Which Mower Is Best for Mowing in Wet Areas

Mowing wet grass requires a different set of criteria than regular lawn care. The presence of moisture can significantly affect the effectiveness of most mowers, which can alter the evenness of the cut and potentially wear out your machine. Finding the right one is crucial to simplify your lawn maintenance routine without worrying about your mower breaking down. The following options have the power and essential features to give your lawn the best trims regardless of the weather conditions.

1. RC Mowers R-52 Remote-Operated Mower

RC Mowers has established itself as a manufacturer of state-of-the-art equipment designed for various terrains and environmental conditions. Its R series of mowers presents a safe, convenient solution for mowing wet grass and other less-than-ideal conditions, particularly the R-52. Think of it as an all-terrain vehicle in lawn mower form.

Key Features

• Engineered for different and extreme terrains, including wetlands, swamps and dams, allowing them to handle wet grass and vegetation easily
• Can handle steep terrain and slopes of up to 50 degrees
• 52-inch cutting width, and can cut grass and brush measuring up to 1.5 inches in diameter
• Powerful speed and performance from its 37-horsepower electronic fuel injection engine
• Allows remote connectivity up to 1,000 feet

2. Mountfield HW531 PD Self-Propelled Lawnmower

The Mountfield HW531 gasoline-powered lawn mower is more than capable of handling uneven ground and vegetation. Its simplicity works to its advantage. Anyone can operate this device and easily pass it through their lawn, even on rainy days or in wintertime.

Key Features

• Self-propelled mechanism and a 196 cc gasoline engine that requires less effort from the user while making more even cuts
• Cutting width of 53 cm, helping you cover more ground quickly
• Features five easy-to-adjust cutting heights and positions ranging from 25 mm to 80 mm
• Includes a 70-liter collection bag for long, uninterrupted mowing
• Integrated washing link for easier cleanup, especially when dealing with clumpy wet grass

3. AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A Self-Propelled Lawnmower

AL-KO’s Comfort mowers boast easy, user-friendly operation that makes lawn care enjoyable. The manufacturers boast high-quality materials and components that ensure longevity. Strong motors and adjustable blades make this mower ideal for rugged lawns or when the grass gets wet.

Key Features

• 2.1 kW strong AL-KO Pro motor with overhead valves that ensure peak performance with efficient power consumption
• 46 cm cutting width, which offers efficiency for most medium-sized lawns and gardens
• Seven cutting height options from 30 mm to 80 mm, allowing you to be more thorough and accommodate the pliability of wet lawns or overgrown brush
• Includes a 60-liter grass catcher to prevent clumped damp grass from sticking to the ground
• Ergonomic handlebar design makes mowing more comfortable and reduces strain

4. Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower

While traditional mowers use gasoline as fuel, this Ryobi brushless mower relies on 80-volt and 40-volt batteries that pack a punch and perform just as well. This zero-turn riding mower is quiet, smooth and highly effective, even on wet grass. Its joystick controls make it user-friendly and easy to maneuver for gardeners and homeowners of all skill levels.

Key Features

• Four lithium-ion batteries deliver power equivalent to a 31-horsepower gas engine
• Recharges fully in 2.5 hours, and can mow up to 3 acres with a single charge
• Allows 12 cutting height options ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches for precise cuts and accommodation for wet grass inconsistencies
• 42-inch cutting width, allowing you to handle larger lawns or gardens easily
• Operates quietly — you have full conversations with people around you while mowing your lawn

5. EGO POWER+ T6 TR4204 42-Inch Riding Mower

EGO POWER+ delivers another battery-powered riding mower perfect for various terrains and weather conditions. It provides even trims on bumpy lawns and wet grass. Aside from its powerful mowing capabilities, it provides a comfortable experience, with features like a cup holder, a beverage cooler and a USB charger.

Key Features

• Uses up to six 56V lithium batteries to deliver power equivalent to a 21-horsepower gas engine
• Can handle up to 1.5 acres of challenging terrain on a single charge
• Stable movement and even cuts, even on wet soil and damp grass
• Allows 12 deck heights that can make cuts ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches
• Digital display allows you to customize your ride and choose between three drive speeds, three blade settings and cruise control

6. eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15

Robot mowers are highly convenient, and the eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15 is one of the best in the category. It’s easy to set up and can run with little to no additional input. It works well on both dry and wet grass, making it ideal for cooler weather when the grass doesn’t dry.

Key Features

• Convenient setup and settings customization through a mobile app
• Automatically avoids obstacles and seeks shelter when it rains, keeping the mower safe from slips or bumps
• Allows separate custom settings for different lawn areas
• Customizable cutting height, from 25 mm to 75 mm
• Has a built-in anti-theft system and GPS for your peace of mind

Types of Mowers

Lawn mowers come in different shapes and mechanisms and work best in specific conditions. Picking one means choosing the right tool that makes mowing easier and gives your lawn the best care possible. A lawn mower usually falls under one of these categories.

Self-Propelled Mowers

Self-propelled lawn mowers are convenient household machines. As the name suggests, they propel themselves forward, requiring less effort from the person handling the machine. This feature ensures even, steady cutting and precise movement across the area. However, heavy models might compact the soil, especially if the ground is still excessively wet.

