have blades that are specifically designed to cut through wetter grass more efficiently. Etesoa mowers are ideal for cutting wet grass.
4. Use a mower with a hard-sided collector
When it comes to lawn care, having a mower with a hard-sided collector can make the process much easier. Not only can you easily collect grass clippings, but a hard-sided collector also prevents clogging and makes cutting more efficient. With regular use of a mower with a hard-sided collector, you will also be able to achieve better results when cutting stripes in your lawn, even in wet conditions.
5. Collect the grass clippings after
After mowing your lawn, it is important to remove the grass clippings for a few reasons. First, collecting the clippings helps ensure that nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the grass are recycled back into the soil. Additionally, removing the grass clippings will reduce visible signs of wear and tear on your lawn and help prevent compaction from rut damage.
6. Set your mower blade higher
When cutting wet grass, you should always set your mower blade higher. Cutting wet grass with a lower blade setting can cause the mower to clog and leave an uneven cut, which is both unsightly and unhealthy for the lawn.
Mowing your grass with morning dew
Although some argue that mowing grass with morning dew is permissible, many suggest waiting until the blades are fully dry. In general, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours for the water droplets to dissipate – however, if you do opt to cut while wet, be wary since this could potentially cause clogged machinery and added tension on your mower.
Cutting grass when it’s wet can be harmful both to your lawn mower and to your yard. Clippings from wet grass can easily clog up the mower, damaging it if they aren’t removed quickly. In addition, the clippings are expelled in large sections from the mower, potentially smothering other parts of your lawn and leading to patches of dead or dry grass. Wet grass isn’t just a result of rainfall either – morning dew can also make for an unfavorable cutting experience.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cut your grass in the early morning is completely up to you. It’s important to consider both the pros and cons before making a final decision – while it may be more efficient, cutting wet grass can damage both your mower and your yard.
Conclusion
Although cutting wet grass is not ideal, it may be unavoidable for professional lawn mowing companies who must plan for this possibility and be prepared to cut in damp or wet conditions as part of their pre-planned schedule. To ensure a successful job and avoid damage, there are certain precautions that should be taken when cutting your own lawn in wet conditions. These steps include:
- Ensure that the blades on the lawnmower are sharpened before attempting to mow.
- Setting the mower to its highest setting to minimize clogging from the wet grass.
- Mow in short bursts rather than long paths to ensure optimal cutting performance.
- Avoid using a heavy mower
- Don’t use a mower with a roller
People also ask
Can you cut wet grass with strimmer?
It is not recommended to use a string trimmer on wet grass as it can damage both the trimmer itself and result in an uneven trim. Additionally, risks of injury are increased when using this machine on wet grass, so it is best to wait until the lawn has dried before beginning.
How long does it take for grass to dry?
The amount of time it takes for grass to dry varies depending on the type of grass and the environmental conditions. Generally speaking, grass typically takes between 12-24 hours to dry, but in certain conditions, this can be much shorter or longer. Humidity levels, temperatures and precipitation can all have an effect on how quickly grass dries.
Does wind dry out grass?
Yes, wind can help dry out grass. Wind helps to evaporate the moisture from the grass, more quickly removing any standing water that may be present. However, other environmental conditions also need to be considered in order for the grass to fully dry out.
What happens when grass is too wet?
Wet grass can lead to the growth of fungal diseases. Common lawn diseases caused by dampness include brown patch, which presents as irregular patches of brown or yellowing grass, and leaf spot or melting out, characterized by straw-colored or brown spots on grass blades.
