Gardeners should avoid mowing lawns in the early morning, specifically between 6am and 8am, to prevent clumpy patches and damage to equipment, according to gardening expert Michael Griffiths. In a recent TikTok video, Griffiths explained that dew on the grass during this time makes mowers work harder and creates clumps of wet grass.
Why Early Morning Mowing Is Problematic
Griffiths said: “Early morning between around 6am and 8am, there will still be dew on the grass. Wet grass makes your mower work hard and will create clumps of wet grass. If you need to, do a pass on a higher setting first then move down.” Garden equipment producer Ego Power Plus agreed that the worst time to mow is before 10am, noting that wet grass can clog mowers and lead to several issues.
Risks of Mowing Wet Grass
According to Ego Power Plus, mowing wet grass can cause fungal diseases such as Anthracnose, tear grass leaving lawns patchy and open to infection, create ruts and compacted soil, result in uneven grass length, and reduce cutting effectiveness. The company added: “On top of all of the above risks, you also have the additional risk of ripping or yanking your grass from the roots as the lawn mower uproots the grass instead of cutting it. The end result being a lawn with more brown spots than an overripe banana.”
Recommended Mowing Time
Instead, experts recommend mowing during mid-morning, after 10am, when the grass has had enough time to dry. This avoids the problems associated with wet grass and ensures a cleaner cut, promoting a fuller, healthier lawn without clumpy patches.
