Lawn Scarifying
Don’t be scared to scarify…
What is lawn scarification?
Lawn scarification is the process used to remove excessive amounts of thatch from a lawn and is an important part of lawn care and maintenance.
Scarifying is done using a mechanical lawn Scarifier which has adjustable rotating steel blades to cut the thatch out without destroying the healthy grass.
In some cases, it can even penetrate the soil below the surface to improve aeration and the quality of the grass roots.
Why scarify a lawn?
Scarification is necessary when thatch in the lawn becomes excessive and begins to damage the grass.
Too much thatch in a lawn can suffocate rather than protect plants, stopping them getting the necessary light, water and air that they need.
In itself, thatch isn’t a bad thing.
A layer about 0.5-1cm thick is fine – anything thicker will begin to damage the grass.
Removing the build-up will improve the health of your lawn ultimately making it more resilient.
How do you scarify a lawn?
This depends on the size. Small lawns can be scarified by hand using a spring tine rake but can be quite tiring and do not produce as good results as a mechanical Scarifier.
Greenturion Garden Care obtained a pedestrian Scarifier (i.e. one that you push along like a lawnmower)
So what is thatch?
Thatch occurs naturally but as with many plants, over time old grass leaves and stems die away and are replaced with new ones. As the dead material can be slow to decay it sits in a spongy layer under the green sward of the lawn.
Having some thatch under the top surface of your lawn is not necessarily a bad thing as it acts as a protective layer, shielding both soil and grass plants from the elements. In addition, the correct amount can also give the surface of your lawn a firmer, thicker look and feel.
How can I tell if my lawn needs scarifying?
Too much thatch in a lawn will give your grass a spongy feel when you walk on it.
You should be able to see a layer 0.5-1cm thick when you look at the sides of your turf – any more than this is excessive and unhealthy for your lawn.
You can take a core sample from your lawn to assess how thick the thatch is, and see how extensively your lawn needs scarifying.
When should I scarify my lawn?
Ideally, scarification should be carried out in the early spring to early autumn as this provides better results in terms of recovery.
We advise that scarifying is carried out between mid-Sept to March because the warmth and moisture present in the soil will help the lawn to recover more quickly.
Spring time scarifying should only be light rather than heavy duty as the summer months can be detrimental if it is particularly hot, dry weather.
Scarifying should not be done during winter – doing so at this time of year is more likely to damage your lawn than improve it.
How often should I scarify?
Most lawns will need to be scarified, but some require more than others if they are prone to a thatch build-up.
It depends entirely on the type of lawn, soil and how the natural bacteria are working in your individual environment.
Fine lawns containing creeping fescue will generally build-up thatch more quickly, while lawns with high levels of rye grass produce far less.
Over fertilising, bad mowing techniques and grass have grown in poor quality soil may make your lawn more susceptible to thatch.
What happens afterwards?
You mean apart from your lawn looking pretty scary? Although it can be a bit of a shock at first, your lawn will recover amazingly quickly and look all the better for it.
The rate at which your lawn recovers can vary depending on weather conditions and the initial quality of your lawn – however, be patient as it will be worth it. Any thatch that has been cut away should be removed – it makes good compost which is an added bonus! Other lawn treatments can be carried out at the same time including aeration, over-seeding, top dressing with sand and loam and correct fertilising, which all help with recovery.
The benefits of lawn scarification include:
- Removes harmful levels of thatch
- Prunes grass roots and encouraging growth.
- Allows water to reach the soil.
- Allows air to reach the sward.
- Allows nutrients to reach the grass plants.
- Removes moss and dead weeds.
- Reduces the likelihood of future moss problems.
- Improves the health of your lawn.
- Refreshes tired or poor quality lawns.
- Good preparation for over-seeding.
About
Greenturion is a professional garden service company.
We offer a broad range of gardening and pest control services to homeowners, housing and business complexes.
Kindly contact us with any of your requirements and we will gladly assist.
Contact Details
Christo / Kitty
Cell: 083 284 4911
Email: info@greenturion.co.za
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