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Lawn scarifying

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  • Where in the country are you? Scarifying times can vary across the UK. the BEST time is autumn, around 8 weeks before the grass growth stops (though it doesn't actually truly stop in much of the country). 

    There's no need to cut first. Also not a great need to apply any kind of feed beforehand. 

    There are two trains of thought... one that you kill the moss 2-4 weeks before a scarify. The moss dehydrated and is lighter to get rid of. The other says you scarify it green then moss kill any dregs left over afterwards. Advantage is that you don't get live moss spores left at the end (moss killer won't reach moss at the bottom of a thick layer before a scarify). 

    Both are overall just as effective.

    My other thought is to keep weed/feed/moss kill products on the shelves at B&Q. Lawns don't need multiple iron treatments each season (this can cause a couple of issues), but they DO do best with multiple fertilisers. 

    Keep any sort of lawn treatment seperate. Scarify light in the spring/hard in autumn. 

    If the current weather continues, you CAN scarify any time now. But there's a high risk of frost which will severely delay recovery.

    Also consider seeding. You want good conditions for the seed to germinate. 

    There's a lot more to consider but it's impossible to lay it all out in writing; a lot is down to experience.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    In Gloucestershire.  The reason for the question is that I'd read about scarifying in Spring and Autumn.  New lawn was laid about 5 years ago, has been given Weed & Feed every year but there is a build up of thatch and moss in some areas.
  • Lawns will always get mossy and/or thatchy. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It largely depends how perfect you want it, and how much time you have to spend on it, KT.
    I hardly bother to scarify - can't be ar*ed frankly. It gets a quick scrape now and again. My front grass, when I moved here 6 years ago,  consisted of mainly dandelions, buttercups and moss in a compacted bit of ground. Bit of feed, regular mowing [not too short] and it's pretty good to go most of the time.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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