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Summertime is around the corner, which means lawn maintenance despite some bothersome weather. Can you mow wet grass? Of course. Still, you should consider waiting for your grass to dry before you break out your lawn mower to avoid messing up your lawn or sustaining injuries.

Why shouldn’t you cut grass when it’s wet?

Bad weather might put a stop to your lawn care plans, but you should still avoid cutting wet grass. Here are a few reasons to postpone pulling out your lawn mower while it’s wet. 

  • Clogged mowers
  • Wheel ruts and grass clumps
  • Falls or injuries from slippery surfaces 
Owners can try to mow wet grass like this, but it could be harmful to mowers.
A swampy, wet lawn | ANP Sport via Getty Images

It’s no secret that cutting a lawn while damp could result in clumps and clogs. However, beyond the unsightly clumping, wet clippings could restrict your mower and cause premature wear. Moreover, wet lawns can develop wheel ruts when mowers press down into them. Of course, the most troublesome issue after your sprinklers water your lawn or after rain is the potential for injury due to slick surfaces. 

Will wet grass mess up a mower?

Unfortunately, summer storms and unexpected weather might prompt owners to mow after rain. However, cutting before your lawn dries will produce damp clippings, which can clog your mower. 

Moreover, many self-propelled lawn mower owners might need to unobstruct their mower. Clearing clogs from a lawn mower’s cutting surface could result in serious injury if owners don’t perform it correctly, per HGTV. 

Attempting to mow wet grass with a clogged mower could be harmful. This owner clears a mower after cutting wet grass.
A man clears grass from a mower | Schellhorn via ullstein bild via Getty Images

Mowing a wet lawn could lead to wheel ruts and grass clumps

In addition to clogs that could damage or cause wear to your lawn mower, a mower could press into damp soil and cause unsightly wheel ruts. Additionally, large, wet clumps can suffocate lawns, leading to patches of dead grass. 

Is it harmful to mow wet grass?

Beyond the potential for dead grass or ugly wheel ruts, mowing a wet lawn can lead to dangerous conditions for you and your family. Specifically, slicked grass can be a hazard, especially when pushing a self-propelled lawn mower. Beyond slip hazards, wheel ruts can present a trip hazard. 

A lawn mower sits in tall grass after mowing a short distance.
A self-propelled mower in tall grass | Nicolas Maeterlinck, Belga Mag via AFP via Getty Images

How soon after the rain can I mow?

Any time it rains or after a heavy watering, operators should wait at least two to five hours before attempting to mow, according to Bob Vila. However, storms warrant a longer waiting period, closer to a full day. 

How do you deal with wet lawns and tricky weather? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).