To those unfamiliar with lawn maintenance, the term “scarify” might sound like something horror movie directors hope to do to audiences who watch their films. But scarifying has nothing to do with frightening filmgoers, and everything to do with promoting a lush, green and healthy lawn.

What does it mean to scarify a lawn?

Scarifying a lawn involves the utilization of a scarifier to remove dead organic matter that can build up on a lawn over time. When such thatch develops and settles in on a lawn, it can hinder growth by blocking water and nutrients from reaching the soil. Scarifying with a scarifier, or a rake in a smaller lawn or one where thatch buildup is not significant, can help to ensure a lawn can benefit from water and nutrients, such as those which are often found in fertilizers.

Is a scarifier necessary?

Lawn and garden tools make yard work easier, and a scarifier is no exception. Scarifiers range in price, but many effective machines are relatively inexpensive when compared to more costly machines like lawn mowers and aerators. While a scarifier certainly can make dethatching easier, some homeowners might be able to get by with a spring-tined rake. However, it’s less labor-intensive to forgo a rake and use a scarifier on larger properties.

Are there additional reasons to scarify?

Thatch buildup also can promote the growth of moss, so scarifying can decrease the chances that healthy grass is pushed to the side by sponge-like moss that can quickly overtake a property.

Is there anything I should know about scarifying?

A lawn that has never before been scarified is likely to produce a substantial amount of thatch, which can be made up of old grass clippings, leaves and moss. Though many scarifiers come with attachable buckets that collect the thatch, such baskets tend to be rather small and fill up quickly, forcing frequent stopping that can add a considerable amount of time to the job. If possible, homeowners with lawns that have significant thatch buildup might want to scarify without the bucket attached. Doing so will leave lots of piles of dead organic matter strewn about the yard, but the job is likely to go more quickly if those heaps are gathered up with a rake after scarifying and then discarded. Constant stopping to empty a small bucket filled with thatch will compromise efficiency and that can be frustrating.

Homeowners also should not expect their lawns to stun after a scarifying session. The lawn will likely look worse, but that’s only temporary. Once the dethatched lawn gets some water and fertilizer, the soil beneath will be more ready to receive them, and the lawn will soon look much better.

Are all scarifiers the same?

Homeowners are urged to do their homework and read product reviews before choosing a scarifier. The majority of scarifiers now on the market are electric, so homeowners will need the ability to plug into a power source when using such products. They also will need to negotiate around the cord, which should be a lengthy extension designed for outdoor use. Homeowners with particularly large properties may want to purchase a gas-powered scarifier, but such products are harder to come by than their electric counterparts, and could be considerably more expensive as well.

When should I scarify?

Various lawn professionals recommend scarifying a lawn at least once per year, and springtime is a popular season to do so. Scarify prior to an initial fertilizer application so that does not block the lawn from getting the nutrients in the fertilizer. A second scarifying session may be necessary in fall.