Should You Mow the Lawn When It's Wet?

Technically, yes — you can cut wet grass, but it's not ideal and should be avoided where possible. Mowing wet grass comes with a set of problems, including clumping, uneven cuts, lawn damage, and even safety risks if you're using an electric mower.

However, we all live in the UK, where dry days can be few and far between — so sometimes, you just don’t have a choice. If you're going to do it, you need to do it the right way.

Why It’s Better to Wait Until the Grass Is Dry

Wet grass bends under the weight of water, which means your mower blades won’t cut it evenly — leaving you with a patchy, untidy finish. Worse still, wet clippings can clog your mower, mat on the lawn, and create conditions for mould, disease, or thatch build-up.

Mowing when it’s dry gives a cleaner cut, reduces damage to your turf, and is safer all round.

Risks of Mowing Wet Grass

• Slippery conditions – You or your mower can lose traction, especially on slopes

• Clogging and jamming – Wet clippings stick to the underside of the mower deck

• Tearing instead of cutting – Blades rip grass rather than slicing it, stressing the lawn

• Soil compaction – Especially in clay-heavy soils, this can lead to poor drainage and root issues

• Electric shock hazard – Using an electric mower in wet conditions is a serious safety risk unless it's cordless and waterproof-rated

When You Have to Mow Wet Grass

If the grass is turning into a jungle and you can’t wait for dry weather:

1. Sharpen the Mower Blades

Sharp blades give the cleanest possible cut, even when the grass is damp.

2. Raise the Cutting Height

Cutting grass too short when it's wet causes damage. Raise the deck and take off just the top third of growth.

3. Empty the Grass Box Frequently

Wet clippings are heavy and clog quickly. Keep emptying the box to avoid blockages.

4. Clean the Mower Afterward

Always scrape off stuck clippings and rinse the mower deck to prevent rust or long-term damage.

5. Avoid Walking Over the Lawn

Try not to trample the wet grass — it can flatten areas, making it harder to cut and potentially damaging the turf.

Final Thought

While you can cut wet grass, it’s not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If you must do it, take precautions: use sharp blades, raise your cutting height, and never use a corded electric mower on wet lawns. Ideally, wait for a dry spell — your lawn (and your mower) will thank you for it.