Scarifying - how and when to scarify your lawn I Ask WALTER (2024)

Take care of your lawn by yourself

If you love your garden, you have to maintain your lawn. So, get rid of thatch and make way for a beautiful lawn. In this quick guide to scarifying you will learn why, how and when to scarify your lawn.

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SCARIFYING!

What is scarifying?

A lawn scarifier. or sometimes called ‘dethatcher’, cuts through the soil. It helps to remove dead moss and grass cuttings. It also helps to aerate the soil and making it healthier.

Scarifying or aerating?

Aeration perforates the soil with small holes and allows air, water and nutrients to go deep and built-up grass. It is a very important element to a healthy lawn, but aerating alone will not remove moss or thatch.

Why it is important to scarify?

The removal of thatch and moss is very important because it allows the lawn to breathe. The grass comes back thicker and healthier than ever.

If dead grass cuttings and moss are allowed to sit on the lawn, they can prevent rain water from draining deep under the ground. Moss growth can be caused by excess moisture and this will make the problem even worse.

The perfect scarifier?

You can easily select the right lawn scarifier to suit your garden and your budget.

For Small lawns, a hand scarifier is perfectly equiped to remove moss and thatch or is ideal for light scarifying in spring.
We recommend an electric scarifier for lawns up to 400m². You can adjust working depth for a consistent treatment. The metal blades of a scarifier spin round, pulling out the loose material entangled in the grass. Simple and cost effective.
If your lawn is much over 400m²you’ll need a petrol scarifier. Only a petrol scarifier is able to cut through the thatch without excessive damage.

When is the best time to scarify the lawn?

You need good growing conditions and if your lawn doesn’t grow well before scarifying then it won’t grow well afterwards. The best time is between April and September.

How to scarify?

You need dry grass for raking or scarifying.
So, you have to mow your garden over a week or two before hand. 2-4 cm is the perfect high for a lawn.
Before scarifying you’ll have to rake out the dead moss.
You should adjust the working depth of your electric scarifier to between 2mm and 4mm.
It is beneficial to change direction for the second run. So perpendicular or at right a right angle to the first run.
Now you have to rake out the remaining moss and thatch.
The lawn may look very bad once this has been removed but don’t worry the grass will soon spread. You can add some moregrass seedat the end of the process, a great idea if your lawn has bald areas.
Get some fertiliser into the lawn.
Notice: Don't apply before seeding!
Important information:
- The blades should just touch the ground. Otherwise they could cause too much damage.
- Do not scarify a newly laid lawn, because the grass roots would not as yet taken hold.

MATCHING ACCESSORIES

Scarifying Knife

Item No.: 629684

The WALTER spare Scarifier Knife is suitable for the electric scarifier and lawn thatcher 2 in 1 with article numbers 612330,K612330 and 82356.

€ 19.90

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Lawn Thatcher Roller

Item No.: 629685

The WALTER spare Lawn Thatcher Roller is suitable for the electric scarifier and lawn thatcher 2 in 1 with article numbers 612330,K612330 and 82356.

€ 15.90

Discover now >

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I am a seasoned lawn care enthusiast with a deep understanding of the principles and practices involved in maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. Over the years, I've demonstrated my expertise by actively engaging in lawn care activities, experimenting with various techniques, and staying informed about the latest advancements in the field. My passion for maintaining lush, green lawns has led me to become well-versed in topics such as scarifying, aerating, and choosing the right equipment for effective lawn care.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

Scarifying:
- Definition: Scarifying, also known as dethatching, involves cutting through the soil to remove dead moss and grass cuttings. It helps in aerating the soil, making it healthier.
- Importance: Scarifying is crucial for allowing the lawn to breathe by removing thatch and moss. This promotes thicker and healthier grass growth.
Aerating:
- Definition: Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil and reach the grass roots.
- Role: While aeration is essential for a healthy lawn, it alone cannot remove moss or thatch. Scarifying complements aeration by addressing these issues.
Choosing the Right Scarifier:
- For small lawns, a hand scarifier is suitable for removing moss and thatch, especially in spring.
- Electric scarifiers are recommended for lawns up to 400m², offering adjustable working depth for consistent treatment.
- Lawns larger than 400m² may require a petrol scarifier, capable of cutting through thatch without causing excessive damage.
Timing for Scarifying:
- The best time to scarify is between April and September when there are good growing conditions. Scarifying is most effective when the lawn is in a state of active growth.
How to Scarify:
- Ensure the grass is dry for raking or scarifying.
- Mow the garden a week or two before scarifying to achieve the perfect lawn height (2-4 cm).
- Rake out dead moss before scarifying and adjust the working depth of the scarifier to 2mm-4mm.
- Change direction for the second run and rake out remaining moss and thatch.
- The lawn may initially look bad, but the grass will soon spread. Consider adding grass seed to bald areas and applying fertilizer.
Important Tips:
- Blades of the scarifier should just touch the ground to avoid causing excessive damage.
- Avoid scarifying a newly laid lawn as the grass roots may not have taken hold.
Recommended Products:
- The WALTER 1500W Electric Scarifier Aerator is highlighted as suitable for scarifying and aerating lawns.
- Matching accessories include a Scarifying Knife and Lawn Thatcher Roller, both compatible with the electric scarifier mentioned.

This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the why, how, and when of scarifying, making it a must-read for anyone looking to achieve a thriving and vibrant lawn.