Summer can be really tough on lawns, and they can often look a yellow or dried-up by the end of August, but there is a simple way to help it become a healthy green again. The gardening experts at The Grass People have shared that now is the time to rake over your lawn before autumn arrive and the weather gets colder.
They said: “Using a rake, scarify the damaged patches of grass to remove the dead grass or thatch, as you will want to create a good seedbed for when you ultimately reseed the area.” Scarifying is a easy garden technique of simply removing any build up organic matter on a lawn like dead grass or moss, which tends to accumulate over summer.
This layer of decaying matter is called thatch, and it needs to be removed as it blocks water, light and air getting to the soil to feed the grass.
If you do not remove thatch it will smoother a lawn, so grass will not grow back, and the dead foliage can attract lots of fungal diseases and pests once autumn arrives,
Late summer is the ideal time to scarify since the soil is cooling slightly but still warm, which is means it is the optional time for grass to repair itself quickly.
In September there tends to be a lot more rain, so scarifying now and reseeding a lawn will help the new grass grow and establish itself before the weather gets too cold.
How to scarify a lawn using a rake
All you need to do is wait to scarify a lawn on a sunny day after it has rained the day before. Soil that is slightly moist is ideal and will make this task a lot easier.
Then, mow your lawn, and cut it shorter than you normally would. It is often not recommended cut too much of a lawn but it will also make it easier to reach any thatch.
Get rid of any grass clippings and now you are ready. Simply take a rake and pull at the grass firmly in different directions in a zig-zag motion.
Collect any debris that gets pulled from the lawn and place it in a bag or wheelbarrow. Do not worry about if the lawn looks messy or patchy as you do this as this is perfectly normal.
Make sure to dispose of the leftovers and do not throw it in compost as it will simply cause moss to grow in your garden. Give the lawn a water, spread some grass seeds on it, and it should begin looking emerald green again in no time at all.
