We may be in the midst of yet another heatwave, but in a few weeks, the seasons will begin to change. September is usually when we start to see the beginnings of cooler weather, though it seems right now like the hot weather will never end. And if you’ve got a garden, there’s one thing you should be doing before the end of August for healthier, greener grass in the months ahead.
According to Jonathan Davis, lawn care specialist at Lawnsmith, late summer is one of the most effective times to scarify your lawn, and doing so can transform the way it performs through autumn and winter. “Scarifying might sound drastic, but it’s actually one of the most beneficial things you can do for your lawn at this time of year,” he said.
He continued: “By removing thatch and surface moss, you allow the grass to breathe, absorb nutrients, and grow back stronger.”
Scarifying is often associated with spring, but according to the expert, late summer offers an ideal window.
“The soil is still warm, which helps the lawn recover more quickly,” he explained. “You’ve also got enough growing weeks left in the season to encourage new grass to fill in any bare patches created by the process.”
What is scarifying?
According to the experts at Gardeners’ World, scarifying involved the removal of dead thatch – which is the brown material found beneath the green grass blades.
You can use a rake or a scarifying machine to scratch the grass in order to remove the thatch. The experts warned that it might look ‘unsightly’ at first, but soon you’ll have a fresh-looking, green lawn.
Why is scarifying important?
A lawn thick with thatch can trap moisture and block air from reaching the soil.
Jonathan said: “Scarifying opens up the surface, improving airflow and drainage. That reduces the risk of moss buildup over winter and creates better conditions for healthy root development.”
If you’re planning to overseed in autumn, scarifying first can make a big difference. Jonathan explained that the loosened surface helps seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for good germination. Without that contact, the seed just sits on the surface and struggles to establish.
While the results of scarifying aren’t always visible right away, the long-term benefits are clear.
Jonathan added: “It’s not just about what your lawn looks like in a week or two. It’s about building a lawn that’s thick, healthy, and resistant to disease, weeds, and moss going forward.”
