Small lawns are not immune to moss and weeds. Motorized scarifiers conveniently remove thatch from the green area, but are of course oversized for a lawn of just a few square meters. If you want to leave the church in the village, simply scarify it by hand. This guide is packed with tips on when and how to properly comb out mossy lawns manually.
How do you scarify a lawn by hand?
To scarify the lawn by hand, mow it to 4-5 cm 10-14 days beforehand and fertilize it. On the day of scarification, shorten to 2 cm. First pull a hand scarifier lengthwise, then across the turf in strips. Remove clippings. Reseeding and rolling.
When is the best time to scarify by hand?
There is no difference between motorized and manual scarifying when it comes to choosing a time. April and May are the best time to clear moss and weeds from large and small lawns. The ground temperature no longer drops below 8 degrees Celsius and it has not rained in the past two days.
Manually scarifying – How to do it right
Hand scarifiers do not work with rotating knife rollers like motorized device types. The design is based on a series of rigid steel blades along an axle that is suspended between two wheels. Depending on the pressure exerted on the handle, the blades penetrate the turf to different depths to comb out thatch. How to scarify correctly by hand:
- 10 to 14 days before scarifying, mow the lawn to a blade height of 4 to 5 cm and fertilize
- Mow the lawn at the appointment to a height of 2 cm
- Pull the hand scarifier through the turf in strips and in stages
- Set down occasionally and remove the clippings
- The stronger the moss, the higher the pressure exerted
First scarify the lawn lengthwise by hand. Then work the surface crosswise to create a checkerboard pattern. Rake away moss and weeds that have been combed out. To remove any remaining residue from the lawn, please drive the lawnmower and grass catcher over the green again at the lowest setting.
Reseeding – perfect finish for manual scarifying
The advantage of scarifying by hand is the gentle handling of the turf. Although the lawn looks less disheveled than after motorized cultivation, bare spots can occur. With reseeding, the gaps close more quickly. This is how it works:
- Spread fresh seeds on bare spots or the entire scarified lawn
- Sift thinly with humus or a mix of sand and garden soil
- Roll and irrigate for a good soil seal of the seeds
Secure the combed out and reseeded lawn from being walked on for a few weeks. If it is dry, spray the area early in the morning or late in the evening so that the seedlings do not come under drought stress.
Tip
You can sharpen hand scarifiers just like motorized devices. This can be done easily and safely with a sanding file. The combination of whetstone and file has a practical handle so you can sharpen the blades precisely. Alternatively, sharpen a hand scarifier using a drill with a flexible attachment.
