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Lawn scarification help!

TSMTSM Posts: 41
edited October 2021 in Problem solving
Hi
I am trying to scarify our lawn with an electric scarifier. 
It’s pulling up dead grass but there big clumpy bits? Is that weed? Do we keep going over same area until no more comes up? Never done it before as new home but, are we doing it right as it’s very hard going! Should we put something down before or after to get a good green lawn ? Help please if you can thank you 

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    That looks about right to me. The strawy clumps that are still attached are where the scarifier has lifted up the horizontal stems. I don't go over mine with the scarifier until nothing more comes up, I just go up and down and then side to side, then go over it with the mower (blades set fairly high) to tidy up the straggly bits. It looks messy for a few weeks, then the grass starts to thicken up. 
    You can use an autumn lawn food if you like, but be sure to water it in well if you don't get decent rain in the next day or so. I prefer one without moss/weed killer for after scarifying (moss killer should be used before scarifying if it's needed).
    I did mine yesterday and I'll run the mower over it today but I'm holding off applying the feed because it's forecast dry for the next week or so.




    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It looks about the same as my lawn when I scarify it - I know it does look a bit scary when you first do it and the 'lawn' will look a bit sad over winter, but come spring you'll really see the difference.
    First I go up and down, then if I think it needs it I do it again from side to side. Alternatively, go over it once, leave it to recover and see if it needs it again in the Spring.
    Then I go over it with the mower to remove all the straggly bits.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • TSMTSM Posts: 41
    Jenny & Pete thanks so much will go over again sideways :) and mow tomorrow. Great thanks 
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