Can Lawn Mowers Get Wet. Can lawnmowers get wet

Can You Cut Wet Grass? Guide to Mowing a Wet Lawn After Rain

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It just rained and your lawn is all wet. Can you cut grass when wet? Normally, you should wait for the grass to dry before running your mower over it, but in some circumstances, you can go ahead and mow a wet turf.

When you cut your grass when it is dry, the clippings scatter and don’t stick on the wheels of the mower. That’s not the case when mowing wet grass.

In most cases, you’ll need a really good gas-powered lawn mower to be able to cut wet grass in the rain or even after it rains. It gets worse when your yard has tall, overgrown grass.

Is it bad to mow wet grass?

It is not a good idea to mow grass when wet. The task will be heavy, messy, and uneven. You also risk leaving moist clumps of clippings on your lawn, exposing it to extended periods of moisture that can lead to turfgrass fungus.

If the mowing task can wait, it is best to mow grass when it is dry. This way, you’ll get a much cleaner and even cut with the possibility of mulching and bagging the clippings without any problems.

I’ve discussed below more reasons why it is a bad idea to mow your lawn when wet and what you should do instead.

Why You Should Not Mow a Wet lawn

A little dew in the morning can appear as though it won’t trouble you when mowing, but once you get down to cutting the wet grass, you’ll soon notice how tough it can be.

Here’s why should you not cut grass when it’s wet:

You can damage the lawn mower

Rainstorms can easily cause waterlogged areas in your yard. For you to mow a wet turf, you will need a powerful lawn mower with a deck you can adjust high enough.

In addition, a wider deck may make it easier to move over the lawn especially if the grass has just a little dew on it.

For a push-behind lawn mower, you’ll really struggle to cut through a dense turf with wet grass. But that is not the only problem you’ll have.

Will mowing wet grass ruin lawn mower?

For an electric lawn mower or strimmer, you run the risk of being electrocuted. In addition, you can easily damage electric and battery-powered lawnmowers if you mow in the rain.

Mowing a wet lawn as it rains also risks contaminating the fuel in your gas-powered mower especially if you do not add a gas stabilizer in the tank.

See also my article on the type of gas to use for your lawn mower.

The wet clippings also pose the danger of blocking parts of your lawnmower that are important to its performance. For example, they can cause blockage on the blades, clogged vacuum, or even dirty air filters. Your lawn mower machine likely won’t start the next time you want to use it because of this damage.

If your lawnmower is not powerful enough, it can easily overheat when you trim damp grass, exposing it to possible damage.

�� You CAN Mow Wet Grass!

Uneven cutting

Wet grass bends and lies closer to the ground compared to a dry turf. This is because the dew on the grass blades makes them heavy, forcing them to bend down instead of standing upright.

For you to cut the grass properly, the blades need to stand upright, otherwise, your mower will miss most of the grass, producing an uneven cut across your lawn.

As soon as the rainwater starts to drain away and the grass blades dry up, sections of your lawn will start to appear as though you did not mow them. This uneven cut will make you go over the lawn and mow it afresh to get that even cut.

Clippings clump on the lawn

It is not a good idea to mow wet grass, especially on a regular basis because the mower will produce wet clippings that easily clump together and lay over your grass.

When wet clippings bunch-up and stay on your grass for some time, they keep a lot of moisture over an extended period and leave your lawn prone to fungus and other diseases. It is best to cut dry grass because the clippings will be shredded and spread evenly over your lawn.

If you still prefer to mow your lawn after it rains, you might want to consider getting a drag unit to help you clear the soaked clippings off the grass.

In addition, check the deck frequently when mowing turfgrass after the rain to make sure the clippings are not clumping it, which can be a problem for air-tapered decks.

Easy spread of diseases

Lawn diseases usually spread in patches and that is why cutting grass when it is wet is not recommended. Wet blades of the mower easily carry disease-causing agents and transfer them onto freshly-cut grass blades.

The rate of spreading turfgrass diseases is higher when you mow immediately after rain or during rain.

If you see any signs of turfgrass infection, wait till the grass dries up before taking out your lawn mower to run over and snip the grass blades and cut them short.

It is too much work

On a wet turf, the clippings easily bunch up and clog the mower. Pushing it can be really difficult and a lot of work compared to when mowing wet grass. If you go ahead, you’ll be creating a lot more work for yourself than you’d expect.

