What is scarification? 

Scarification is a process used primarily for the mechanical removal of thatch from the surface of a lawn. The scarifier is a machine with vertical spinning blades that penetrate close to or just under the soil and claw out the thatch, often in large quantities, which can then be collected and removed.

 

Why should I scarify?

Light scarification or verticutting is used as a way to remove weak and dead grass from the sward whilst also pruning straggling weed grasses and stimulating fresh growth. Heavy scarification can be used to clear moss from the lawn, remove deep thatch and score the soil in preparation for overseeding as part of a lawn refurbishment. The skill with scarification is knowing how far to go; too little and the thatch is not adequately cleared, too much and the lawn will be overly thinned. 

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When is best to scarify? 

Your lawn care expert will guide you as to when the optimum time is to scarify your lawn. The most important time thing to remember is that scarification should only be undertaken when the grass is growing strongly during either the spring or autumn. Please be assured that Hampshire Lawncraft will only ever scarify your lawn when conditions are right.