Mowing the lawn is a regular household chore that many of us undertake regularly. While it may seem like a mundane task, it’s crucial that you do it properly to keep your lawn healthy and thriving. One common challenge that homeowners face is mowing dewy grass. Dewy grass is simply grass that has accumulated moisture overnight or in the early morning. While it may seem harmless, there are certain precautions you need to take while mowing dewy grass to prevent damage to your lawn. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know to mow dewy grass safely and effectively.
Detailed Discussion on Mowing Dewy Grass
1. Wait for the Dew to Dry
First things first, it’s essential to wait for the dew to dry before mowing your lawn. Mowing dewy grass with a lawnmower clumps the grass together, clogs the mower, and can cause an uneven cut. Wet grass blades typically bend, making it difficult to get a clean and even cut. In addition, a wet lawn can be slippery, and you might find it challenging to operate the mower safely. Waiting for the dew to dry is a crucial first step in mowing dewy grass.
2. Choose the Right Time of Day
Choosing the right time of day to mow your lawn is essential to get the job done right. Typically, the best time to mow dewy grass is in the afternoon when the sun has had the chance to dry the dew completely. Mowing the lawn in the morning, especially when the grass is still wet, can result in an uneven cut and even lead to the spread of diseases among the blades of grass.
3. Adjust the Mower Blade Height
Adjusting the mower blade height is a crucial step in mowing dewy grass. As we mentioned earlier, wet grass blades tend to bend, making it challenging to get a clean and even cut. To avoid this, you need to adjust your mower blade height to suit the length of your grass. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to set your mower blade height higher than usual, especially when mowing dewy grass. This way, the mower blade won’t cut the grass blades too short, preventing damage to the lawn.
4. Avoid Heavy Equipment
Using heavy mowing equipment such as a tractor or riding mower on dewy grass can damage your lawn. The weight of such equipment can compact or even destroy the grass blades, resulting in an uneven and unhealthy lawn. Instead, use a lightweight push mower suitable for the size of your lawn.
5. Don’t Use Dull Blades
Using dull blades to cut wet grass is a no-no. Dull blades tend to crawl through the grass, ripping the blades and leaving jagged edges. This makes the grass vulnerable to fungal infections, pests, and disease. Ensure that your mower blades are sharp before mowing dewy grass.
6. Clean the Mower After Use
Once you’ve mowed the lawn, clean your lawn mower thoroughly. Dewy grass tends to clump together, forming thick layers on the underside of your mower. If left unclean, these layers can prevent your mower from working correctly or even cause rust. Cleaning the mower after use also enhances its lifespan.
Concluding Thoughts on Mowing Dewy Grass
Mowing dewy grass doesn’t have to be a chore if you follow the tips we’ve provided in this article. Timing is crucial when mowing dewy grass, as is using the right equipment and blade height. Always allow the dew to dry before mowing your lawn, and never use dull blades. Moreover, cleaning your mower after use ensures it lasts long and works correctly the next time you use it.
FAQs About Mowing Dewy Grass
Q1. Why is it not recommended to mow wet grass?
A1. Wet grass is often slippery and challenging to walk on, and mowing it can lead to accidents. In addition, wet grass blades tend to clump, clog the mower, and cause an uneven cut. Mowing wet grass can also lead to the spread of diseases and pests.
Q2. Do I have to wait for the dew to dry before mowing my lawn?
A2. Yes, it’s essential to wait for the dew to dry before mowing your lawn. Wet grass blades can bend, clump, and clog your mower blades, resulting in an incomplete or uneven cut.
Q3. Why do I need to adjust the mower blade height when mowing dewy grass?
A3. Dewy grass tends to bend or clump together, making it challenging to get a clean and even cut. Adjusting your mower blade height to suit the length of your grass prevents the mower blade from cutting your grass blades too short and causing damage to your lawn.
In conclusion, mowing dewy grass is all about being cautious and vigilant. Ensure that the grass is dry, use the right equipment, and adjust the mower blade height to suit the length of your grass. Doing this will ensure that your lawn stays healthy, green, and thriving.
