Should I Cut the Grass in the Rain?

Cutting grass in the rain takes longer.

It's best to cut grass when it's dry. Cutting the grass in the rain takes longer and leaves wet clumps of grass clippings clogged in your mower, on your lawn and on your clothes. If necessary, however, you can mow a wet lawn.

Expert Insight

Wait to cut your grass when it is dry, if possible. However, if your area receives constant rain, occasionally cutting the grass in the rain is better than letting the grass grow extremely high, according to Purdue University.

Tips

If you have to cut the grass in the rain, sharpen the mower blades first and set the mower as high as possible. Break up clippings by mowing the grass again in a different direction or separating them with a rake. You can also use wet grass clippings as mulch.

Warning

Cutting wet grass is a leading cause of foot injury by power mowers, according to Texas A&M. Walk carefully to make sure your feet do not slip under the mower. In addition, always wear proper shoes.

References

• Texas A&M Extension; Lawn Maintenance Safety; David W. Smith; July 2005
• Purdue University; Mowing Wet Grass; Zac Reicher; May 2006
• Ohio State University Extension; Lawn Mowing; William E. Pound, et al.