Here’s how much more work you’ll have to do if you cut grass after it rains:

You first want to remove the dew off the grass blades before mowing a wet lawn.
Prepare to clear the clumps of wet clippings off the lawn to prevent diseases.
If you’re using a push-behind lawn mower, it will take a lot of energy to cut a small area because of the slippery turf as well as the clogging mower.

It is best to cut wet grass using a gas-powered mower with a powerful motor. Mostly, commercial-grade lawn mowers are preferred for this kind of work over machines meant for small yards.

You risk slipping

After a rainstorm, your lawn is likely to be slippery and dangerous to walk on or even ride a lawn mower over.

These risks are heightened if you’re mowing a lawn on a slope after it rains, so you’d better wait for the turf to dry up.

How to Mow a Wet Lawn

There are times when you will still need to mow your lawn when it rains. In fact, it is highly advised that you attempt to cut the grass instead of leaving it to grow too tall as you wait for sunny days.

It is not recommended, but if you must, here’s how to cut wet grass:

Sharpen the blades of your mower

Blunt blades can make trimming a wet turf a tough job since wet grass weighs down instead of standing upright. The grass will evade the blades, making it difficult to get an even cut.

One way of fixing this is to ensure the blades are sharp enough to not brush over and push grass blades aside or sideways.

Use mowers with large wheels

A wet turf means soft ground that can easily be torn and damaged when too much pressure is exerted on it. Since you also risk tearing up your yard when mowing after heavy rains, you may want to choose the right mower for this job.

A lawn mower with wide wheels is highly recommended for this job to reduce the risk of rut damage because of the sinking soft surface.

However, I would advise you to check the soil first to see if it is muddy. If so, you’d rather wait and mow your lawn later when the lawn dries up.

Use a gas-powered lawn mower

A gas-powered mower is less likely to pose a bigger risk of electric shock when you mow your lawn in the rain. That is why I would recommend using it instead of a corded electric lawnmower.

Some experts recommend spraying silicone or some sort of oil under the lawnmower to prevent wet grass from sticking onto the deck and causing a sticky mess.

I have found grass-cutting machines with serrated blades to do a better job at cutting grass after rain. However, most of these are commercial-grade lawn mowers and may be too expensive for an average homeowner who wants to maintain a small yard.

Raise the mowing deck

To reduce load stress on your lawn mower, ensure that you raise the cutting deck of the mower you’re using. If you choose a mowing height that is very low, you’ll put too much stress on the engine and possibly lead to a mechanical failure.

Also, raising the mowing deck means smoother and easier passes compared to when using a lower mowing height.

You can compensate for the high mowing height by mowing more often than you’re used to – probably 2 more times per week.

Cut the grass in smaller swatches

If you decide to mow your lawn after it rains, cut the wet grass in small swatches than you would normally do.

Narrower passes will help reduce the amount of grass you cut in a single pass and reduce the load on the lawn mower, making your work easier while preventing instances of overheating the mower’s engine.

Also, it is better to use a zero turn lawn mower, otherwise ensure you do not make sharp turns that may put you in danger of injury.

Discharge the clippings

Since we all prefer bagging or mulching, this option will not work well when cutting wet grass. Bagging can easily damage the bag because wet grass cuttings are very heavy.

The wet grass clippings will also leave the bag extremely dirty and possibly discolored.

To successfully cut wet grass after rain, discharge the clippings onto the turf using the side chutes on your lawn.

Clean the clippings off the turf

Leaving clumps of grass clippings on your lawn is risking disease. After mowing in the rain, make sure you use a rake to collect the wet clippings and remove them from your grass.

While this is an extra turf you may not have planned for, it will go a long way in helping maintain healthy turf.

Clean the lawn mower when done

When done, clean the lawn mower or strimmer to remove any grass clippings that may be stuck on the blades and the underside of the cutting deck.

If you leave that much dirt on the lawn mower, there will be moss growing on the blades and other parts of the machine. The next time you go out mowing, you’ll be spreading fungi and moss.

Leaving the mower dirty with grass damp clippings and moisture exposes it to the risk of rusting and getting spoiled.

You might also want to drain the fuel just in case it is contaminated with moisture. Contaminated fuel can mean the lawn mower won’t start the next time you want to use it.

Can Lawn Mowers Get Wet?

A lawn mower helps boost your curb appeal and helps you maintain your backyard. If you have a large model that doesn’t fit into storage, you might be concerned about leaving it outside. Electric lawn mowers average 500 per machine, so you want to protect your investment as much as possible.

