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Lawn scarifier

What is lawn scarification

Lawn scarification is the removal of thatch (organic matter) and moss using a spring bok rake or a powered lawn scarifier. A regular scarification program promotes a healthier lawn. This operation is usually carried out during the spring after moss treatment to remove the moss and during the autumn as part of the autumn lawn care program. Other benefits of using a lawn scarifier include:

The removal of moss and thatch from the lawn
Creates an ideal seedbed prior to overseeding, allowing the seed to come into contact with the soil, which is important for germination and establishment.
Improves the soil structure when top dressing, as it helps the top dressing penetrate into the root zone.
Discourages weed grasses such as Yorkshire Fog and Perennial Rye Grass.
Promotes a healthy lawn.

Our lawn scarification page has much more information and the benefits of this important lawn care task.

Types of lawn scarifier

There are two types of lawn scarifier available for this task. These are either hand held such as a spring bok rake or purpose built hand scarification tool, the other being a purpose built powered lawn scarifier.

Spring bok rake or hand held scarifier - These can range from a simple spring bok rake to a purpose built hand tool (a row of tines mounted onto a frame with wheels). These tools are ideal for small lawns where moss removal or light scarification is required. However for larger areas and where a lot of thatch needs removing they can become very labour intensive and a powered machine would be preferable.
Powered lawn scarifier - These purpose built scarifiers are ideal for larger areas where a hand rake would be unsuitable. They will also remove far more debris than a hand tool without too much hard work. Powered scarifiers consist of rows of knife like tines or wire rakes, mounted vertically on a horizontal bar, which are powered by an engine and slash into the sward removing thatch and moss. The operating depth can be adjusted on these machines. It should also be noted that some cylinder mowers are available with optional scarifying cassettes where the mower blade is interchangeable with the scarifying cassette.

Recommended Lawn Scarifiers

Einhell Scarifiers		Apache Scarifiers
	These Einhill lawn and turf scarifiers are manufactured in Germany and the range includes both electric and petrol powered machines. The working depth of the tines are adjustable on both petrol and electric models, the electric version can be converted into a lawn aerator. Both machines come with collectors to save valuable time cleaning debris of the lawn. These machines offer exceptional value for money. More Info		Apache make a small range of petrol powered lawn scarifiers which range from 16 to 24 inches working width. Each scarifier has a screw adjustment to set the working depth. The smaller machines come with their own collector, for the largest machine it is available as an optional extra. The body of these scarifiers is constructed from steel to ensure a long working life. Each of these scarifiers comes with a 12 months warranty. More Info


Dori Scarifiers		Efco Scarifiers
	Dori scarifiers are made in France and are designed with durability in mind, while at the same time they remain cost effective. All of the Dori scarifiers are petrol powered and have a working width ranging from 15 - 21 inches. Most of the Dori range comes with its own collector and are fitted with either a Dori Triunfo or a Briggs and Stratton petrol engine. The Dori range of scarifiers comes with a 2 year manufacturers warranty. More Info		The Ibea scarifier is build to last as it has a aluminium chassis which will give years of trouble free service. A collector is available as an optional extra. This machine is powered by a 4hp engine, it has a working width of 38cm and the depth is easily adjustable. There is a choice of scarifying blades for different ground conditions or applications. The Ibea lawn scarifier comes with a 3 year manufacturers warranty. More Info


IBEA Scarifiers		Lawnflite Scarifiers
	The Ibea scarifier is build to last as it has a aluminium chassis which will give years of trouble free service. A collector is available as an optional extra. This machine is powered by a 4hp engine, it has a working width of 38cm and the depth is easily adjustable. There is a choice of scarifying blades for different ground conditions or applications. The Ibea lawn scarifier comes with a 3 year manufacturers warranty. More Info		This Lawnflite scarifier is built for durability and for the most demanding lawn conditions. Powered by a 5.5hp Briggs & Stratton petrol engine it has a working width of 61cm making it the ideal choice for the larger lawn. A 53 litre collection bag is also available as an optional extra. It is an ideal choice for a professional contractor and will give many years of service. The scarifier comes with a 1 year manufacturers warranty. More Info


Mighty Mac Scarifiers		Mountfield Scarifiers
	The Mighty Mac scarifier is another machine designed for durability and demanding conditions, making it a great choice for professional contractors. The machine has a working width of 56cm and a mighty 6hp petrol powered Briggs & Stratton engine. The Mighty Mac has pneumatic tyres to help with manoeuvrability. The Mighty Mac scarifier comes with a 1 year manufacturers warranty. More Info		This Mountfield lawn scarifier is filly adjustable to working depth of 2cm and has a working width of 38cm. the scarifier comes complete with a large 45 litre collection bag. The scarifier is powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine and has a steel body for durability. This mid priced machine is ideal for the average lawn. It comes with a 12 months manufacturers warranty More Info