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Scarification

 

Over time, grass blades and roots that die, begin to form a layer which lies just under or above the ground. This is a natural process, and micro-organisms break it down back into the soil. This layer is good for your grass and occurs naturally in all grass species. However, if the grass dies quicker (in winter) or grows more (caused by fertilizing) than the microorganisms can break it down, a layer of thatch starts forming. Thatch is not to be confused with mulch, mulch is comprised of grass clippings intentionally left on the soil. Thatch is a layer or dead organic matter which causes various issues, including; fungal disease, prevention of nutrients reaching the root system, overheating of your grass, increase in lawn pests, inhibition of new grass shoots. Without looking at the ground surface, a simple walk on grass will indicate whether thatch formation is a problem. If you feel a spongy sensation under foot and do not feel like your are walking on the ground your thatch layer is more than likely too thick. Some sports require a thin layer of thatch to prevent injury of the participants, e.g. rugby where a little bit of thatch will be beneficial.

 

Removal of a thatch layer in grass is called scarification. This can be done using:

 

Garden Rake – Although not ideal, a fixed fingered garden rake can be used to detach your lawn. The ‘fingers’ of the rake may be quite thick it can be a little too aggressive when trying to balance thatch removal and healthy grass removal.

Spring-Tined Rake – This rake looks like a normal leaf rake, however, the ‘fingers’ of the rake are long spring like steel wires that allow to rake through the grass and remove thatch

 

Dethatching Rake – Specifically designed for the purpose of detaching, this rake has thin (no thicker than 2mm) vertically oriented steel ‘sheets’ with sharp ends. This type of rake pulls and cuts into the thatch layer and removes a substantial amount of thatch. With some elbow grease this is a very effective tool.

 

Wheeled Scarifier – This uses similar tines to your spring tined rake and dethatching rake, the difference is it has wheels and makes the process a little easier for the operator

 

Powered Scarifier – These look more like strange lawnmowers, they have drums with spring tines attached to them which spin and collect the thatch from the turf. They are either electrical or petrol powered. Some high end reel mower manufacturers provide attachments that are interchangeable with the reel blade which are specifically designed for thatch removal. Swardman and Allett Mowers are two examples.

 

Mowing Too Low – This is not the ideal solution, but it does have some benefit in removing thatch. Mowing your lawn very low (just above the ground surface) will remove thatch. The problem is that it does not discriminate between healthy grass and thatch. If the turf is not used to a low cut and is not perfectly level, it causes scalping (white patches) where healthy grass is cut too short and the lawn mower cuts into the crown (growth zone) of the grass. This is an invitation for disease, weeds, drying out and bare patches to form. SCALPING A LAWN IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA (unless Kikuyu) and it is a myth, putting your grass under such severe stress will NOT cause it to grow back better, thicker or quicker.

Scarification is one of the most under-rated turf maintenance regimes and is too often overlooked. A monthly scarification is one of the key secrets to a healthy, thick and green lawn. Creeping grasses respond especially well to scarification as they tend to put out horizontal runners (called Stolons) above the ground surface which do die off and cause a dense matted barrier. This barrier is sub-optimal to ensuring your lawn looking good and having a healthy root system.

 

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