Small lawns are not immune to moss and weeds. Although motorized scarifiers conveniently remove thatch from the lawn, they are obviously oversized for a lawn of just a few square meters. If you want to leave the church in the village, simply scarify by hand. This guide is packed with tips on when and how to manually comb out moss-covered lawns.

Scarifying is also possible without electricity

When is the best time to scarify by hand?

There is no difference between motorized and manual scarifying when it comes to scheduling. April and May is the best time to remove moss and weeds from large and small lawns. The ground temperature does not fall below 8 degrees Celsius and it has not rained in the past two days.

Scarify manually - How to do it right

Hand scarifiers do not work with rotating knife rollers like motorized device types. The construction is based on a series of rigid steel knives along an axle that is installed in an oscillating manner between two wheels. Depending on the pressure exerted on the handle, the blades penetrate the turf at different depths to comb out thatch. How to scarify correctly by hand:

  • Mow the lawn to a blade height of 4 to 5 cm and fertilize 10 to 14 days before scarifying
  • At the appointment, mow the lawn to a height of 2 cm
  • Pull the hand scarifier in tracks and in stages through the turf
  • Set aside in between and remove the clippings
  • The stronger the moss cover, the higher the pressure exerted

First scarify the lawn lengthways by hand. Then work the surface in the transverse direction so that a checkerboard pattern is created. Rake off any moss and weeds that you have combed out. In order to remove the last remnants from the lawn, please drive the lawnmower and grass catcher again over the green at the lowest setting.

Overseeding - perfect finish for manual scarifying

Gentle handling of the turf is an advantage when scarifying by hand. Although the lawn will appear less disheveled than after a powered trim, bare patches may appear. The gaps close faster with reseeding. How to do it:

  • Scatter fresh seeds over bare patches or the entire thatched lawn
  • Thinly sieve with humus or a mix of sand and garden soil
  • Roll and sprinkle for a good ground cover of the seeds

Secure the combed and overseeded lawn against entry for a few weeks. In case of drought, irrigate the area in the early morning or late evening to avoid drought stress on the seedlings.

tips

You can sharpen hand scarifiers as well as motorized devices. It is easy and safe to do with a grinding file. The sharpening stone and file combination features a convenient handle so you can sharpen the blades with precision. Alternatively, sharpen a hand scarifier using a drill (€97.00) with a flex attachment.

Category:

Garden design