You can but you shouldn’t. There are several things that mowing wet grass brings to your garden. And some of them are not so pretty. It can affect lawn health, gardening routine, and even your tools.
To shine a light on this overlooked issue, we teach you how wet grass can impact the health of your yard and the plants and trees that live near it.
Mowing Wet Grass: An Ignored Issue
When grass is wet, it will clump up and stick to everything. Things like your mower blades, your garden, even you. While it may seem like a sign of affection, these clumps will clog your mower and suffocate any grass that you’re still cutting. This leads to brown patches in your garden – overall, it’s not a great look.
Further Issues with Mowing Wet Grass
Wet grass mowing and gardening become more difficult as soil compaction becomes a concern. Walking and using heavy tools on soggy ground can press the soil down too much, restricting root growth and water drainage over time. Additionally, wet blades of grass aren’t as strong as dry blades. Wet blades don’t stand upright when undisturbed. So, when you cut them, it causes an uneven mow. You might think you’re giving your lawn a fresh cut, but chances are you’ll be back out again in a few days fixing uneven patches.
How Wet Grass Affects Gardening
Here’s where it gets complicated for your garden. If you often mow grass near any flower beds, mow with caution. Wet grass can fling moisture and bits of organic matter into your beds, introducing fungus or mold. This new moldy neighbor in addition to humid weather can lead to a terrible end for your lovely garden.
The Effects of Waterlogging on Your Yard
Waterlogging is poorly drained areas that lack air. The soil around your garden can become waterlogged during wet weather. Digging, planting, or even walking over this soft ground while mowing or gardening can disrupt root systems or crush tiny seedlings. Wet grass mowing and gardening need a gentler approach and a bit of patience, especially if you’ve got new plantings that haven’t yet taken root.
Trees and Wet Grass: What’s the Connection?
Now you might be thinking, how could a tree be affected by a tiny bit of grass? For one, heavy mowers passing near tree roots on saturated soil can harm the roots, especially those near the surface. This is particularly true for younger or smaller trees, where the roots haven’t extended deeply into the ground like older trees.
Secondly, leaf litter from trees, when wet, becomes slippery and adds more moisture to the lawn. If you mow right over this, you’re not only dulling your blades but also increasing the chance of spreading rot and fungal issues. In the case that this happens, you can book a professional tree removal in Staten Island to avoid the spread of any rot or fungi.
Wet grass mowing and gardening should always take the presence of trees into account, especially when planning paths or areas to mow.
Tips for Managing Your Lawn After Rain
If you’re set on mowing your wet grass – say, if you’re preparing for guests – there are a few ways to minimize damage:
- Use a sharp blade: This reduces tearing and helps get a cleaner cut even when the grass is wet.
- Raise the mower deck: Cut the grass higher to avoid overloading the mower with thick, damp clippings.
- Go slowly: Wet grass offers more resistance, so mowing slowly can help prevent clogs and uneven cuts.
- Clean the mower afterward: Wet clippings stick to everything and can lead to rust if left uncleaned.
For those combining wet grass mowing and gardening tasks, consider separating them by a day or two. Mow when the lawn is less saturated, then return to your garden after the soil has had a chance to settle and dry.
Patience is Key
Sometimes, the best option is simply to wait. Hold off until the grass dries out – even just until the dew lifts in the late morning – you’ll save time and avoid frustration. Plus, the lawn will thank you for the break. Wet grass mowing and gardening don’t always mix well, and postponing the work might lead to a better result overall.
For gardeners, holding off also means fewer soil disruptions, reduced plant stress, and better air circulation around your plants and trees. Give your landscape a bit of breathing room after a rainstorm to let nature recover on its own first.
Final Thoughts
While you can mow wet grass, it often comes with complications that make it more effort than it’s worth. The risks usually outweigh the benefits and nothing a little waiting has ever done to anyone. Wet grass mowing and gardening require a bit more thought and planning. Figuring out what time and approach works well for you and your garden is the key to a great garden!