When to scarify your lawn

Over time your lawn can become dull and patchy. This means it’s probably time to have your lawn scarified. There are specific times of year to have your lawn scarified, spring and early autumn. So, when should I scarify my lawn?

There are specific times of year to have your lawn scarified, spring and early autumn. Scarifying your lawn removes dead organic materials, moss, and helps to improve the water and nutrient retention of the soil below.

Read on to learn more about lawn scarification, when to have it done and other things to consider.

What is lawn scarifying?

Lawn scarifying is the removal of dead thatch and moss from your lawn. Over time your lawn can become patchy, develop moss and become dull. This means it’s probably a good time to scarify, to maintain a healthy lawn. Lawn scarification can result in brighter, healthier grass, reduce moss growth and help with lawn drainage and nutrient retention.

When is the best time to scarify the lawn?

We would recommend having your lawn scarified at least once a year to keep it at its healthiest. You should have your lawn scarified either in spring or early autumn. Ideally when the ground has warmed up, so at least 10 degrees. Depending on your area, April or early October are great times of year as the risk of frost is lower. If you have a small lawn, you may be able to scarify this yourself, take a look at some tips on how to do this with your own garden tools.

How do I know if my lawn needs scarifying?

Your lawn may need scarifying if it:

• It contains lots of moss.
• It has lots of thatch – This is a layer between the grass and soil of organic matter, usually a dry, brown layer that looks like dead grass. Learn more about thatch
• The grass is patchy and dying in places.

When should I not scarify my lawn?

Your lawn should be over a year old for scarification to be carried out without destroying the roots. If the weather has been particularly wet we would advise waiting for a drier stretch of weather.

Can my lawn be scarified if it’s wet?

If your lawn is soaking wet it’s not the best time to be scarified. Scarification could pull up the healthy roots and lead to a patchy lawn. Ideally the lawn should be dry, however a little moisture doesn’t hurt anything.

Your soil type also factors in. A clay soil will take much longer to dry than a rich, free draining soil.

How do I prepare my lawn for scarifying?

To prepare your lawn you may want to: :

• Have the grass cut, so the lawn condition can be fully assessed.
• If there is a lot of moss present in the grass, it could be beneficial to use a moss killer to try and make this easier to remove.
• Ensure the lawn is free of any garden furniture, pots and ornaments.

A lawn that has been laid or sown less than a year ago should not be scarified as it could damage the roots and they need at least a year to fully develop.

Is there anything I should do after my lawn is scarified?

Once your lawn has been scarified it may need:

• Aeration, This is to reduce soil impaction and allow the soil to breathe and absorb water and nutrients more freely.
• Depending on your lawn’s initial condition it may need to be overseeded to help it grow back thicker and more lush.
• You could use a lawn fertiliser to promote healthy, speedy growth.

After your lawn has been scarified it will obviously look a little worse for wear – but for good reason! It takes around 4-6 weeks for it to recover.

My Lawn scarification services

If you think your lawn could benefit from scarification or you’d like to discuss our lawn care services, feel free to get in touch and we can book a free consultation to diagnose your lawn.