Dethatching is one of the mainstays of perfect lawn care. If moss and weeds try to gain the upper hand in the newly laid lawn after a few years, it is high time for the scarifier. This quick guide will familiarize you with the correct procedure. This is how scarifying works.
How do I properly scarify my lawn?
When scarifying, the lawn is aerated using a rotating knife roller and freed of moss, weeds and dead grass. The aim is to promote grass growth. The optimal time is in spring, April or May.
Choosing a date and preparatory work – this is what you should pay attention to
When nature awakens in spring, the lawn doesn't take long to grow. April and May are therefore the best time to scarify a matted green area. The aim of this measure is to thoroughly aerate the turf by scratching the soil with a rotating knife roller. As a positive side effect, the device combs out moss and weeds. Before you get started, pave the way for an optimal scarifying result with the following preparation:
- Mow the lawn to a blade height of 4 to 5 cm
- Fertilize the green area with a special lawn fertilizer
- Wrinkle repeatedly so that the grass absorbs all the nutrients
Dethatching for beginners – step-by-step instructions
After fertilizing, give the lawn 10 to 14 days so that the nutrients can develop their full effect. The noble grasses are now prepared for the coming strain. How to scarify effectively and gently at the same time:
- Mow the lawn in advance at the lowest setting
- Set the scarifier to a working depth of 3 to 4 mm
- Start the device and push it lengthwise across the green area without pausing
- Then scarify the lawn crosswise
- Sweep away clippings with a rake
- Last but not least, mow the lawn again
A newly laid lawn is only worked on with the scarifier for the first time after 3 years at the earliest. Only after this time have the valuable noble grasses become sufficiently deeply rooted to withstand the rotating blades.
Test run prevents lawn damage
If the lawn was only sown a few years ago, we recommend a test run at a working depth of 2 mm. Scarify the first strip and check the amount of clippings combed out. Only if you are not satisfied with the result, adjust the setting on the scarifier to 3 to 4, maximum 5 mm.
Tip
With a combination of scarifying and reseeding, you can easily transform a holey, bumpy lawn into a velvety green carpet of lawn. Once the scarifier has removed moss, weeds and dead grass, level out any unevenness with a mix of garden soil and sand. Then sow lawn seeds, roll the seedbed and sprinkle it daily when it is dry.
