GreenThumb Lawn Scarification

What is Lawn Scarification?

Collection of thatch from lawn scarification, lawn scarifying, scarifying grass

Lawn Scarification (also known as Grass Scarification or Garden Scarification)  is the mechanical reduction of surface thatch from a lawn.  Thatch is organic matter that naturally forms on a lawn however, when it gets too thick it suffocates the roots of your lawn, inhibiting grass growth which weakens the lawn and encourages weeds, moss, and lawn diseases.

Our scarification process begins by taking core samples from your lawn and assessing the depth of thatch layers below and above the soil line; excess thatch above the soil line indicates a need to scarify your lawn.

During the scarifying process, we use a professional lawn scarifying machine that slices through the thatch and moss, extracting it from your lawn. This allows space for essential elements like water, air, and fertilisers to reach the grass roots, resulting in a healthier, stronger lawn.

It’s important to note that scarifying a lawn doesn’t remove all surface thatch in one go. Removing too much would leave the lawn vulnerable, damaging the grass. There is an art to scarifying your lawn, and we recognize that each lawn is unique, which is why our scarification lawn care reflects the specific needs of your lawn.

If you're wondering about the scarification lawn meaning, it’s simply the process of reducing thatch to promote healthier grass growth. At GreenThumb, we understand the scarify lawn meaning and are experts in how to scarify a lawn without causing harm, ensuring a perfect balance for your lawn’s health.

Lawn scarifying is an essential practice of good annual Lawn Care included in our Standard and Ultimate Treatment Programmes

lawn being professionally scarified by greenthumb, scarifying grass

 

Benefits of Lawn Scarification

  • Reduces surface thatch from your lawn
  • Reduces moss build-up
  • Allows essential elements  such as water, fertilisers and air to reach the grass roots
  • Creates a healthy lawn, reducing the risks of lawn diseases
  • Improves the overall health of your lawn and aids grass growth

 

The best time to scarify a lawn

GreenThumb scarify lawns during the out-of-season growing period, which is usually Spring and Autumn. Since lawns can look very untidy after Scarification, we avoid doing it when you want your lawn looking its best, even if it has surface thatch issues.

Watch our Rules of Thumb video on 'Scarification' here:

When can I start using GreenThumb?

You can adopt our services at any time of the year. There is never a ‘bad time’ to start improving your lawn.

Do I have to be at home when you come and treat my lawn?

The majority of our customers are not at home when we call. Since all our vehicles and Lawn Operatives are self-sufficient, we can carry out your treatments as long as we have access to the lawns.

If you would prefer to be in when we are treating your lawn, we will do our best to accommodate your request.

I have children and /or pets. What should I be aware of?

We recommend that you keep off the lawn until any liquid part of the treatment has dried (approx. 2 hours). This stops it being walked off. And this is especially true of our NutraGreen Autumn Long Treatment, we recommend that you keep off the lawn for more than 2 hours then as it could stain a carpet or wooden floor, if it were walked into the home.

Grazing pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs should be kept off the lawn for a minimum of two weeks or three cuts, whichever occurs latest, to avoid ingestion of Ragwort, in particular, which becomes poisonous to them as it dies back.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No, we want our customers to continue with GreenThumb based on our merits in creating a healthier, greener lawn for them - not because they are stuck in a contract. Of course, with our treatment programmes, you will need to sign a Direct Debit Mandate with the relevant T&C's which relate to this payment option.

Can you mow the lawn before scarification?

Before scarification we recommend mowing the lawn. If the grass is too long the scarification may not be as effective and your lawn may not fully benefit from this essential machine work.

What to do after lawn scarification?

If your lawn is dry it's a good idea to mow the grass to its normal height of about 25mm(1"), this process will collect debris left behind after lawn scarification. This will also ensure the application of fertiliser reaches into the sward, helping your lawn recover.

Is lawn raking the same as Lawn Scarification?

Definitely not! Lawn raking, whether using a spring-tine rake or a raking machine, is the removal of moss on the lawn. A scarifier uses heavy duty flails (like knives) to remove the cause of the moss, surface thatch. Moss is removed during this intrusive machine work, but its purpose is thatch removal.

Raking moss off a lawn is like using a handkerchief when you have the flu. Scarification is like having a flu vaccine; one addresses the effect, the other the cause.

What does GreenThumb do with all the thatch waste?

Since customers gardens and Local Authority garden waste collection policies vary throughout the country we don’t have one solution that fits everybody.

We will always responsibly dispose of thatch waste, either by neatly bagging the waste up, putting it on your compost heap or in your waste bin. Your local GreenThumb branch will explain any other solutions they may have.

Should I water the lawn before scarifying?

If scarifying during spring and autumn, it is unlikely for your lawn to be overly dry. If you decide the lawn does require irrigation it's recommended you water the lawn lightly 1-2 days before scarifying - if no rain is forecast. This helps to soften the soil, making it easier for the lawn scarifying machine to work and reduces the risk of damaging the grass. However, avoid watering immediately before scarifying as overly wet soil can make the process less effective.

What are the top lawn scarifying tips?

  • Mow your lawn to a low height before scarifying to ensure better access to the thatch.
  • Water your lawn 1-2 days before the process to soften the soil -only if the soil is dry.
  • Scarify at the right time—early spring or early autumn is ideal when the grass is growing actively.
  • Clear debris after scarifying to ensure your lawn gets all the benefits.
  • Mow the lawn again after a few days to tidy it up and pick up any loose material.

Find your local branch

With over 220 branches across the UK, you’re never too far from a GreenThumb lawn care specialist.

Locate your local branch for a free lawn analysis and estimate - simply enter your postcode in our branch finder.

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