GARDEN CARE, EXPLAINED / SCARIFYING

Clear out lawn thatch

Give a thick, tired lawn some room to grow again, with an approach suited to your grass.

Watercolour illustration of scarifying — Scarifying removes excess thatch to give fresh growth room.

WHAT IT DOES

A little understanding.
A better conversation.

Scarifying lifts out excess thatch: the layer of old grass stems and other plant material that can build up near the soil surface. It is a more targeted treatment than an ordinary mow.

THE RIGHT TIME AND APPROACH

The lawn needs to be actively growing so it can recover. Grass variety and the weather matter; buffalo needs a particularly gentle approach that preserves its living runners.

HOW IT WORKS

Assess. Care. Follow through.

Start with the garden

Check the grass variety, thatch build-up and growing conditions before deciding whether scarifying is appropriate.

Choose the right method

Use a suitable rake or scarifier at a depth and intensity the grass can tolerate.

Finish with a plan

Collect the loosened material and discuss watering, mowing and any further renovation the lawn needs.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Good care keeps going.

The lawn can look thinner immediately afterwards. Follow the agreed watering plan and watch for fresh growth before returning to the usual mowing routine.