During rainy seasons, lawn mowers left uncovered outside may be vulnerable to critical damage. This potential damage is worst for lawn mowers that use battery, electrical power, or gas.

Yes, lawn mowers can get wet. If you’re worried about damage, first assess whether or not water entered the engine. You’ll need to take more care with electric or gas mowers. If you have a push reel mower, water damage is less of a risk. These lawn mower types don’t contain any sensitive parts like batteries, electrical cords, or plugs.

To keep this landscaping machine in working condition, you’ll need to understand how to protect it from wet conditions. It’s helpful to understand what cleaning and storage methods are best for your lawn mower, depending on the type.

Can Lawn Mowers Be Left in the Rain?

In short, lawn mowers can be left in the rain. If the rain is light and the lawn mower is only exposed for a short period, it will be okay. Lawn mowers can handle a little bit of precipitation without jeopardizing their critical components inside.

Can I Leave My Lawn Mower Outside?

You can leave your lawn mower outside with the proper precautions. If you’re using your lawn mower every few weeks, use a tarp cover or one from your lawn mower manufacturer.

If you’re storing your mower outside for longer (e.g. for the winter), then you’ll need to take extra steps. For electric-powered mowers, you’ll need to remove the spark plugs. For gas-powered lawn mowers, you’ll need to empty out the fuel container.

Lastly, for battery-powered lawn mowers, take out the batteries. Store the batteries properly, preferably indoors somewhere dry with a stable temperature.

Can You Wash a Lawn Mower With Water?

The best cleaning method for your lawn mower is the one your manufacturer specified. With that in mind, you can wash a lawn mower with water.

Keep the water off of the engine and other delicate parts. Avoid power washers, which can force water into nooks and crannies that are not waterproof.

One important step that doesn’t require water is making sure you remove all grass clippings from the underside and blades. You might also scrape off other debris like soil and leaves.

Can Riding Lawn Mowers Get Wet?

A riding lawn mower’s outer components can handle light rain, like any other lawn mower type. Since it has wheels, the parts under the deck are less likely to get soaked from floods.

A riding lawn mower can get wet if its parts are stored properly and it is cleaned prior to storage. If your lawn mower has a carburetor, spark plug, fuel container, or filters, try to avoid getting it wet.

Aside from light rain, morning dew, or a gentle hose off, riding lawn mowers should not get wet. Additionally, mowing grass in the rain and other precarious weather can result in preventable accidents.

It’s always best to mow the lawn in dry weather when slippery surfaces are not a risk.

What to Do if Your Lawn Mower Gets Wet

Before continuing with the suggestions below, try starting your lawn mower’s engine. At first, it may not budge, but after water gets dislodged, your machine may still function. Let it run for several minutes.

If your lawn mower is unresponsive, try these ideas.

Disassemble the Parts

Fuel Tank or Battery: Your machine’s power source may be damaged. Drain any oil or gas that may have been compromised during flooding incidents. Install a new fuel filter or fuel tank if necessary.
Spark Plug: The spark plug may get damaged easily. When wet, it needs to be removed and dried. You may also need to apply lubrication to the spark plug in case the previous coat got washed off.
Filter: The air filter may have been dirty prior to it getting wet. A dirty, wet air filter can cause clogs and prevent the lawn mower from starting.
Carburetor: If not dried properly, your carburetor can suffer rusting or permanent damage. Stray water in the fuel tank can make its way into the carburetor, causing ignition problems.

Let the Parts Dry Out

All parts that came into contact with water need to be dried out.

Replace permanently damaged parts

Unfortunately, some parts of your lawn mower may simply stop working after their run-in with water. Even uncritical parts like metal coils can impair your machine altogether. If the damage is is too far gone, a new lawn mower may be the best solution.

How do I Know if My Lawn Mower is Flooded?

A flooded engine can be caused by gas or water. When your lawn mower’s engine is flooded, it won’t start no matter how many times you try.

Some signs of gas flooding include a gasoline smell and false starts.

How Long to Wait if My Lawn Mower Is Flooded

Most knowledgeable sources advise not to wait no longer than 20 minutes to drain your lawn mower’s fuel tank. Sometimes, your engine may be flooded because the gas has gone bad from sitting out for too long.

For riding mowers, leave the machine on idle for about 15 minutes.

