As if scarifying wasn't exhausting and time-consuming enough, experts vehemently advocate mowing the lawn beforehand. This guide gets to the heart of why cutting the lawn beforehand significantly optimizes the result and why mowing afterwards is also advisable.
Mowing before scarifying
Proper scarifying includes mowing beforehand - this is how it works
On the lawn, noble grasses are in constant competition with moss and weeds. Under unfavorable conditions or as a result of incorrect care, lawn thatch can prevail, so that the green area becomes overgrown with moss and weeds. By scarifying the lawn, you comb out the thatch and score the soil for improved aeration. How to do it right:
- After the last frost, mow the lawn to a blade height of 4 to 5 cm
- Fertilize the green area and water it regularly when it is dry
- After 10 to 14 days, mow the lawn to a blade height of 2 to 3 cm
- Set the scarifier (€84.00) to a working depth of 2 or 3 mm
- Scarify a lane of the mowed lawn
- Switch off the scarifier, check the result and adjust the setting if necessary
- Work the green area in a checkerboard pattern
If the scarifier is used on an unmown lawn, there is an unnecessarily large distance between the blade cylinder and the ground. In addition, mowing beforehand removes a large part of the moss and weeds, which improves the result of subsequent scarifying.
Best time is in April and May
In early spring it is already clearly visible that a lawn is covered with moss and should be scarified. Nevertheless, the gardener should be patient until the soil temperature is constantly above 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. When growth gets going, a lawn can regenerate faster afterwards. It is important to note when choosing a date that the ground is not wet because rain has fallen on the previous days.
tips
Do not put away the lawn mower after mowing before scarifying. Before you sow bare spots or the entire area, it is advantageous to remove the last remnants of the combed out lawn thatch with the mower.