Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Duncan

If you are wondering, does wet grass dull mower blades faster? Yes, it does. According to a University of Wisconsin study, grass is 80% water, so cutting it wet requires the blade to push against additional weight with each turn.

Besides the engine working harder as a result of the moisture dragging on the blade, the mower blades dull more quickly than if you were cutting dry grass.

Other than dulling the mower blades, cutting wet grass has plenty of other disadvantages, such as:

You damage your lawn

Wet grass blades don’t stand erect, allowing your mower blades to sweep through them easily. Instead, they bend under the weight of the water, forming clumps.

This increases the likelihood that your mower blades will drag and shred the grass rather than cut it properly. In the end you have a ragged, uneven grass that looks worse than before you mowed it. Torn grass blades are also more prone to diseases.

You can ruin your lawnmower.

Mowing a wet lawn slows your mower blades and makes the engine work harder. Damp clippings can quickly jam your mower deck and obstruct the discharge shoot, resulting in clumps of wet grass on your lawn.

These clumps of soggy grass will eventually suffocate your lawn, resulting in dead spots. And you don’t want this, do you?

It also goes without saying that wet grass can make cleaning your mower afterward more difficult and cause rust damage to the blades and other parts.

You compact the soil.

If you use a push mower, the mower’s weight and your walking behind it might compress the damp soil, resulting in soil compaction. Overly compacted soil makes it harder for your grass to absorb oxygen, nutrients, and water, limiting root growth and overall lawn health.

You expose your grass to fungal diseases.

Fungus thrives in moist environments, so your wet grass is a free candy store for common lawn diseases such as brown patch, anthracnose, and red thread.

Cutting wet grass makes it easy for the fungus to spread across your lawn. It can also weaken your grass, making it more vulnerable to fungal infections, which can quickly spread.

You can injure yourself.

Is it safe to cut wet grass? Regardless of how much grip your shoes have, pulling a mower across wet, sloppy grass can result in slips and falls. You want to avoid falling anywhere near a piece of equipment with whirling blades at the bottom.

Mowing wet grass is especially risky on sloped or hilly property. It’s not worth the risk. Wait until the grass has dried before firing up the mower, or better yet, hire a professional to do the job.

How long should you wait after the rain to mow?

Patience is crucial. A good general rule is to wait 24 to 48 hours after the rain stops before mowing. This provides enough time for the grass blades and the top layer of soil to dry out.

The actual drying time may vary. A sunny, breezy day will significantly expedite the process, whereas gloomy, humid conditions may necessitate a longer wait.

Can you mow wet grass every now and then?

It’s wise that you wait a few days for your lawn to dry out, so that you get a better cut while also protecting your lawn, mower, and yourself. However, the weather doesn’t always cooperate.

If it has been raining in your area for a long time and your grass has grown too tall, you may need to trim wet grass despite the concerns outlined above.

If you really need to mow wet grass, try to wait until it is as dry as possible. Here are some pointers to follow if cutting wet grass is unavoidable.

Mow at a higher cutting height.

You should raise your mower’s cutting height. Taller grass can withstand the stress of wet mowing better. You will also produce smaller clippings, which are less likely to form big clumps and smother sections of your lawn.

Sharpen your mower blades.

Mower blades often struggle to cut through wet grass. Cutting damp grass with dull blades makes the work considerably more challenging. Sharp mower blades cut smoothly and are less likely to shred the grass, reducing the risk of lawn damage.

Regularly inspect and clear the mower deck.

You should take frequent pauses, especially on large lawns, and inspect your mower deck and discharge chutes for clumps and clogs. Always turn off your mower before inspecting the deck for obstructions or accumulated clippings.

Avoid mowing slopes.

No matter how much your grass begs to be cut, a neat lawn isn’t worth your life. A tumble down a slope with a mower might result in serious injury. And you don’t want this.

You should skip the slopes on your property and return when the grass has totally dried. If your slopes are severe, you should consider leveling your uneven lawn or hiring a professional to help.

Use a powerful mower that can cut through thicker grass.

The mower should be in excellent shape, with clean, sharp blades that cut through the grass with ease. Remember that blunt mower blades can shred or tear your grass, so a sharp blade, especially for heavy grass, is essential for a clean cut.

While this is the case, you should note that over-sharpening your mower blades can make them brittle and more likely to break if they come into contact with debris, such as rocks or sticks.

Use a battery-powered motor.

Cutting wet grass can put additional strain on the mower’s motor, so if you must cut wet grass, use a powerful battery-powered motor rather than an electrical one.

Electric mowers are not suited for use in the rain and can be dangerous because electricity and water do not mix properly.

Although electric mowers may cut damp grass, you should avoid them, and most manufacturers recommend waiting until the grass has fully dried before mowing.

Take it slow

Even if the weather isn’t ideal, take your time mowing wet grass. Mowing your lawn at a slower pace reduces the amount of grass that the mower collects, allowing it more time to process the heavier, wetter cuttings.

To be on the safe side, use a half-cut strategy. Instead of cutting the full width of your mower in a single pass, overlap your cutting pattern so you’re cutting half the mower’s width at a time, ensuring thorough coverage and reducing the likelihood of clogging.

This entails making a second pass over previously cut grass. Moving gently will also reduce the chance of you falling and injuring yourself.

Parting shot

Mowing wet grass is not wise. While it may seem like a quick fix for a tight schedule, it actually causes more problems.

Waiting for the grass to dry produces a cleaner cut, lowers the danger of disease, protects your mower from unnecessary wear, and promotes a safer mowing experience overall.

To avoid having to cut wet grass, plan. This calls for monitoring the weather forecast, keeping the blades sharp, and maintaining the lawn’s overall health.