Landscape & Urban Design Issue 75 2025 | Page 15

Lawn scarifying is the process of removing thatch and moss- the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that builds up on your lawn. Over time, this layer blocks water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil and roots, leading to poor lawn health.

Using a scarifier helps aerate the soil, stimulate new grass growth, and improve overall lawn drainage and resilience.

When should you scarify your lawn?

The best time to scarify a lawn is during periods of active growth:

• Spring( April to May)

• Autumn( September to October)

• Avoid scarifying in summer( especially during droughts) or winter when grass is dormant

How to scarify

Follow these steps to get the best results when scarifying your lawn:

• Mow the grass short

• Set up your scarifier

• Scarify in two directions

• Adjust blade depth as needed

• Collect debris

What to do after scarifying

Your lawn might look rough- but it will recover quickly if you follow up with the right care:

• Rake thoroughly and remove all debris

• Overseed and apply grass seed to bare patches for even regrowth

• Top dress by spreading a thin layer of compost or topsoil

• Water well and keep the lawn moist to support new seed growth

• Fertilise by applying a balanced lawn feed to speed up recovery

Best scarifying equipment

GROUNDSFEST

Manual rakes can work for small patches, but for best results, use a scarifier.

The Jo Beau V460 is compact and highperformance designed for efficiency and durability.

This – and the whole range of domestic and professional Jo Beau machinery- is exclusively available from Global Machinery Solutions:

www. globalmachinerysolutions. co. uk

Stump Grinders Woodchippers

Log Splitters

Landscape Edger Scarifiers

Aerators

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