Riding Mowers

A riding mower is perfect for larger lawns or when you need more power. These are often larger machines with powerful engines that can handle thick vegetation or damp grass more easily.

Zero-turn mowers are a riding mower variant that can turn on the spot, which enables more precise cuts and better maneuverability. However, similar to larger self-propelled mowers, riding mowers are heavy. Using them on softer or wet soil can increase the risk of compaction. They may also have some trouble safely navigating steeper slopes.

Robotic Lawn Mowers

Most robot lawn mowers can operate autonomously. Think of a Roomba, but as a mower. These often connect to a mobile app or a similar interface that allows you to program their path, blade settings, and schedule. This feature helps homeowners and gardeners automate their lawn care routine.

The devices are usually smaller than many traditional mowers and lightweight enough to prevent soil compaction when they go through your lawn. Due to their size, they aren’t as equipped to tackle highly overgrown weeds or uneven terrain, but they are excellent for daily or frequent lawn maintenance.

Should You Cut Wet Lawns?

Mowing wet lawns is usually frowned upon. As much as possible, you should try to schedule lawn mowing when the ground is dry. Some lawn mowers are built for rugged terrain or unpredictable weather, making them still work well for mowing wet grass, but it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and drawbacks of cutting damp grass.

Uneven Cutting

Wet grass is more pliable, causing it to clump more easily, bend or get weighed down. Running a mower through grass in these conditions can lead to uneven cuts. It might not be obvious while you’re mowing, but the uneven patches might grow more visible when the grass dries.

Clumping

When wet, grass tends to stick to itself. Aside from causing uneven cuts, the cut grass could stay clumped together on top of the lawn. These clumps collect moisture, especially if the weather stays gloomy, causing the grass underneath to rot or acquire diseases.

Mower Damage

The moisture in the grass causes it to stick more easily to the mower’s blades. As a result, you may need to stop more often to clean the blades. Otherwise, the clumps of grass might unnecessarily strain them and the engine, which affects its performance or lifespan.

Grass Disease

The pliability and softness of wet grass make it prone to tearing, causing uneven openings where pathogens could enter. Combined with a moist environment, fungus and bacteria can thrive, leading to conditions like dollar spots, red thread and rust disease.

Soil Compaction 

If the grass is wet, the soil probably is, too. Driving a mower over moist soil could cause compaction under the machine’s weight. Compacted soil can affect grass growth since the roots have a harder time growing and absorbing water and nutrients. In some cases, it could also lead to poor drainage.

Slippery Conditions

Lawns and driveways can become more slippery when it rains or snows. Mowing the lawn when wet requires more care.

Tips and Best Practices for Mowing Wet Grass

While wet grass is not the best for mowing, it is still possible to clean up your lawn during rainy days or the winter season. These tips can help you make the most of your lawn care days, care for your mower and get the best results, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Mow in the Afternoon

If you need to mow your lawn during the winter or on rainy days, it’s best to do it in the afternoon. Doing it later in the day allows most of the moisture to dry, especially if there’s a lot of dew or if it rained or snowed in the night.

Use a Higher Cutting Height

Even if you want your grass short, it’s best to start at a higher cutting height if it is wet. Starting with a higher cut prevents the grass from clogging the blades and minimizes strain on the engine. You can then adjust to a shorter height on your next pass until you achieve your desired look.

Go Slowly

Slow and steady wins the race when mowing wet grass. Mowing your lawn slowly allows you to be more thorough and cut more evenly, since moisture causes the blades of grass to clump together. It also helps prevent accidents, especially as lawns and driveways can grow more slippery when it snows or rains.

Make Overlapping Passes

One pass might not be enough to make your lawn look neater. Going through it multiple times in different directions allows you to catch any growth you missed in previous passes, making it look more even.

Collect Your Clippings

While mulching can be a great way to improve moisture retention and fertility, it can be overkill during wet or winter seasons. Leaving your grass cuttings on your lawn when it’s rainy can lead to rot or disease, as the grass has no room to breathe. If your lawn mower doesn’t have a collection bag, take the time to rake and collect your clippings to prevent them from rotting over the rest of the grass.

Clean Your Bags or Blades

Wet grass can be stubborn. It clings easily to any surface, making it essential to clean your mower’s bags or blades more often when using it on a wet lawn. Your cuttings could easily build up in the mower and affect its performance or engine life.

Check your blades for clumps or longer blades of grass stuck between them. It’s also crucial to check your grass catcher bags and empty them before they fill up completely.

Opt for Lightweight Mowers

Use a lightweight mower if you have access to one. Going lightweight minimizes the chances of soil compaction, keeping your grass healthier and with better access to moisture and nutrients.

Aerate the Soil

If your soil gets compacted after mowing, you can aerate it manually. A garden fork works well for small areas, or you could purchase a dedicated aerator for larger lawns. Regular aeration keeps your grass healthy all year round and prevents long-term damage from heavy mowers and equipment.

Choose the Right Equipment for Rainy Days and Winters

Despite nearly every lawn care blog telling you not to do it, mowing wet grass is necessary sometimes. Preparation is key to doing so successfully. The right mower can minimize the challenges that come with cutting damp grass and make the task easier, regardless of the weather or terrain.