Regular scarifying of the lawn ensures that it is well aerated and that thatch that forms is removed. An electric scarifier is oversized, especially for small lawns - a manual hand scarifier serves this purpose just as well. Compared to the electrical device, it even has the advantage of being able to do without electricity or petrol - and it also works completely silently.
A hand scarifier is a good option for small lawns
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Gardena combisystem scarifier boy: hand scarifier for removing moss, weeds and lawn thatch, 32 cm working width, with robust wheels and lifting axle for easier work (3395-20)
49.99 EUR To the product| working width | 32 centimeters |
|---|---|
| knife | 11 |
| With roles | Yes |
| Weight | 750 grams |
| material | Prongs made of spring steel, device made of duroplast-coated steel |
| stalk | not included in the scope of delivery, all Gardena Combisystem handles fit |
In the extensive Combisystem program from the quality manufacturer Gardena, a hand scarifier should not be missing. The Gardena model is equipped with a lifting axle, robust wheels and 11 sharp spring steel blades that allow for comfortable working. The handle is not included in the scope of delivery, but all Combisystem handles fit on the scarifier boy.
The users are very satisfied in their numerous product reviews, above all the high-quality workmanship of the device and the uncomplicated application are praised. The end result - a beautifully aerated lawn - is very satisfactory. Only the wheels are criticized because they stick on damp floors - for example after a downpour - and also work less well on uneven surfaces.
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten - Scarifier roller multi-star UR-M 3"NEW2018, red, 30x60x16 cm; 71AAA036650
64.42 EUR To the product| working width | 30 centimeters |
|---|---|
| knife | 10 |
| With roles | Yes |
| Weight | 998 grams |
| material | steel and plastic |
| stalk | not included in delivery, all multistar handles are suitable |
Wolf-Garten also offers extensive combination options with the multistar system. The popular scarifier roller is supplied without a handle, but all 15 different handles in this range fit. Depending on your needs, you can use different attachments with a selection of handles.
The scarifying blades move in an oscillating manner so that thatch and moss are removed particularly thoroughly. Thanks to the smooth-running wheels, the hand scarifier glides across the lawn and is easy to operate. Another positive aspect is that the blades penetrate only a few millimeters deep into the turf and therefore do not damage the roots.
our recommendation
Xclou manual scarifier - lawn aerator for the garden - moss remover wide with 32 blades - rake with conical handle nozzle - hand scarifier made of metal
19.89 EUR To the product| working width | 21 centimeters |
|---|---|
| knife | 32 |
| With roles | no |
| Weight | 960 grams |
| material | steel |
| stalk | not included in the scope of delivery, all (wooden) handles with a diameter of up to three centimeters will fit |
This simple and inexpensive hand scarifier does not need any rollers and is therefore particularly well suited for working on areas that are difficult to reach. However, the device is not suitable for larger lawns. The special feature of the manual scarifier from Xclou is that - in contrast to other models - it has two sides equipped with tines of different widths. The device works with a total of 32 blades that remove moss and even crush solid clods of earth.
Purchase Criteria
work surface
Hand scarifiers are practical, but their use requires quite a lot of effort. They are therefore only suitable for smaller garden areas of up to approx. 100 square meters - at least if you opt for a model without castors. Lawns up to 200 square meters in size can also be worked on with a roller scarifier, but only if they are level and not damp. Hand scarifiers with rollers are unsuitable for uneven lawns, as they usually cannot be adjusted in depth. For very large lawns, it is better to use an electrically operated model.
Width of hand scarifier
Optimally, a hand scarifier is about 30 or a little more centimeters wide. This working width allows you to work faster because you can work more area in less time. Wider devices make little sense, since you then have to use too much force and tire quickly. In addition, you do not get into hard-to-reach areas with such a “trum”, as the device may then be too large.
number and spacing of knives
Not only the width of the hand scarifier is relevant, but also the number of knives and the distance between them. A device 30 centimeters wide should have at least 14 to 20 blades that are as close together as possible. The smaller the blade spacing, the more moss and thatch get caught between the blades. Many models - especially those with rollers - only have one row of blades, while some hand scarifiers have two rows in which the knives are attached in different numbers and with closer or further spacing.
material
During use, great force is exerted on a hand scarifier, so that the device must be made of robust material. Steel is an excellent material and is as stable as it is durable, some models are also covered with plastic or have some plastic components. This should not break prematurely, and you must not leave such devices in the sun - then the plastic will soften due to the UV radiation and become brittle.
stem and stem length
Many hand scarifiers don't come with a handle, so you'll need to purchase that separately. This also has advantages, because it allows you to choose the handle that suits you best. Devices from combination systems such as Gardena or Wolf multistar allow the use of any handle from this series, so you can use the same handles for any garden tool. Otherwise, pay attention to the handle length: People who are about 170 centimeters tall should use a handle that is about 150 centimeters long, people who are about 185 centimeters tall should use a handle that is 170 centimeters long.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a hand scarifier?
In terms of structure, the hand scarifier is similar to the rake and is also used in a similar way: you pull it over or through the lawn. The lawn thatch is combed out by means of the slightly curved blades attached next to each other. Hand scarifiers consist of the actual device to which a handle is attached.
How does such a device work?
In contrast to motorized scarifiers, a hand scarifier does not have rotating blades, but fixed or - depending on the device - oscillating steel blades. How deep these penetrate into the turf depends on the manual pressure applied to the handle, which is why you have to use physical strength to use them. There are also roller scarifiers, which have two wheels attached to the side and which are simply pulled over the lawn. Here the effort is less and you get the job done faster.
How do you use a hand scarifier?
When using the hand scarifier, you have to apply pressure, with the blades penetrating the turf at different depths depending on the pressure. Vary the pressure and work on less matted areas with little effort. You need this for areas with larger accumulations of felt and moss. First work the surface lengthwise and then crosswise so that a checkerboard pattern emerges. This ensures that the entire lawn has been treated.
How much does a good hand scarifier cost?
Simple hand scarifiers without rollers cost from around EUR 25 upwards, roller scarifiers are significantly more expensive at around EUR 40 (and more, depending on the model). In addition, there are the costs for the desired handle, since this is usually not included in the scope of delivery and must therefore be purchased separately.
When is the best time to scarify?
In principle, you can scarify your lawn all year round, but the area then needs some time to regenerate and should then not be walked on. Therefore, spring and fall are best for this work, although you can use the early spring months of March and April to rid your lawn of winter thatch. The weather should be frost-free, mild and dry. Moisture hinders the success of the work.
Which manufacturers offer hand scarifiers?
You can get good hand scarifiers at a reasonable price-performance ratio from well-known manufacturers such as
- Gardena
- Wolf Garden
- Fiskars
- unanimously
- florabest
These are available both online and in stationary stores (e.g. in DIY and garden stores such as Toom, OBI, Bauhaus, Hornbach, etc.).
equipment
Lawn rake / rake
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten - UHM multi-changeable long-chip rake 60cm
20.16 EUR To the productIf you want to clear the lawn in between (e.g. because the moss quickly spreads in it or clippings have to be removed from the lawn mowing), you don’t have to use the scarifier (€84.00) right away. Sometimes it is enough to simply rake the surface with a wide rake and clean it that way.