The best time to scarify is late spring, roughly from the end of April to mid-May, when the lawn is already growing strongly and thin patches close up quickly. A second, shorter window opens in early autumn, in September, as long as temperatures still allow moderate growth.
Why is timing so important for the lawn?
Scarifying deliberately damages the top layer of the turf to tear out thatch, moss and dead grass. The lawn then has to close these wounds quickly, otherwise weeds and moss take advantage of the open patches. It only manages that within a few weeks during a phase of strong growth.
How can I tell whether my lawn needs scarifying?
A dense, felted layer of old brown grass just above the soil is the clearest sign. If the lawn feels spongy rather than firm when you press it with your hand, there is often too much thatch. Patches of moss, especially in shady or damp spots, are another clear sign.
What should I do after scarifying?
- Feed the lawn about a week after scarifying so the weakened grasses get nutrients to recover.
- Reseed bare or very thin patches while the soil is still open and receptive.
- Water regularly but moderately until the reseeded areas have visibly come up.
- Avoid heavy foot traffic on the lawn for the following two to three weeks.
What happens if I scarify at the wrong time?
In high summer, in dry or hot weather, scarifying greatly extends the recovery time, because the lawn is also suffering from lack of water. In winter or during frost, growth stops completely and the open patches remain unprotected for months.
Watching the state of your lawn over the season, rather than relying on a calendar date, lets you decide with more confidence. An overview of the areas in which Maluna helps you make these observations for your garden is on the page Maluna features.