The task of the scarifier is to remove moss from the lawn and to aerate it thoroughly. The correct working depth is important to ensure that valuable lawn grass does not fall victim to the sharp blades. This guide explains how to set up a scarifier correctly.
The grass should be dry for scarifying
Adjust scarifier - step-by-step instructions
For scarifying, choose a date in April or May with dry and overcast weather. No rain should have fallen in the previous 2 days. Get the lawnmower and scarifier (€84.00) out of the shed and check that both devices are working properly. Proceed as follows:
- Mow the lawn as deep as possible beforehand
- Set the scarifier to transport height and push onto the lawn
- Regulate the blade shaft with the lever to a working height of 2 mm
- Start the scarifier and walk a path
After the first test run, switch off the device and check the result. The selected setting of 2 mm is correct if all lawn thatch has been combed out and healthy lawn grasses remain unharmed. If there is little moss and weeds on the lawn, set the working depth lower. Experience has shown that a setting of 3 to 4 mm is sufficient. The blades should only be set to a maximum of 5 mm on a heavily moss-covered lawn.
Once you have determined the ideal setting for the scarifier, walk slowly and without breaks along the green area, first in the longitudinal direction. Then guide the device across the lawn in a transverse direction, ultimately creating a checkerboard pattern.
Overseeding shortens regeneration
Sweep the scarified lawn with a rake. With the lawn mower at the lowest cutting height, remove the last remnants of the combed clippings. A disheveled green surface emerges, which is often covered with numerous bare spots. This is no cause for alarm. With overseeding, you repair the stressed lawn so that it regenerates in no time at all.
tips
You can scarify a small lawn area by hand. With a manual device version of the scarifier, there are no setting options. Rather, you regulate the working depth with your muscle power. The more pressure you put on a hand scarifier, the more moss and thatch you comb out.