Introduction
Can you strim wet grass? This yes or no question seems to be simple to answer but soon turns out to be quite complicated. It is not just about the possibility of the task, but more importantly, its advisability.
Should we strim grass when it is wet, and how to do it right? This article will give you a thorough answer, yet still brief and straight to the point. Let us start!
Can you strim wet grass? Yes, But There Are Many Inconveniences
The answer to the question is fairly clear. While the ideal condition for grass-mowing is dry weather, strimming wet grass is still possible.
After all, if people in tropical climates have to wait for the grass to dry, it will grow so high and then turn out to be difficult to handle.
However, strimming the grass in wet conditions is not recommended, due to some risks for the doer and the lawn.
This is common knowledge: strimming wet grass is a bad idea. It is said that you are more likely to fall because the wet lawns are slippery (which is true), and you may also damage your lawn (which is true too!).
There are even more risks than that. Strimming wet grass can do harm not only to the grass but also to the soil, not to mention multiple inconveniences for the gardener. Below is a detail of its disadvantages.
Uneven Cuts
Wet grass is considerably heavier and stickier than normal. This means that cutting the grass at an even level is many times harder, requiring either a freshly sharpened or brand new blade.
\In this case, if you really want even cuts, you will have to cut the grass constantly and repeatedly.
Cause You Extra Work
Cutting wet lawns may throw you in hot water. The wet sticky grass is likely to stick under your mower and cause cloggings. You may need to clean up a little as you move along.
Stain Your Body, Your Clothes, White Walls or Nearby Furniture
Strimming wet grass can paint everything nearby green. This will cause you trouble if your walls are painted white or there is any furniture in the vicinity.
Not Soil-friendly
Your soil is likely to be compacted, thus becoming the breeding environment for those annoying and troublesome worms.
Risks of Diseases
Diseases are more likely to spread when you strim wet grass because moisture is the ideal condition for many disease-carrying organisms to flourish and expand. Also, the clippings after cutting can mat down and hinder airflow, leading to fungal diseases such as “brown spot”.
It is unsafe
It is your personal safety that should be taken into account. Because of the wet and slippery grass, the chances of tripping and falling will increase. Plus, if you are using an electronic cutting machine, you should either use another tool to avoid electrocution or wait until the grass is dry.
How To Strim Wet Grass Safely And Effectively?
In case the situation is dire and you have no choice other than to cut the lawn when it is wet, there are several tips for smoother and safer cutting. Below are some of them.
Have the Blades Sharpened
Remember to sharpen your blades/lines right before strimming. This can help deal with the problems of uneven cuts. After all, a sharp tool is what you need most to do the lawn during wet weather.
Do Not Cut the Grass Too Short
The shorter you cut the lawns, the faster it will grow, especially during wet weather. So, if you want to spare your time and effort, just mow the grass at an average high.
Do Not Mow on Slopes
This increases the risks of injury as you slip and fall down. Handling wet grass is harder than dry one, and mowing on slopes even adds on to that.
A Petrol-based Mower/strimmer is Safer Than an Electric One
We must say electric tools are not suitable for strimming wet grass. You may not want to risk your health to use them, so instead, head for petrol-based ones!
Use a Fuel Stabilizer (in Case You Use a Petrol-based Tool)
The combination of excess fuels and outside moisture can do harm to your tool. A fuel stabilizer helps minimize the amount of fuel you put into the gas tank.
Clean Your Mower and Dry It Off After Each Use
Your tool is often covered with clippings every time you use it, especially when wet grass clippings are more sticky and consequently more harmful to your tool.
With that in mind, you will want to remove any grass stuck to your mower and let it dry before putting it back to the storeroom.
In a Nutshell
Can you strim wet grass? Briefly saying, yes. However, regarding potential harm it may do to you, your lawn, the soil, and furniture around, strimming grass in wet condition is not recommended.
Otherwise, if you can not wait for the ideal weather for grass-strimming, you can still strim wet grass, following six pieces of advice we present above. Good luck!
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