Mowing in Soggy Conditions

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April showers bring May flowers

When showers continue through late May grass never stops growing! Saturated turf from spring rains makes lawn care very difficult. Our most common complaints each spring is poor cut quality and turf damage. We have three main considerations including mowing techniques, avoiding turf damage, and preventing lawn fungus.

Tall Grass

The primary key to healthy mowing is staying on a consistent schedule. Rain not only promotes growth but it delays the ideal cutting height. Cutting too much of the grass plant results in excessive damage, severe nutrient loss and clogs mowing decks. It is always better to mow early if rain is forecasted. The next best alternative is to raise your mowing height. This is healthier for your grass and your lawnmower.

Know your lawn

Heavy foot traffic, the weight of your lawnmower and wet conditions may compact soil or even cause ruts in your turf. Walking your lawn helps identify problem areas. Follow these steps:

• Alternating your mowing pattern is imperative during rainy months. This allows the damp turf to recover between cuts.
• When clippings are excessive, consider bagging. Wet, heavy grass lies down and bagging helps lift the plants.
• Identify low points where water collects. My lawn has a low area near a storm drain that I avoid mowing after constant rainfall. I control this low point with a string trimmer instead.
• Avoid discharging grass clippings into your gardens and beds.
• When conditions improve fill in ruts and low areas with lawn soil and fresh seed.
• Be careful and take your time. A slow, steady pace while mowing avoids accidents and lets you survey your lawn.

Know your equipment

When turf is too wet, mowing may cause damage to your lawnmower. Visually inspect your lawn mower before and after mowing. Follow a quick checklist to prevent expensive repairs:

• Consider replacing worn out wheels. The weight of mowers may create ruts and even turning a mower in low lying areas can tear plants from the root system. Wheels may become worn or bald which slip in soggy conditions.
• Adjust loose cables especially traction cables. Spinning wheels will damage turf, break belts, snap cables or even transmissions. The perfect tension on your cable will prevent sudden damage.
• Clear debris from around your engine and moving parts. Wet grass clippings and mud will clump and cause damage.
• Scrape your mowing deck before mowing and replace dull blades.

Beware the fungi

Constant moisture and warm temperatures promote lawn fungus. Many chemical treatments prevent fungus, but neighboring properties and damp grass clinging to your lawn mower deck allow problems to emerge. Clean the underside of your lawn mower before each cut. Check mulch beds and low areas for fungus and take the appropriate steps to treat these issues. Fungi alters the chemistry of soil and results in bare patches.