Can you strim or mow wet grass?

What happens when you cut wet grass

Wet grass blades bend instead of standing up, so the blade or line tears them rather than slicing cleanly. Torn tips turn brown. The clippings stick together, clog the underside of the mower and the grass box chute, and fall in clumps on the lawn. Strimmer line picks up wet clippings and wraps them round the head.

Safety and battery tools

Wet grass is slippery, and losing your footing near a running mower or strimmer is dangerous. Most makers of battery and electric garden tools advise against using them in rain or very wet conditions, because water can get into the motor, switches or battery contacts. Corded tools carry an extra risk because of the mains cable. Always use an RCD with corded tools.

Note:Do not use corded electric tools in the rain. Check your manual for the maker's advice on wet conditions for battery tools.

Is it ever all right?

Light dew that dries by mid morning is not a big problem if you wait an hour or two. Slightly damp grass can be cut with a sharp blade, on a higher setting, with the grass box rather than mulching. Avoid cutting during rain, on waterlogged ground, or when water is standing on the lawn.

Tips for mowing in a wet spell

When the weather will not cooperate, these steps help. The list below sets them out.

1. 1

   Wait for the driest part of the day, usually afternoon

2. 2

   Raise the cutting height a notch or two

3. 3

   Make sure the blade is sharp

4. 4

   Walk more slowly and take narrower passes

5. 5

   Empty the box more often

6. 6

   Clean the deck and head straight after, with the battery removed

How to clean a cordless mower →

Robot mowers and rain

Robot mowers are built to run outdoors and handle light rain, though many have rain sensors or app settings that pause mowing when it is wet. Cutting in heavy rain still gives a poorer finish and can churn soft ground, especially with wheels on slopes. Our explainer on robot mowers in the rain covers what the settings do.

Compare robot lawn mowers →

Strimming wet grass

Wet grass wraps round a strimmer head and shaft very quickly, which makes the motor work hard and may trigger overload protection. Line also wears faster against wet ground. If you must trim, take short passes and clear the head regularly with the battery out. Better still, strim edges on the next dry day.

Strimmer cutting out? Troubleshooting →

Catching up after a wet spell

If the grass has grown long while it rained, do not cut it short in one go. Set the mower high for the first cut, collect the clippings and bring the height down over the following cuts. Our guide to cutting long grass and our one-third rule tool explain the stages. A mower with a larger battery or self drive helps on heavy, damp grass; see our cordless mowers for large gardens.

Protecting your lawn in wet weather

Soft, wet soil compacts easily under feet and wheels. Compaction squeezes air out of the soil and makes it harder for grass roots to grow, which leads to thin patches and moss. On a waterlogged lawn, it is better to let the grass grow a little longer than to risk ruts and compaction.

If your lawn is often wet, think about the cause. Poor drainage, heavy clay and shade all keep grass damp. Aerating in autumn with a fork or hollow tine aerator helps water drain away. Raising the cutting height in wet periods also helps, as longer grass dries faster and is less likely to be torn.

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad to mow wet grass? It gives a poor cut, clogs the mower and risks slipping. Wait for dry grass if you can.

Can you use a cordless mower in the rain? Most makers advise against it. Keep battery tools dry.

How long after rain can I mow? When the grass is dry to the touch, which may take a few hours of dry, breezy weather.

Can you strim wet grass? It is possible but messy and hard on the strimmer. Wait for dry weather where you can.