Lawn Mowing and Garden Maintenance.

Is your lawn spongy to walk on, yellow in colour and difficult to mow?  

These symptoms suggest it would benefit from scarifying. 

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What is Scarifying and why should I have it done?

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Scarification is a mechanical process that aims to remove the natural buildup of thatch and moss from the soil surface. Thatch is a layer of dead plant material, including grass clippings, leaves, and roots, that accumulates over time. Moss and algae can also accumulate in shaded areas or under humid conditions.

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The buildup of thatch and moss can impede the penetration of water, air and nutrients, preventing the root system of the grass from developing and making the lawn more susceptible to disease.  The thatch layer and the moss growing in it can make the lawn look a very strange sickly yellow.

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The process of scarification is carried out with specialised machinery, which can vary depending on the intended use and the size of the area to be scarified. Most machines use a set of vertical blades, which slice through the thatch layer lifting it clear of the healthy grass. Other machines use a set of spring-loaded tines, which comb through the turf, pulling out the thatch and moss debris.

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Scarification can also be done manually with a rake. However, this method is very labour-intensive and is not suitable for all but the smallest garden lawn.

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It is important to note that scarification can cause damage to the lawn if performed too aggressively or at an inappropriate time. Therefore, it is important to consult with professionals or experts to determine the appropriate timing and method of scarification for the specific lawn type and the desired outcome. This can help to achieve a balance between removing the excess material and preserving the integrity of the soil and the lawn.

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Scarifying in the spring is a great opportunity to freshen up your lawn ready to look fantastic through the rest of the summer.  It presents a convenient moment to apply a spring fertiliser to aid turf recovery and set good health for the remainder of the year.

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Finally we tackle the reason the moss was there in the first place., and there are lots of possible reasons:

• shade

• acidic soil

• poor nutrient holding ability

• lack of key nutrients

• bad drainage

• poor cutting habits.

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Correcting all of these problems and keeping them under control will result in a much better-looking lawn far into the future. 

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Contact to arrange a no-obligation lawn assessment

and start on the road to a beautiful lawn.

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