Does Wet Grass Dull Mower Blades?

If you’ve ever mowed grass when it’s wet, you’ll know that it can be very hard going. It just doesn’t feel like you’re getting such a good cut as you usually do, and you find yourself going over the same sports several times. But why…Does wet grass dull mower blades? Is that what’s making the job more difficult?

The Short Answer: Of Course Not

Wet grass doesn’t dull lawn mower blades any more than grass that is bone dry does. It’s simply a common (and incorrect) conclusion that people come to when they’re cutting wet grass and not having the same level of success as in drier conditions. “It must be the blade” they say. But they’re wrong.

But Why Does It Seem Like My Mower Doesn’t Cut Wet Grass As Well?

Yes, it’s ultimately the blade that cuts your grass. But it’s important to understand that when it has rained and your grass is wet, there are several factors at play that have a big impact on the quality of the cut you’re able to achieve.

• Grass Isn’t Stood Up Straight – Grass blades are strong, resistant little structures, but when it rains they are forced to support heavy water droplets and residue. This extra weight that they don’t have to carry when it’s dry causes some of the grass blades to double over. How does this affect the cut? Well, some of the grass will be doubled over lower than the cutting height that you have set, so the blade won’t even touch it. This makes it feel like you’re not cutting everything…because you’re not.
• Wet Clippings Stick to Underside of Deck – The blade usually creates a vacuum type effect in normal conditions, helping to get the grass to stand up as the mower deck passes over it. But when wet clippings stick to the underside of the deck, this vacuum effect is severely diminished. That combined with the wet grass being heavier means it’s far harder to get a good cut.
• Clippings Can Affect Movement of the Blade – If you’ve got a decent size lawn, the wet clippings can build up on the underside of the deck to the point that they start to have an impact on the blade’s movement, which can also make it less effective and deliver a poorer cut.

The whole experience – you could be slipping and sliding, struggling to maneuver your mower across a slicker surface – can lead to frustration and the perception that your mower isn’t cutting as well and that there must be something wrong with the blade. But if the blade was fine before you started, wet grass isn’t going to have dulled it.

Wet Grass Won’t Dull Your Mower’s Blade But It’s Not Good for Your Mower

Forget asking “Does wet grass dull mower blades?” There are bigger things for you to worry about when it comes to pitting your mower against a wet lawn. Mowing wet grass could ruin your lawn mower eventually!

All of what we’ve just described above will likely put your mower’s engine or motor under more pressure, forcing it to work harder to try to compensate for the lower level of effectiveness of the blade and deck. This extra stress can lead to burnout in lower quality motors, especially if you repeatedly mow wet grass. At the very least you’re very likely to reduce the life expectancy of your mower significantly.

To conclude, wet grass is not going to dull your blades, but it’s best to avoid mowing when it’s still damp if you want the best cut possible and an enjoyable mowing experience.