How to Scarify Short Grass Meadow

Over time, short grass meadow ages and, under effect of rain, mower traffic and trampling, herb tends to be smothered and invaded by moss, plant debris or “weeds” such as dandelions. This matting eventually asphyxiates lawn which yellows and withers. Scarification consists of lacerating soil to break up thatch and moss of short grass meadow. Regular scarification is therefore essential to restore vigour to short grass meadow, regenerate it and preserve its good health. Why scarify short grass meadow? When and how to scarify short grass meadow? We give all useful advice for good scarification.

Why scarify short grass meadow?

Repeated mowings, mulching, rain and trampling eventually damage short grass meadow. Not to mention plant debris (clippings, dead leaves, moss or even adventives) that accumulate, forming over time a compact and thick tapetum called thatch. Under this impenetrable matting, herb is smothered. Exchanges of water, air and nutrients essential to grasses composing lawn no longer occur. Drainage ceases because this vegetal matting retains moisture, which also favours spread of diseases. Root system of lawn can no longer develop deeply. Short grass meadow suffocates and yellows. Therefore lawn needs aeration, needs scarifying so it can once again be supplied with water, air and nutrients and regain a healthy, lush green appearance. Scarification is thus indispensable to maintain a fine short grass meadow. It is important not to skip it!

This method involves scraping surface of soil by making incisions with a scarifier, whether manual, electric or petrol, to break up thatch and moss. As for manual scarifier, it is a tool with a handle fitted with sharp tines, such as the Leborgne double-tooth scarifier or the Burgon & Ball (RHS) manual short grass meadow scarifier, for example. Choice of scarifier will essentially depend on area to treat, manual scarifiers being well suited to short grass meadow up to about 100 m2.

To help you choose, consult our sheet "What is a manual scarifier for?"

thermal or manual scarification depends on area to treat — Thermal or manual scarification, depends on area to treat

When to scarify short grass meadow?

This operation is recommended on short grass meadow aged 3–4 years, twice a year, in spring after last frosts, from March to May, then in autumn before onset of winter, ideally in September. Wait until daytime temperature reaches about 12 °C. It is also advisable to scarify short grass meadow before a sowing for overseeding.

How to scarify short grass meadow correctly?

Bear in mind that after scarification, short grass meadow, thus peeled and scalped, will look much less attractive than before. Rest assured, you will soon obtain an impeccable, denser and cleaner lawn. Scarification should be carried out on ground that is moist, neither dry nor waterlogged. Two or three days after rain is ideal. If necessary, water beforehand. Here are steps to free lawn from thatch and moss that smother it:

Mow short grass meadow very low, to about 2 cm height, before scarifying. This prevents too much damage to living herb.
Remove mowing debris
Push scarifier tines in to depth of 2 to 4 mm maximum (to avoid uprooting roots) into short grass meadow
Make crossed passes, lengthwise and widthwise, finishing in main direction of short grass meadow
Collect debris carefully with rake or lawn rake
Put these scarified residues in compost bin, or use them as mulch at base of plants
You can refine finish by rolling short grass meadow to firm soil and re-seat shoots of herb that were torn out during scarification

push manual scarifier into soil to recover what smothers short grass meadow — Push manual scarifier into soil so you can recover everything that is smothering short grass meadow

What maintenance after scarification?

Water short grass meadow well
Avoid walking on lawn for a few days
If short grass meadow is bare and thin, you can freshen it up by doing a sowing for overseeding
A topdressing with a special lawn compost, specifically designed to encourage germination and feed lawn can also be beneficial