Wet soil makes scarifying hard work
The functionality of a scarifier requires a dry surface. There are several sharp knives on a rotating roller. These comb out weeds, moss and thatch. Wet ground inhibits rotation. Even freshly sharpened knives get stuck and turn the lawn into a marsh landscape.
also read
- Scarifying the lawn - how does it work?
- Scarify and fertilize the lawn properly - this is how it works
- Fighting weeds in the lawn - tips for correct scarifying
Wet lawns make scarifying extremely difficult work for the device and the operator. Since a scarifier (€ 76.01 at Amazon *) is not self-propelled, you have to push noticeably more forcefully than under normal conditions. A short break is enough for the knives to dig deeper into the mud and destroy the sward.
Scarify the lawn properly - dry soil alone is not enough
After the rain, wait until the wet ground has dried in order to professionally scarify the lawn in these steps:
- Mow the lawn as short as possible
- Set the scarifier to a cutting depth of 3 to 5 mm
- Start the engine and quickly push the device over the green area
- Scarify first lengthways and then crossways
After scarifying, the lawn is covered with combed-out moss and weeds. Thoroughly sweep the green area with a rake. In practice, it has proven useful to finally drive the lawnmower over the area again to catch the last residue with the basket.
Bald spots the size of a DIN-A-5 sheet are re-sown with fresh lawn seeds. Finally, sand lawns with heavy soil with construction sand. This measure prevents waterlogging and allows rainwater to seep away faster. Two to three weeks after scarifying, use lawn fertilizer to get vital growth going.
Tips
A wet lawn is also unsuitable for scarifying by hand, because the grass is cut at the lowest possible level beforehand. For a robust hand scarifier, wet ground may still be manageable. Wet lawn will force your valuable petrol mower to the limit beforehand.
