Scarifying the lawn: What you should consider
Do you want to remove thatch, moss and weeds from your lawn? Then you should think about scarifying your lawn. This ensures that the lawn receives more oxygen and can grow back thicker. Many garden owners ask themselves whether scarifying in autumn or spring is better and what they should bear in mind.
In this article, we will explain to you when the right time has come to scarify your lawn. We will also summarize what you should pay attention to and how you can scarify correctly in just a few steps. We will then show you what you should pay attention to when scarifying so that your lawn looks even better in the future.
How do I know that my lawn needs scarification?
Your lawn needs to be scarified if thatch and moss have formed.
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When is the right time to scarify?
The right time to scarify is spring. In exceptional cases, you can also scarify in autumn.
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How do I scarify my lawn?
It is important that you prepare your lawn for scarification and set up the scarifier correctly.
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What aspects do I have to consider when scarifying?
You should fertilize your lawn before scarifying and wait until it is completely dry.
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Lawn care: How do I know that my lawn needs scarification?
Every lawn grows individually. Soil conditions vary from garden to garden. So there is no general rule as to how often you should scarify your lawn. However, with a simple test you can find out whether it is necessary to scarify your lawn this year.
To do this, take a metal rake and pull it loosely over your lawn. If moss, dead blades of grass and clippings collect on the rake, you should scarify the grass as soon as possible. This removes the thatch that has formed on your lawn. This prevents the exchange of air between your lawn and the surrounding air (also known as aeration). After scarifying, you can aerate your lawn and it can grow better again.
Scarifying is one of the most important elements in lawn care: it ensures that water and fertilizer can reach the roots of the lawn. As a result, your lawn is properly supplied and can grow better in the coming months.
If you don't scarify your lawn, it can also lead to diseases. Moss and weeds also have a better chance of spreading. You should be particularly careful if the soil in your garden is heavy and tends to become waterlogged. This also applies to shady areas.
Have you scarified your lawn and then discovered bare patches? At RasenExpert you can buy the right lawn seeds for the period after scarification.
When is the right time to scarify?
In general, spring is the best time to scarify your lawn. Basically, you can get your scarifier out and work on your lawn between April and September. However, there are a few aspects that determine the perfect time.
For example, you should not scarify your lawn in summer if you use it intensively at that time. After scarifying, the grass needs to be protected and should not be used for several weeks. It needs this time to regenerate. In this case, it is better to bring the scarification forward to spring.
You've probably heard that many people use their scarifiers in the fall. But this can be damaging to your lawn: give your lawn time to regenerate after scarifying. However, this is not possible when the first frost arrives. That's why we recommend that you scarify your lawn as soon as spring arrives.
I missed scarifying in the spring – what can I do now?
If you didn't have time to scarify in the spring and missed this ideal time, you have a number of options. You can also scarify your lawn in early summer. But make sure you give it enough time to regenerate (around two weeks). Alternatively, you can let your lawn grow first and then scarify it in late summer or autumn.
Scarify your lawn in simple steps
You now know when you can properly scarify your lawn. It's not just the timing and the condition of your lawn that are important. Preparation is also important so that the result of the scarification will meet your expectations.
We summarize for you the steps you should take to scarify your lawn:
Mow your lawn before scarifying
Before you can scarify your lawn, you have to mow it. It's best to set the blades to the lowest setting available. This is usually 2 millimeters.
Prepare your scarifier
Your scarifier should not cut into the turf too deeply. We recommend setting it to a depth of two to three millimetres.
Scarify your lawn
Now you can start scarifying and let the device glide lengthways and crossways over your lawn. Don't stay in one place for too long to avoid damaging the turf.
Rake the lawn
Now take your rake or a rake again and go over the lawn. Remove any thatch that is still on the surface.
Reseed bare spots
If gaps have formed in your lawn, it is best to reseed them immediately. In a few weeks you will be able to enjoy an even lawn again.
If you have scarified your lawn, you should first allow it to regenerate. During this time, make sure to water it sufficiently so that the grass seeds can germinate well.
What aspects do I have to consider when scarifying?
Before you start scarifying, you should find out about a few things to consider. When the time is right, you can start preparing for scarification.
We summarize these for you:
Fertilize your lawn beforehand
You can fertilize your lawn before scarifying it to strengthen it. The right time to do this is when the daffodils open in spring. You can buy a suitable lawn fertilizer from RasenExpert.
Do not scarify when it is wet
If you want to scarify your lawn, you can only do this if the ground is dry. If it has rained in the last few days or the ground is still wet, you will have to wait a few more days until it has dried.
Apply garden sand
If you have heavy garden soil, you should add garden sand after scarifying. This ensures that your lawn becomes more permeable and can absorb more nutrients. Sand also prevents the growth of moss.
Scarify with system
If your lawn has not been scarified in recent years, you should scarify it in a checkerboard pattern with the scarifier. In the coming years, you can then scarify it in one direction and rotate it by 90° from year to year.
With these tips, you will be able to scarify your lawn optimally and soon enjoy a resilient lawn in your garden. In most gardens, it is recommended to scarify the lawn once a year.
What tools do I need for scarifying?
Before you can start scarifying, you should get all the equipment and tools you need. Scarifiers are now available in a wide variety of designs: electric scarifiers, hand scarifiers or lawn aerators. When buying a scarifier, you should make sure that the device fits well in your hand and is easy to use. In addition, performance is also crucial for achieving good scarifying results.
You also need lawn seeds to fill in the bare patches in your garden. At RasenExpert you will find a large selection of different types of lawn. After scarifying, we particularly recommend our Premium Express reseeding . The seeds grow remarkably quickly: if you want a thick lawn, you can enjoy it just a few weeks after sowing.
Frequently asked questions about scarification
Do you want to scarify the lawn in your garden and still have questions? We answer frequently asked questions about scarification, when to do it and the weeks afterward.
You can mow your lawn again immediately after scarifying. However, if you have re-seeded bare patches, you will have to wait with the next mowing. Wait until the grass seeds grow and are about 5 cm high. Only then can you mow again.
Yes, you can use your lawn without any problems after scarifying. You only need to be careful if you have spread fresh grass seeds. Avoid walking on these areas so that the blades of grass can grow optimally.
Depending on the weather, you can scarify in spring, summer and autumn. However, it should not be too hot or freezing. That is why summer is not a good time to do it.
Conclusion: Properly scarify lawns & sow grass seed
Scarifying is an important measure to care for your lawn and provide it with sufficient oxygen, nutrients and water. It is best to scarify your lawn in spring and pay attention to the points that we have presented to you in this article.
Before scarifying, remember to order lawn seeds that you can then sow on the bare patches. You will find a large selection in the RasenExpert shop. Are you unsure which seeds to choose? We will be happy to advise you personally and explain which product is best suited to your garden.
To all who can and want to do it themselves,
Your RasenExpert Team