Why Mowing Wet Grass is Risky

Mowing when your grass is wet causes more problems than you might think:

• Clumping: Wet grass clippings stick together and can smother your lawn, blocking sunlight and air.
• Uneven cuts: Wet blades of grass tend to bend instead of standing tall, which leads to a ragged, patchy cut.
• Mower damage: Wet grass builds up quickly under the deck, causing clogs that strain the engine and dull the blades faster.
• Soil damage: Mowing over soggy ground can create ruts or compact the soil, especially with heavy equipment—hurting root growth long-term.

When To Mow Wet Grass

Sometimes, waiting just isn’t an option. Maybe the forecast shows more rain for days, or you’ve got people coming over and need your yard looking tidy. If the grass is damp (not soaking) and the ground feels firm underfoot, mowing is doable with a little extra care.

Tips for Mowing Wet Grass Safely

If you absolutely must mow wet grass, follow these steps to reduce damage:

1. Sharpen your blades: A clean cut is harder to get on wet blades, so make sure your mower blades are sharp.
2. Raise your deck: Cutting higher helps avoid scalping and gives you a cleaner pass. Keeping the grass cut higher can also protect the root structure in our wet Ontario weather.
3. Slow down: Take your time and overlap each row slightly for even coverage.
4. Clean afterward: Wet grass sticks to everything—scrape out your deck and wipe down your mower to prevent rust and buildup.

Better Alternatives if You Can Wait

Waiting a few hours can make a big difference:

• Let the grass dry out with some sun or breeze.
• Use a string trimmer in soggy spots where a mower might get stuck, or on hills and slopes.
• Delay mowing by a day or two—most lawns won’t suffer, and you’ll get a cleaner, safer cut.