For a beautiful and healthy lawn it is recommended to scarify every one or two years and is most effective 2-3 weeks after applying moss control. Moss and dead mown grass cause a thatch. By destroying the thatch with a scarification machine you ensure that air and light will get onto the turf. Scarification or de-thatching of lawns is a mechanical process whereby the surface and subsurface of the lawn is rigorously abraded by penetrating metal blades.
Thatch is a build-up of organic matter which can include, dead grass leaves, stems, and overcrowded grass roots and lateral weed growth. Thatch can stifle the growth and health of grass or turf. Removing the thatch helps the grass by encouraging it to thicken up and also makes it stronger and less susceptible to disease. Reducing thatch levels increases the levels of water, carbon dioxide and nutrients that can get through to the root zone of the grass plants. Significant thatch problems in lawns can cause diseases and can encourage moss to grow in the areas where grass has died.
Scarifying also removes moss and is normally carried out in autumn (September to end of October) or spring (Beginning of February to end of April). When scarifying or de-thatching, not all thatch will be removed as a small amount of thatch is beneficial to the lawn. A lawn that has excessive thatch may feel spongy when trod upon.
After scarification lawns need to be watered and a fertilizer applied to ensure a speedy recovery. Over seeding and top dressing are optional extra services.