Other Causes of a Flooded Lawn Mower

Spark Plug: If your spark plug is old, dirty, or corroded, it may be the cause of your flooded engine. It may be allowing fuel to fill your carburetor without engaging the engine at all.
Old Fuel Going Through: If your machine has been sitting for a season or longer, fuel may have made its way to the carburetor.
Dirty Fuel: If your air filter is not working, dirty fuel can block the fuel flow. This prevents the fuel from reaching the carburetor and causes your engine to stall.
Starting the Engine Incorrectly: If you don’t pull the starter hard enough or fast enough, you may pull fuel inside without creating enough friction.
Defective Float Valve: This is a crucial part of the lawn mower that prevents the fuel from reaching the carburetor. When it gets stuck or is worn down, it can cause fuel to flood your engine.

Is It Ok to Hose Off a Lawn Mower?

It’s fine to hose off a lawn mower, given that you do not flood the internal components. This is why most homeowners tend to stay away from power washers when hosing off their lawn mower.

Avoid getting water on the carburetor, electrical parts, and air filter. Often, scraping away debris and grass under the deck is just as important as hosing down your lawn mower.

Can you mow wet grass? Experts warn of the possible risks

If you are asking ‘can you mow wet grass?’ then chances are an unexpected rainfall has put a halt to your gardening plans. If you take pride in your lawn then mowing in the wet is a big no-no as it can result in an uneven trim and can even cause damage to your lawn.

We all want to know how to make a lawn green and thick, but this becomes increasingly difficult if you try to mow wet grass. You will get a superior cut if you wait for the grass to dry before you attempt to mow it, and this in turn will reward you with a more luscious lawn.

Instead of mowing wet grass, you could always use the bad weather as an opportunity to give your lawn mower an overhaul? ‘Check that your mowers and machinery are in good working order so you are primed for grass cutting and hedge strimming and know if any elements need replacing,’ says horticultural director Marcus Eyles from Dobbies.

Can you mow wet grass?

While you can certainly get up to speed with how to cut wet grass safely, many people don’t recommend doing it regularly. Some people will have no issues at all with mowing wet grass, they will be lucky enough to have the right combination of mower and lawn, while for others mowing a wet lawn can ruin both their lawn and lawn mower.

‘To achieve that picturesque lawn, it’s vital the grass blades are standing up, ready for a trim. With wet grass there’s a bit of an issue, gravity, the blades won’t stand up, but they’ll instead stick to the ground due to the weight of the water. This will cause an incredibly uneven mow, which sadly you won’t realize until the grass has dried out and you’re heading back out to the shed to get your mower for round two!’ explains Simon Barker, founder at Grow Your Yard.

‘It’s generally not recommended to mow wet grass, as it can damage your lawn and be unsafe for you as well. When grass is wet, the blades can clump together, making it difficult for your mower to cut the grass evenly. This can result in an uneven cut, which can create a breeding ground for pests and diseases, as well as causing your lawn to look uneven and unattractive,’ explains Stacie Krljanovic, a head groundkeeper in Houston, TX.

Mowing wet grass can also damage your lawn mower. ‘Rain causes a bond between the individual blades resulting in grass clumping together which is difficult to cut evenly,’ advises Andrew Gaumond of Petal Republic. These clumps can then become stuck in your mower causing it to overheat and potentially break. The clumps will also gather on your lawn, resulting in a large clean up job as any clumps that are left on the lawn will smother the grass beneath them and cause dead patches.

In an ideal world, it is worth waiting until the grass has dried before you mow. This is especially important if your grass is on the longer side as even some commercial mowers will struggle with long wet grass.

‘There are literally no benefits to mowing your lawn when it’s wet, you’ll be creating a lot more work in your yard to fix the issues you’ll cause from a lack of patience to let the sun do its thing,’ says Simon Barker.

Problems with mowing wet grass

If you mow very wet grass, even the best lawn mowers are likely to suffer. The grass will be harder to cut and the clippings will clump, causing strain on your mower and it can even block up and overheat. It is also impossible to mow stripes into a lawn in wet weather.

If the lawn is particularly saturated, then the wheels of the mower will dig up mud tracks, causing rut damage which may even require you to lay new turf to fill in the holes. If it’s too late and you’re already faced with this problem, there are plenty of ways of repairing patches in grass to help restore your lawn to its former glory.

However, if you mow your lawn regularly it’s not a huge deal. ‘It’s not going to destroy the lawn or hurt the grass in most circumstances. However, be sure to rake out or break up any grass clumps as they can kill the grass underneath them,’ adds Douglas Dedrick, founder of Natural Landscape Designs in Woodstock.

