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A scarifier is a piece of gardening equipment that’s used to loosen and cut ground surfaces. There are different kinds of scarifiers for different kinds of surfaces, but generally they use a number of sharp blades and are ideal for use when resurfacing or replanting large areas. Another way to use them to rid your lawn of old, dead grass. Not only do scarifiers make the job of getting rid of old ground cover quicker and more easily, but they also allow the ground to be better aerated – ready for the lush new grass that’s about to grow.

How do I use a scarifier to benefit my lawn?

When you garden with a scarifier, you’ll find that it’s an even easier process than you might have imagined. Just pull the choke out, then push the scarifier across the surface you need loosened. You’ll probably find that you need to move across the surface a few times to get the job done. When you’ve finished doing that, rake dead grass off of your lawn.

Did I do something wrong?

Photo: floongle / Flickr

Don’t be surprised if your lawn looks a mess right after it’s been scarified – it’ll grow back better than ever very soon. If your lawn is very unhealthy, feed it before you scarify it, and whatever condition it’s in, make sure you water it after the process is complete. The lawn will have a few ‘bald patches’, but that’s where the dead growth was, and where the new grass will grow through.

When is it best to scarify?

Don’t scarify your lawn right before it needs to look its best! A good time for scarifying your lawn is when it’s due to rain for a few days – that’ll allow the lawn to recover in the best conditions possible, and have it looking beautiful in no time.

Tags: garden, garden care, lawn, lawn care, scarifier