How To Scarify A Lawn
If you own a garden with a lawn, then you’ll understand just how important it is to keep the grass in the best possible condition.
Not only does your lawn add to the aesthetics of your home and property, but it’s also the perfect place to host barbeques for friends and family, play with your children or pets or simply relax during the summer months.
With all of this considered if you notice that your lawn has begun to look a little brown, faded or worse for wear, then it may be time to scarify it.
The process of reviving your lawn, it is extremely straightforward and does not require the support of a professional gardener.
In this article, we’ll explain how to scarify a lawn so that you can restore your garden to its former glory.
Read on to find out more.
What Is Scarifying?
Lawn scarifying is the process of clearing away matted grass, moss and debris from the surface of your lawn. It involves removing dead thatch, which is the brown and unsightly-looking grass that you may see sitting beneath the fresh green grass blades.
While a small amount of this thatch is actually a good thing, if it has begun to appear in large quantities then it can actually be detrimental to the health of the entire lawn. This is because it will prevent new grass from going and stop the lawn from receiving the water and nutrients it needs to be healthy and thrive. The process will also help with better air circulation.
If you do not scarify the lawn, then over time your grass will begin to suffocate and eventually, the entire garden will be beyond saving.
Luckily, scarifying a lawn is extremely straightforward and can be done using either a powered machine or a hand-held tool such as a rake or bespoke hand scarifier.
How To Scarify A Lawn
Now that we’ve explained what scarifying a lawn actually is, let’s explore the best way to do it.
First, you need to decide whether to use a powered scarifying machine or a hand-held tool.
While a machine will undoubtedly make the process easier, it is not necessary and a rake or hand-held scarifier will still be able to get the job done effectively.
If you opt for a machine, use it in much the same way you would a lawnmower making sure to cover the whole area until it has been scarified entirely. Alternatively, if you’re using a rake or hand-held scarifier, move up and down your lawn slowly tearing up the thatch. Try not to be too rough as this might cause damage to the lawn. You may also want to leave a small amount of thatch as this will provide the lawn with protection. You should also work in all directions to make sure the thatch is removed evenly. Discard of the thatch in your garden waste bin or compost heap.
After completing the first pass of your lawn, you may want to give it a second go. If you removed a lot of thatch the first time around, you should lower the scarifier setting if you are using a machine. This time, move at a 45-degree angle. Thatch that was deeper in the grass will likely have been displaced during the first pass and you can now collect it more easily.
Again, if you’re using a rake or hand-held tool you will also be able to go deeper the second time. Walk at a 45-degree angle and make sure to remove any leftover debris when you have finished.
If you’re scarifying your lawn during the autumn then you may need to repeat the process up to four times.
How Often To Scarify A Lawn
Ideally, you should scarify the lawn at least once a year.
If your lawn has been freshly laid, then you will need to wait around three years for it to grow to a sufficient length and hardiness for scarifying to have an effect. Doing it any earlier than this can actually damage the lawn.
The best time of year to scarify is in spring, between March and May, with April often cited as the best month to do so. This is because the recovery rate of your lawn is at its optimum at this time. The temperature should be at least 10°C.
If you have forgotten or are too busy to scarify in spring, the next best bet is autumn in late August or early September. This is also the best time to heavily scarify the lawn if it has got a bit out of hand over the year and you need to do some serious thatch removal.
When Not To Scarify Your Lawn
You should never consider scarifying your lawn when:
It’s very hot, such as at the height of summer or during high temperatures
The lack of moisture and heat makes it harder for your lawn to recover and it can significantly damage its appearance. You may not be able to save the grass if you scarifiy it at this time.
October
Some people mistakenly believe that October is the best time to scarify your lawn but it is actually one of the worst times. This is because temperatures are beginning to drop and the wet weather may be on the way which will cause problems.
During wet weather
While it is technically possible you should avoid scarifying when it is raining. This is because it will cause your tools to get wet and dirty and they won’t work as effectively. The grass should be dry before working on it.
Winter
You should never scarify your lawn in the winter. When the weather is very cold you may kill it by scarifying it as the grass has already stopped growing and is laying dormant until the warmer weather arrives. By exposing the soil to the cold temperatures, you may inadvertently freeze it which will have devastating consequences.