Mowing grass with morning dew

There are mixed opinions on whether to mow grass with morning dew. It is undoubtedly best to wait until your grass is completely dry before you mow and in the case of morning dew this is likely to only take a few hours – however, there is nothing stopping you getting the mower out while it’s still a little wet.

‘As long as your blades are sharpened, and the grass isn’t not soaking wet, mowing in the early morning dew is totally fine,’ says Douglas Dedrick. ‘If you are using a mulching kit, however, you may have a harder time. While mulching blades are great at making grass disappear, they do have a disadvantage when the lawn is wet.’

On the other hand, Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love recommends that you ‘only ever mow dry grass. Mowing wet grass can harm both your mower and your yard. The clippings from wet grass can easily clog up your mower, causing damage if you don’t take care of it. These clippings can also be expelled from your mower in large sections, where they then can actually smother your planted grass, causing patches of your lawn to die or dry up. Wet grass doesn’t just apply to post-rainfall either, it includes early morning dew.’

How long you should leave a lawn after it rains before mowing?

After it rains, you should wait until the lawn is dry before mowing – somewhere between two and five hours for a light shower, longer if the rain was heavier.

A good test to see whether the grass is dry is walking down the lawn in sandals, if your feet stay dry then it’s fine to get the mower out.

Is there a type of lawn mower you can use on wet grass?

Some commercial mowers can be used on wet grass – look into the manufacturing details to find out specifics. ‘It’s not so much about the type of mower as it is about the blades and discharge system you use. For example, if you are using a lawn mower with a side-shoot you can cut wet grass fairly easily. Assuming you have been mowing regularly and aren’t catching up,’ explains Douglas Dedrick founder of Natural Landscape Designs in Woodstock.

It’s not advised to use an electric or battery powered mower on wet grass, as you run the risk of giving yourself a nasty shock – especially when it comes to removing the battery. Also avoid using a roller mower as this will cause significant rut damage and will leave skid marks as you turn the corners. The same applies to ride-on mowers.

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Mow Your Grass When It’s Wet

agrofruti/Shutterstock

It’s okay, we get it. When your only free day to mow the lawn is on a Saturday but the lawn is wet, it’s extremely tempting to get the job done (especially when using these tips to efficiently mow the lawn). But warning: It can be dangerous to mow the lawn when the grass is wet!

Before you rev up the lawnmower and throw on those water-proof boots, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The risk of danger is heightened

Even if your boots are sturdy, there’s still a risk of slipping on the grass while you mow. Doing this with a lawn mower running really can be dangerous. Especially if you’re trying to mow the lawn quickly.

Lawnmowers run on electricity, which doesn’t do well with water.

We all know it’s not Smart to hang out in a pool during a lightning storm, right? So why would you put a large piece of electrical equipment on a wet lawn? There’s the risk of an electrical shock when exposed to moisture, causing damage to the machine and, of course, potential damage to the person using the mower.

It’s difficult to mow a wet lawn in general

It’s satisfying to look at an evenly mowed lawn, right? Well if you mow the lawn wet, you may not get that result. Wet blades are tougher to slice evenly, causing an uneven cut as you push the mower down your yard. If you care about the look of your manicured lawn, it’s worth waiting for the grass to completely dry.

Wet grass can clog up the mower

Wet grass is sticky! It sticks to your tires, and of course, sticks to the mower’s equipment. It can block up the blade, the vacuum, and other parts of the mower. This will make mowing the end of the lawn difficult, and could even cause damage to your mower in general.

It can actually damage your lawn

That’s right, it can even damage the look of your lawn. The grass isn’t the only part of the lawn that is wet—the soil is moist as well. Running a lawn mower through it could cause damage to the soil and foundation of your lawn, causing uneven bumps and divots throughout the lawn.

Between the dangerous aspects and the damage it can cause to the look of your lawn, it may be Smart to keep the mower off the grass when it’s wet. If you’re still dealing with damage, here’s how to repair a damaged lawn.

Mower wont run after being left out in rain and getting wet how to fix not starting mow sideways

Sources:

https://www.crabgrasslawn.com/mowing-wet-grass/
https://upgradedhome.com/can-lawn-mowers-get-wet/
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/can-you-mow-wet-grass
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/why-you-shouldnt-mow-wet-grass/

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