Lawn scarification is the annual process of removing the layer of dead grass, roots and thatch that builds up between the soil and green grass blades. It allows for water, air and nutrients to reach the grass roots, preventing moss and disease and encouraging stronger growth.
Spring is an ideal time to scarify because the process is best carried out when your lawn can recover, when the weather warms (but is not too hot) and there is sunshine mixed in with a bit of rain. Prime scarifying season is generally considered to be from late March to early May.
For the best results there is a bit of prep work to carry out prior to scarifying. Apply moss killer to your lawn 7 to 14 days prior, wait for the moss to turn black then mow the lawn short. Gradually lowering the grass level over a week or two is thought to be best practice so as not to ‘shock’ the grass.
When it comes to using the scarifier the grass should be dry with the ground moist and not saturated. Wet conditions can cause the scarifier to rip out healthy grass.
After you’ve scarified and collected the spent thatch it is good to aerate with a garden fork and then add fertiliser (and grass seed if necessary).
In the short term the scarification process can make your lawn look worse but with time to recover will rebound to a lusher greener lawn.
