As lawns across the UK surge into growth after wet weather following the heatwave at the end of May, experts say Google searches for "cutting grass after rain" have jumped 250% this week. While many homeowners are eager to start mowing, experts urge caution and share four essential dos and don'ts to help protect your lawn from damage.
Check the lawn is dry enough before mowing
Nick Ee, product training manager at home improvement specialists BLACK+DECKER, said: "One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make after periods of heavy rainfall is assuming a dry morning means the lawn is ready to mow. While the surface may look dry, the grass and soil underneath can still hold significant moisture, particularly in gardens with poor drainage or compacted soil."
He recommends walking across the lawn and checking whether your shoes pick up moisture or leave visible footprints. You can also brush your hand through the grass blades. If your hand comes away damp, the lawn needs more time to dry out. Mowing wet grass can clog the mower deck, strain the motor, and dull blades more quickly.
Raise the cutting height
After weeks of wet weather, grass can grow quickly due to moisture and warmer temperatures. Nick advises raising the mower height by one or two settings and avoiding removing too much growth in a single cut. As a rule, never remove more than a third of the grass blade at once. A gradual approach helps the lawn recover, encourages stronger roots, and leaves a healthier finish.
Clear debris before you start
Before mowing, take a few minutes to clear fallen twigs, leaves, and other garden debris blown around by wind and rain. Leftover debris can interfere with the cut quality and potentially damage the lawnmower. Running over sticks, stones, and larger debris can dull blades, block the deck, and strain the motor.
Avoid mulching wet grass
Mulching is a great way to return nutrients to the lawn, but it should be avoided after heavy rainfall. Damp clippings tend to clump together rather than disperse evenly, blocking sunlight and airflow and leading to patchy growth. Instead, collect the clippings to keep the lawn healthy and reduce blockage risks in the mower.
