Should you cut your grass before it rains?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

It’s usually best to avoid cutting your grass right before it rains. Wet grass clippings can clump together and leave unsightly patches on your lawn. It’s better to cut your grass the day before or after rain is expected. However, if the grass has gotten quite long, it may be worthwhile to cut it before rain rather than letting it continue to grow uncontrolled. Use good judgment based on the length of your grass and how much rain is expected.

When should you avoid cutting grass before rain?

Here are some key points on when you should avoid mowing your lawn right before rainfall:

If light or moderate rain is expected – It’s best to postpone cutting until after the rain passes. Wet grass can clump under the mower leading to an uneven cut.

If heavy rainfall is expected – Mowing right before a downpour is never recommended. Very wet grass clippings can clump and smother grass rather than breaking down naturally.
If you have a cool season grass like fescue – These grasses are more prone to disease and damage when cut while wet.
If the lawn was recently fertilized – Let the fertilizer dry completely before mowing. Cutting wet fertilizer can cause chemical burn on your grass.

When could cutting before rain be okay?

Here are some instances when cutting grass before rainfall may be acceptable or even advisable:

If the forecast only calls for a very light sprinkle – A small amount of moisture won’t significantly impact the cutting quality.
If it’s been a long time since the last mow – Letting the grass get too long between cuts is also unhealthy. Cutting wet may be better than continued growth.

If you have warm season grass like bermuda – These grasses tolerate wet cutting better than cool season varieties.
If clumping issues are minimal – Some mower types like mulching mowers handle wet grass better than side discharge models.

Tips for cutting grass before rain

If you need to mow before expected rain, here are some tips to get the best results:

Raise the cutting height – Longer grass blades are less likely to clump up when wet.
Use a mulching mower – They chop grass into finer clippings that break down more easily.
Remove excess grass buildup – Empty any clippings from the mower deck before starting.

Mow in the opposite direction – Changing mowing patterns helps lift and cut blades more evenly.
Inspect afterward – Check for clumping or uneven cutting once the grass dries.

How can rain impact freshly cut grass?

Rainfall right after mowing can cause issues like:

Clumping – Wet clippings stick together blocking sunlight and suffocating the grass.
Pest problems – Fungus and disease is more likely to grow on wet grass and clippings.
Blade damage – The added weight of water can bend or break grass blades.

Lawn tracks – Wheels from the mower leave tracks in wet turf that takes time to recover.
Poor clipping decomposition – Wetness prevents fast and even breakdown of grass clippings.

Monitoring weather forecasts is key to timing lawn mowing appropriately around expected rainfall.

Do grass clippings left on a lawn before rain damage the grass?

Leaving fresh grass clippings sitting on your lawn before rain can definitely lead to issues:

The clippings can clump, mat and smother grass when wet.
Fungus and mold growth increase in the wet clumps.

Pest like snails and slugs are attracted to the wet clippings.
The clippings don’t decompose evenly across the lawn.
It leaves unsightly brown patches where clippings piled up.

If possible, always remove or evenly scatter grass clippings from the lawn before rainfall. Or better yet, time mowing so clippings dry quickly.

Should you bag clippings before rain?

Bagging your grass clippings before rain has some advantages compared to mulching or side discharge:

Bagging removes clippings immediately before rain can wet them.

It prevents any clumping, matting or uneven decomposition.
Bagging gives you a very clean cut since all clippings are picked up.
It limits potential pest issues like slugs on wet grass.

The drawbacks of bagging include added mowing time and having to dispose of the clippings. But before rain, the benefits often outweigh the extra effort.

How long should you wait to mow after rain?

It’s best to wait until your lawn dries out completely before mowing after rainfall, ideally:

Wait at least 24 hours after light or moderate rain before mowing.

Wait 48-72 hours after heavy rain, thunderstorms or downpours.
The thicker and taller the grass, the longer drying time needed.
Don’t mow until all puddled water has soaked in or evaporated.

Check that the soil feels dry at least 1-2 inches below the surface.

Rushing back into mowing wet grass right after rain often causes more lawn damage than just waiting a day or two.

Tips for mowing after rain

Here are tips for getting the best cut and avoiding lawn damage when mowing after rainfall:

Raise your mower height for the first mow after rain.
Use old or worn mower blades to limit excess tearing of wet grass.
Remove any standing puddles or wet piles of clippings.

Consider bagging the first cut to remove excess moisture.
Avoid turning the mower on very wet grass to limit lawn tracks.

Adjusting your mowing practices based on current and recent weather helps maintain a healthy, green lawn.

How does rain impact how often you need to mow?

Frequency of mowing typically needs to increase after heavy or frequent rain for a couple reasons:

Rain causes fertilizers to release faster, making grass grow quicker.
Wet weather causes turf grass to thrive, increasing growth rate.

Rainfall causes soil to compact less, allowing better root development.
Extended moisture encourages weed growth that needs frequent mowing.

Conversely, periods of low rainfall will slow grass growth and allow longer intervals between mowing. Adjust your schedule based on recent weather patterns.

Do lawn care companies mow in the rain?

Most professional lawn care companies will avoid mowing grass when wet, but policies can vary:

Some companies will schedule visits around forecasts to avoid mowing wet grass.
Others may mow if grass is damp but not saturated.

Some contract agreements specify not mowing after a certain amount of rain.
Policies differ more for commercial versus residential lawn mowing.
Liability for lawn damage from wet mowing is a concern.

Reputable lawn care firms focus on the health of your turf. Mowing wet grass goes against best practices.

Should you mow wet grass after a drought?

Mowing dry, dormant grass after a prolonged drought comes with risks of:

Increased potential for fire if mower blades strike rocks.

Excessive tearing and damage to desiccated grass blades.
Higher levels of dust and allergens from cutting dormant turf.
Very uneven growth potential once rains return.

If possible, wait until after the dormant lawn receives some moisture before attempting to mow. Or maintain height with gentle trimming only.

Conclusion

In summary, allowing grass to dry completely after rain or morning dew is ideal before mowing. Cutting wet grass can lead to clumping, pest issues and blade damage. Be proactive around forecast rain before mowing. Or wait at least 24-48 hours after storms before resuming cutting. Adjusting your mowing schedule around weather helps ensure a healthy, vibrant lawn.