Scarifying is an essential part of lawn care and maintenance, but if you’ve recently scarified your lawn, you may be startled to find your garden looking rather bare compared to its prior state. If you are concerned that you have no grass left, don’t fret. Thankfully you’ve come to the right place. Here is all you’re going to want to know, and now do.
So, why do you have no grass left after scarifying? Having no grass left after scarifying is entirely normal and even expected. The very intention of scarifying is to remove unwanted debris and matter, such as thatch and moss, that has accumulated across your lawn. Hence, removing grass, the outermost layer of your lawn, is an inevitable by-product of the process whether you use a rake or scarifier itself.
Fortunately, this alarming newfound ‘scarce’ aesthetic is a regular part of the process.
However, there are a few things you can do to promote healthy new grass growth.
I’ve delved into these top tips, as well as lawn recovery time and other best practices below. Keep reading to learn more!
Can Scarifying Ruin Your Lawn?
Scarifying can ruin your lawn, but only if you do not adhere to the proper process. In most instances, even if the grass has perished, there is no reason to believe you have ruined your lawn or caused permanent damage.
Whilst your lawn may appear to be ruined after a bout of scarifying, oftentimes,s there’s no real cause for concern.
A bulldozed-looking lawn is a mere part of the process.
However, to avoid the risk of doing real damage to your lawn, there are a couple of best practices to adhere to.
Namely, it’s fundamental to scarify only when the weather and soil conditions are fit for it.
Scarification is best carried out when your grass is growing at its best.
This tends to be both during the spring and autumn time when the external temperatures can typically be relied on to be over 15 degrees, and the soil is consequently more likely to be wet and warm.
The summer, when we find ourselves enjoying temperatures in excess of 20 degrees, is far too hot and dry for scarification.
Similarly, winter is much too cold and frosty, so much so that the ground is often frozen.
Both of these conditions are incompatible with the healthy growth of grass.
Will Grass Grow Back After Scarifying?
Grass should grow back after scarifying. In fact, scarifying can help your grass look even better than its original state.
The breakdown of the thatch layer of your lawn reduces compaction and improves drainage, thereby allowing air and water to get to the roots of the grass, leading to healthier, thicker growth.
After the process is complete, all you need is a little patience, and the lush grass you’ve been waiting for will emerge soon enough!
How Do I Revive My Lawn After Scarifying?
Once you’ve completed the scarification process, you may be left with a lawn that looks a bit rough. Don’t worry!
Provided you carried the scarification out during the right conditions, it will grow back.
And in the meantime, there are a few steps you can take to help the revival process along.
Aeration
The first suggested step upon scarification is to aerate your lawn by puncturing it with a made-for-purpose spiked tool.
Doing so will both even out the surface of your lawn, as well as ensure that your soil can breathe well.
Subsequently, you’ll generate the optimal absorption conditions for ensuing treatments such as watering and fertilizing.
For best results, be sure to undertake the aeration process during dry weather conditions.
Moss and Weed Removal
The process of scarification may bring to light weeds and moss that were previously hidden beneath the surface.
Now that you have a good view of them, you can remove them.
Enlist a digging tool to help you remove the weeds, spray any remaining moss with a moss killer and pull it up.
Reseeding
If, after scarifying, you notice bald patches across your lawn, you’ll need to fill them in by reseeding.
Spring is the best time to do so to allow the grass growth to prevail without interference from the likes of moss.
Once you’ve finished planting the seeds, be sure to spread topsoil over the area to cover the seeds and create an even surface.
Fertilizing
Finally, don’t forget to fertilize your lawn.
The additional nutrients will give it a healthy boost, and your grass will look better for it.
For optimal results, remember to use a suitable fertilizer for the time of year.
How Long Does It Take For A Scarified Lawn To Recover?
It typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a scarified lawn to fully recover. Though, the total time it takes depends on several factors, from the size of your lawn to the condition of the soil.
You’ll notice improvements within the first few weeks, and as the grass continues to grow, it will gradually become both thicker and greener.
With a little patience and dedication, your lawn will be back to looking its best in no time!
Tips And Suggestions When Scarifying A Lawn
Time of Year
As mentioned above, you’ll get the best scarification results when you undertake the process in the Spring or Autumn time, on an annual basis.
The ground will be warm and moist, and the external conditions shouldn’t be too hot or too cold.
Equipment
When it comes to the equipment you should use, there are a few different options.
If you have a large lawn, it may be worth investing in a fully-fledged scarifier for your thatch removal needs.
If you don’t have the space or budget for it, a handheld rake should do the job.
Prepare The Lawn
Before you go ahead and scarify, be sure to mow your lawn.
This will ensure that you have a nice, even surface to work with, in turn allowing you to remove the thatch with utmost ease.
Additionally, if your soil isn’t wet, water your lawn a couple of days before you begin to scarify. This will help to keep the soil loose, making it easier to remove.
Aftercare
Once you’ve scarified your lawn, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to help your lawn bounce back and heal faster.
From removing excess weeds and moss to fertilizing the lawn monthly, watering it thoroughly, and top dressing it, you’ll effectively speed up the healing process.
