How to scarify a lawn with a rake?

3rd March 2020

How to scarify a lawn with a rake


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		Scarifying a lawn is a way of removing the build-up of thatch and moss which can accumulate at the roots of grass and scratch the soil’s surface, aerating it slightly. Scarifying is often called thatching or dethatching because it will remove thatch.

		Thatch
		Thatch is a build-up of dead and dying grass roots, shoots, runners, and other living and dead plant materials.

		Thatch building up underneath healthy grass may be obvious when it starts to become excessive. When lawns look brown and unhealthy they might have excessive thatch. If grass feels spongy as you walk on it, this could be thatch building up.



		To measure the amount of thatch on a lawn, the best way is to cut out a sample section. You can remove a core of soil with a shovel or trowel and actually measure the thatch. Thatch build-up is considered healthy when it is about 13mm (0.5″), once it gets thicker than this, it can start causing problems.

		Moss
		Mosses are small plants which usually grow in clumps or mats. Moss will occur naturally on moist and shaded gardens, pathways, trees and other surfaces. Moss can help soil to retain moisture, but it can cause problems if it becomes excessive, and can kill grass.

		Excessive build-up of moss on grass will usually be a symptom of a lawn which has weak turf, is too moist, or is very shaded. If left to grow moss can starve the grass. Other factors which can affect a lawn’s conditions, and encourage moss growth, include drought, soil which is heavily compacted or clay, low levels of nutrients in the soil, and the grass being mowed too short.

		When is the best time to scarify a lawn?
		It’s best to scarify a lawn at a time of active growth – you need the grass to be growing to recover. If the grass is growing well before you scarify, it should continue to grow aftewards. The best growing conditions for grass are when there’s sun, rain, and warmth. The grass will normally take two to four weeks to recover in good conditions.

		Before you begin
		Kill moss If you have a problem with moss you will probably want to apply a moss killer and wait for the moss to die before you scarify. This is because raking live moss can spread the spores and make the problem come back worse. This usually takes one to two weeks.

		Prepare lawn It’s easier to remove dry moss and thatch. However, the soil should be damp to prevent damaging it. If the soil is very dry you should water it a couple of days before you plan to scarify. Mow the lawn before you scarify – this will make it easier to see the thatch. Set your mower a little shorter than usual.

		Scarifying
		Step 1 – Choose an area to start It is best to scarify small areas of a lawn at a time. This will make it easier to see which areas you have done and which need doing. You don’t need to physically mark out the area, but have a plan of how you will cover the whole lawn a bit at a time.

		Step 2 – Hold rake comfortably You might have to rake an area of lawn a number of times to remove all the unwanted materials, so you’ll want to feel comfortable as you work. Stand with one foot in front of the other. Hold the rake with both hands, one nearer the head than the other.

		Step 3 – Rake lawn Dig the rake’s tines lightly into the thatch or moss and pull towards you, lifting at the end of each stroke to pull the thatch and moss to the surface of the grass. You don’t want to be too rough or you will damage the healthy grass and soil. Work in one direction, going over the same area a number of times.

		As you rake you should notice the thatch or moss coming out from around the living grass. Moss and thatch will probably get stuck in the tines of the rake; remove this debris regularly to ensure the rake stays effective.

		Step 4 – Change direction Once you have raked one area in one direction a few times, change the direction. You should rake over the same area, moving the rake at an angle of between 45 degrees and 90 degrees to the direction you raked the first time. This should bring up more debris.

		Step 5 – Repeat Repeat this process on the next area of lawn. Continue to rake in small areas at a time until you have covered the whole lawn. The moss, thatch, and any other debris can be gathered and disposed of.

		Step 6 – Aftercare Once a lawn has been scarified you should water and fertilise it. Make sure you don’t over fertilise the lawn – this is a common cause of excessive thatch build up. The grass can then be left to regrow.