Why You Should Scarify Your Lawn
if you have you ever walked on a soft spongy lawn that has had no scarification you probably found even on dry days your shoes got wet. Whilst this might be acceptable if you are going for a walk in the countryside wearing walking boots, this is not the type of grass you want in a garden lawn.
Scarification is the process by which mechanical blades cut into the top layer of this sponge (known as thatch) breaking it up so that it can be removed. The end result is a smooth, firm surface which is less likely to grow moss and more like the lawn of your dreams.
Unsurprisingly, the machine used to do this is called a ‘scarification machine’ and, from a distance, might look a little like a lawn mower as it is pushed along over the top of the grass.
What is Thatch?
First you need to understand the term ‘thatch’ if you want to understand the importance of lawn scarification.
Thatch is a cumulative build up of grass cuttings and other debris. As it builds it creates a longer distance between the grass roots and the grass leaves. Therefore, over time it will suffocate a lawn reducing the amount of oxygen, rainwater and fertilisation your lawn receives. It has to be said that some thatch will protect your lawn from extremes of weather, but too much of it is damaging.
Scarification is the mechanical process of cutting through that thatch so that it can be removed.
What You Should Know About Thatch
Not all thatch is debris such as leaf litter which breaks down quickly.
Approximately 25 percent of thatch is a substance similar to wood which means it breaks down much slower than leaves.
If you can imagine how long it would take for a branch to break down, you can understand why thatch builds up.
Training Your Grass
No bog hopping in your garden
Remember that grass does not want to be a lawn therefore you need to train it to lie flat. If it is left long enough in the wild, grass will often form huge clumps which are divided by deep boggy areas. And while it might be fun playing Ninja Warrior on a hike in the mountains, it is no activity for a garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Aeration
Can I use a rake to scarify my lawn?
A rake cannot scarify a lawn because it is not sharp enough. It can remove some debris but it will not break down the woody matter that builds up over time.
When is the best time for lawn scarification?
Scarification is best done when your grass is growing in spring and autumn which is why we recommend it is done as a package together with lawn aeration and fertilisation.
Will lawn scarification damage my grass?
Like most lawn treatments, scarification will only cause damage if done at the wrong time or incorrectly. Some thatch does protect your lawn so you would not want the blades to cut in too deeply. Also it needs to be done in a growing period such as spring or autumn. It may not feel like it if you mow your lawn regularly, however grass does actually slow its growth in the so-called dryer summer months.
Contact Us For A Luscious Lawn
If you want a beautiful lawn which you can enjoy all summer long, get in touch. TurfPlus have been beautifying lawns for over 20 years, so call us on 0800 9757366 or email us at customer.services@turfplus.co.uk
You can also connect with us on LinkedIn.
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