Scarifying the lawn: when is the best time

The race Getting rid of thatch is often useful, as this spreads over most lawns sooner or later. But when is the best time to scarify the lawn?

Cause and necessity

Thatch often forms and is a significant problem for the grass plants. It usually consists of:

• dead stems and roots
• Leaves from plants in the area
• moss

In the long run, these influences can ensure that the plants die off. You are downright suffocated. In addition, the nutrients in the soil are used up just like the water. As a result, the grass becomes blotchy, grows poorly and looks unkempt. At the latest when these factors apply, you should scarify the area. This makes it possible to remove unwanted vegetation and the so-called lawn thatch.
The earth becomes more absorbent again and both fertilizer and water can penetrate faster and better. In the long term, this makes it possible to simplify maintenance overall and reduce the effort. The plants are strengthened and are more resistant to pests and diseases. Scarifying is one of the prerequisites that make the lawn appear greener.

Scarifying the lawn

Of course, the relevant requirements must be met for scarifying. This includes the right work material. The following are available, among others:

• electric scarifiers
• Hand harrows
• manual lawn aerator
• Aerator shoes

Whatever the decision, the procedure is always the same:

1. Larger objects and debris should be removed from the lawn. Twigs and branches, but also leaves and stones, could damage the scarifier or accidentally get into the ground.
   
2. To make the lawn easier to work on, ideally mow it beforehand. The shorter grass offers less drag, which makes your job easier.
   
3. Depending on the device selected, the scarifier is now driven over the area just like a lawnmower or walked over it in shoes.
   
4. All extracted parts of the plant are removed with a rake or rake and disposed of.

Tip: Lawn aerators are particularly suitable for smaller and narrower sections, as they can also get into corners and can be used wonderfully at the edge. For very large lawns, however, electric scarifiers are the better choice.

season

Spring and autumn are ideal for scarifying the lawn. April to May or September to October are usually optimal. This is because the temperature and humidity are mild during these periods. In summer, high temperatures, drought and growth lead to increased stress. Added to this is the stress caused by more frequent use. This means that the grass does not have enough time to regenerate.
You should also pay attention to the following points:

• Soil should not be damp or even wet
• Avoid days with strong sunlight
• Temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius is ideal

Subsequent care

After the lawn has been scarified, you need to take care of it accordingly. Water and nutrients are important. Immediately after the measure to remove moss and dead grass plants, it is crucial to Apply fertilizer and water the area.

After the soil has been loosened, the nutrients can better penetrate the substrate. To avoid chemical burns on the roots, the lawn should be blasted afterwards. Alternatively, you can choose a day on which longer rain is expected. The water helps to distribute the nutrients optimally and to allow them to penetrate deeper into the soil.

Tip: A spreader helps to distribute the fertilizer evenly. Damage caused by selective over-fertilization can also be avoided in this way.

frequently asked Questions