Wet ground conditions during the rainy season can make mowing the lawn a bit of a challenge. In addition to being difficult to cut, moist grass can damage push or riding mowers if not handled correctly. To make the task easier and keep your lawn equipment working smoothly, remember the following useful tips when mowing grass post-rainfall.

How to Use a Riding Mower After Rainfall

1. Increase Mowing Frequency

As the grass receives more water, it’s likely to grow at a faster rate. Tall grass is difficult to cut through, particularly when it’s wet. To address the problem, reduce the interval between your mowing sessions. If you usually mow your lawn every two weeks, try switching to a 10-day interval for better results. 

2. Clear Up Grass Clippings

After you’re done mowing, give your riding mower a thorough cleanup and remove moist grass clippings from its components. If not cleared up in time, the damp grass remnants become breeding grounds for mold buildup. Scrape away grass clippings on the underside of the equipment, giving particular attention to the deck, debris shield, and tires.

3. Buy Fuel in Small Batches

The ethanol used to power up riding mowers is quick to react with water. This means there’s a high chance it will become contaminated when exposed to wet outdoor conditions. Use a stabilizer to protect the ethanol-based fuel from contamination. You should also buy only as much gas as you need to operate the mower for one session.

4. Maintain Sharp Blades

Before the rainy season begins, get the blades sharpened and ready for the damp ground conditions. Sharp blades result in a more precise cut, preserving grass health and promoting its proper growth. Blunt blades, on the other hand, increase your mower’s runtime and result in an uneven cut.

Proper care for riding mowers is especially important in rainy weather. Anytime you need repair and maintenance services for your lawn equipment, turn to the professionals at Gene & Matt Tractor Sales. Based in Barrow County, GA, the local business houses an extensive inventory of top-of-the-line tractors, excavators, mowers, and other farming and landscaping essentials. For further information about their products and services, call (770) 867-3179 or visit their website.