Scarification

Scarification is an important treatment in the maintenance of lawn turf. The aim is to produce a sward (grass blades) that stands erect and to remove creeping, straggly or coarse growth of grasses and weeds. Excess thatch is also removed during the scarifying process.

Thatch is a thin layer of fibrous organic matter that lies between the grass blades and the soil. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the build up of grass cuttings left behind after mowing but a mixture of living and dead grass stems, crowns and roots.

A thin layer of thatch (upto 15mm) is entirely normal and desirable in healthy lawn turf as it protects the lawn by reducing surface evaporation, protects delicate roots from wear and tear, limits soil compaction and adds springiness acting as a sort of shock absorber. A build up of thatch can occur due to improper fertilisation and can cause serious problems in your lawn. If the layer of thatch is 25mm (1 inch) or more, a semi-waterproof cover is created preventing proper aeration and the surface of the lawn may become water-logged. This layer of constantly wet organic thatch encourages disease and fungi.
Here we can see Jamie scarifying a lawn in March 2009.
This is just a small quantity of the excess thatch removed from the lawn during the scarifying process.