WHEN AND WHY SCARIFY?
We suggest the scarifying process to remove moss, thatch and other dead matter is undertaken at least twice a year; once in the spring (September to November) and once in the autumn (March to May). Scarifying is an essential process that needs to be done to help you achieve the perfect striped lawn you’ve always dreamt of.
How to Scarify your Lawn and Reduce Thatch using an Allett Mower
HOW CAN WE GET RID OF THATCH?
We have designed a Verticut cartridge in order to vertically cut down into the thatch level. This cartridge effectively lifts lateral growth (flat lying grasses) and removes moss which helps encourage tillering and new growth. The blades of the Verticut cartridge reach down into the thatch without damaging the healthy grass, which brings the dead layer to the surface to be collected and removed. Air is introduced into the sward to help break down the organic matter. Some broadleaf and grass weeds are discouraged by the closing cutting action of this cartridge. All thatch is collected in the machines grass box reducing clear-up time. We would suggest verticutting at the same level you cut at.
SCARIFIER CARTRIDGE
Another option is the Scarifier cartridge. This cartridge is gentle and can be used throughout the mowing season to keep on top of your thatch levels- we suggest once a month maybe. The Scarifier cartridge is Allett’s most popular cultivation cartridge and is designed to remove thatch, surface debris and dead moss. You should scarify in the pattern of a union jack.
FOR LAWNS IN SERIOUS DISARRAY
The next cartridge is the Dethatcher cartridge. It’s much more aggressive than the verticut cartridge and is often used on lawns that are in serious disarray. The Dethatcher removes the densest layers of thatch effectively. The machine works by rigorously penetrating the soil’s surface in order to pick up and remove layers of thatch such as dead grass and leaves, plant stolons and weed growth. Lawns grow healthier, thicker and more luscious once this has been removed. You may need to re-seed some areas when using this cartridge.