As if scarifying wasn't already strenuous and time-consuming enough, experts vehemently advocate mowing the lawn beforehand. This guide explains why cutting the lawn beforehand significantly optimizes the result and why mowing afterwards is also advisable.
Why should you mow the lawn before scarifying?
When scarifying, the lawn should be mowed beforehand to ensure an optimal distance between the blade roller and the ground and to remove a large proportion of moss and weeds. This improves the results of scarifying and supports he althy lawn growth.
Proper scarifying includes prior mowing - this is how it works
On the lawn, noble grasses are in constant competition with moss and weeds. Under unfavorable conditions or as a result of care errors, thatch can establish itself, causing the green area to become mossy and weedy. By scarifying the lawn, you comb out the thatch and scratch the ground for optimized aeration. How to do it right:
- After the last frost, mow the lawn to a blade height of 4 to 5 cm
- Fertilize the green area and spray regularly when it is dry
- After 10 to 14 days, mow the lawn to a blade height of 2 to 3 cm
- Set the scarifier to a working depth of 2 or 3 mm
- Dethatching a section of mown lawn
- Turn off the scarifier, check the result and adjust the setting if necessary
- Work the green area in a checkerboard pattern
If the scarifier is used on unmown lawn, there is an unnecessarily large distance between the blade roller and the ground. In addition, previous mowing removes a large proportion of moss and weeds, which improves the result of subsequent scarifying.
Best time is in April and May
In early spring it is already clearly visible that a lawn is covered in moss and should be scarified. However, the gardener should be patient until the soil temperature is consistently above 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. If growth gets going, a lawn can then regenerate more quickly. When choosing a date, it is important to note that the ground is not wet because rain fell on the previous days.
Tip
Do not put the lawnmower away after mowing before scarifying. Before you re-seed bare spots or the entire area, it is an advantage to remove the last remnants of the combed-out lawn thatch with the mower.
