When the time window for scarifying opens in spring, continuous rain often causes gardeners headaches. This raises the question of whether the scarifier can be used after a downpour. Read the answer here with practical tips on how to properly comb out lawn weeds.
Wet lawns should not be scarified
Wet soil makes scarifying hard work
The functioning of a scarifier requires a dry subsoil. There are several sharp knives on a rotating roller. These comb out weeds, moss and thatch. Wet soil inhibits rotation. Even freshly sharpened knives get stuck and turn the lawn into a swampy landscape.
A wet lawn makes scarifying hard work for both the machine and the operator. Since a scarifier (€84.00) is not self-propelled, you have to push it noticeably harder than under normal conditions. Even a short breather is enough for the knives to dig even deeper into the mud and destroy the turf.
Scarify the lawn correctly - dry soil alone is not enough
After rain, wait for wet soil to dry to professionally scarify the lawn with these steps:
- Mow the lawn as short as possible
- Set the scarifier to a cutting depth of 3 to 5 mm
- Start the engine and quickly push the device across the green area
- Scarify first lengthwise, then crosswise
After scarifying, the lawn is littered with moss and weeds that have been combed out. Use a rake to sweep the green area thoroughly. In practice, it has proven useful to drive the lawn mower over the area again to catch the last residue in the basket.
Bald spots larger than an A5 sheet of paper are reseeded with fresh lawn seeds. Finally, sand lawns with heavy soil as a substrate with building sand. This measure prevents waterlogging and allows rainwater to seep away more quickly. Two to three weeks after scarifying, use lawn fertilizer to stimulate vital growth.
tips
Wet lawns are also unsuitable for scarifying by hand because the grass is first mowed at the lowest level. Wet soil may still be manageable for a robust hand scarifier. Wet lawns will force your valuable petrol mower to its limits beforehand.