Wet grass, whether its from morning dew or relentless rain, makes lawn care challenging.
Keep your turf in check with our mowing tips.
Akchamczuk / Getty Images
While rain is welcome for good grass growth, it can make regular mowing tough.
Credit:Akchamczuk / Getty Images
Keep an eye on the forecast and make every attempt to mow your lawn when it is dry.
Mowing wet grass is not only difficult, but it can also be dangerous.
5 Reasons Not to Mow Wet Grass
1.
Wet grass is slippery.
Clippings will clump together.
Water acts as a glue to adhere wet grass clippings together.
The clumps of clippings can cause brown spots on the lawn andcontribute to the thatch layer.
Soil compaction is a potential.
Compaction causes long-term turf problems.
Turf damage is more likely.
Wet conditions make maneuvering a mower more difficult.
Quick turns can result in tires skidding and damaging the turf.
Mowing when it is wet often results in an uneven surface.
Wet conditions cause some grass blades to bend under the weight of water.
When the mower passes over the lawn, the bent blades are not cut while others are trimmed.
Cutting wet grass creates an opening for disease.
The torn blade has multiple entry points for fungal infections.
Sharpen the mower blades.
Sharpen the bladesbefore you mow to make clean cuts.
Clean cuts are key to an even lawn and also a line of defense against fungal diseases.
Raggedly cut grass blades have many openings for fungi to enter the plant.
Fungi are especially prevalent during the warm, moist conditions consistent with summer rainfall.
Sharp mower blades can prevent turf diseases.
Set the mower deck at 4 inches or higher.
Mowing high reduces the size of the clippings, which prevents the mower from clogging.
Mowing high also limits scalpingcutting the lawn too short.
Set the mower to side discharge.
Set the mower to side discharge anddistribute the clippingsover the lawn as much as possible.
Slow mowing results in a more even surface when you are finished.
Dress for the job.
Wear sturdy shoes with good traction.
Wet grass is slippery, and water-laden soil can create uneven terrain.
see to it you have good support by wearing well-fitting shoes that can grip in adverse conditions.
Mow and then mow again.
Mowing the lawn twice will finely cut the clippings and redistribute them.
Clean your mower well.
Wet grass will cling to your machines mower deck, blades, tires, and body.
Be sure to remove grass from the tires, too.
