Rain, wet grass and winter: what to expect through the seasons
Rain sensors, traction in the wet, storage, and what happens to the battery over winter.
Updated September 12, 2026 · 4 min read · By Yard Truth
Rain
Mowers are weatherproof and can cut in light rain, but wet grass clumps, blades dull faster and traction drops on slopes. Most models have a rain sensor and a delay setting; owners in wet climates typically set a few hours' delay and accept a slightly longer schedule.
Spring start-up
The first weeks of growth are the fastest of the year, and a mower that sat idle over winter meets long, wet grass. Start with the cutting height at its maximum and the schedule at daily, then bring the height down a notch each week. Replace the blades before the first run rather than after; last season's blades are dull, and dull blades tear wet grass and stall the disc. Check that pegs are still holding the wire, that the base station still sees the sky after any tree growth, and that the app has applied the winter's firmware updates before the mower goes out.
Autumn
Leaves are the enemy of the small pivoting blade. Mowers push through a light scatter but stall on drifts. Keep the mower running through leaf fall so debris never builds up, and rake the heavy spots.
Summer heat and drought
In a dry spell, mow less, not more. Raise the cutting height so the grass shades its own roots, and drop the schedule to every second or third day. Batteries and electronics also dislike sitting in a charging station in full afternoon sun; a simple roof over the station, sold as a garage by most brands, pays for itself in battery life.
Winter
Bring the mower and, for RTK, the base station indoors once growth stops. Store the battery at partial charge in a cool place. Leave the wire in the ground. In spring, update the firmware before the first run; maps and boundaries are kept.
Questions people ask
- Can the mower stay outside all winter?
- It survives in a covered station in mild climates, but battery life suffers. Indoors is better.
- Does snow damage the boundary wire?
- No. Frost heave can pull pegs; check the perimeter in spring.
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