Mowing wet grass is normally a big no-no. It’s slippery to walk on, it clumps up, it can clog your mower and it could potentially spread fungi and bacteria.
So mowing a wet lawn isn’t recommended.
However, sometimes you don’t have much choice.
If it’s rained for days on end, or you’ve been away from home a long time, that lawn is getting out of hand and it needs cut!
So how do you cut a wet lawn without it being a problem? 
First, make sure your mower blades are sharp. A sharp mower blade keeps the grass healthy with a crisp cut. So, while it’s always important to have a sharp blade it’s especially important when the grass is wet because it can shred instead of cut.
Torn grass can lead to a variety of problems.
It’s also a good idea to use a slower speed on your mower blade to reduce any strain on the mower.
Also, starting with a clean deck on the underside is always good. A packed up deck will cause extreme problems when you try to mow wet grass. There are products on the market to spray the underside of the deck with that helps keep grass from sticking. (Note: You can find these products at Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment). These products are great when it’s dry but really help with the wet stuff.
Next, raise the mower deck. You should be mowing at 3 ½ inches but many people try to cut lower, which isn’t a good idea. In damp conditions you absolutely must mow between 3 and 4 inches – the second-highest or highest setting on your deck. Your mower can’t handle cutting too low in wet conditions.
Don’t bag or mulch. Use a side-discharge and then either rake up the clippings or mow again when it’s dry using a bagger or mulcher. Mowing a day or so later breaks up the clumps and will allow you to lower the grass height if it was at a particularly high level.
When it comes to fuel, it’s recommended you use a stabilizer and only buy enough fuel for a few weeks’ mowing. This helps prevent contamination due to the wet grass.
After mowing, make sure you clean under the mower deck and the blade to prevent clumps or clippings from sticking and causing mold down the line. You can also scrape the deck with a putty knife if necessary. While you’re at it, use a brush to clean the tires and wipe down the top of the mower.
During the wet spring months or if it’s been really rainy during other times, mow more often so the grass never gets out of control and makes it harder following long stretches of rain.
Mowing a wet lawn is far from ideal but sometimes it is necessary. So long as you do it in a smart way, you can keep your lawn looking good without developing too many problems.
And if any of those problems involve your mower, make sure Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment is your go-to stop for any maintenance or equipment you might need. Our expert staff and even rental equipment come in handy at all times of the year. Call us at 419-879-1196 or stop by 2120 N. Dixie Highway in Lima today for any help you need.
