I just brought a house where the lady didn't take care of her lawn. I've been watching a lot of lawn videos, and your is far better than the ones I've watched. Thank you👍
My man that was a very thorough and efficient UA-cam video. Normally I go a bit nuts, because they just talk so much and take forever to get that information down. But you did it in a really good way. You've got a new subscriber Thank you... Now to get onto my lawn!
Another great and informative video with a no bull approach. I plumped for the same stihl scarifier after watching your videos. It does a great job and not as expensive as the likes of Cannons or Weibangs of this world. I've also got the wolf Garten attachment which I've not used yet. So you demo came in really handy. Thanks muchly 👍
In the desert SW of the US, I do this twice a year as well, with several tools. On my mower I put on a de thatching blade, gather up the thatch and then also run my Mantis tiller over the de thatched area with the aerating tines which go down 6 inches. These also take out some thatch. Then for the fall, over seed with Perennial Rye which is a great lawn. I’m thinking of over seeding with Arden 15 Bermuda in the spring as the Rey will not last in the heat. I’d like to hear from anyone who has experience with Arden 15 in the SW US.
This is brilliant! I just got told by a lawn expert that the cheaper versions weren't suitable for my lawn so I had to use his professional expensive machine.
Hi.. He's right in one way in that it's so much easier with the expensive one but you can definitely get it done with the others, it just takes a bit longer to achieve.. Still gets you there
You'll be fine. Nice and slow to start on a high setting.. aiming to gently scratch the soil surface.. you can always repeat 1 or more times if needed in different directions. Enjoy!
With a scarifier you are scaring the turf. Bringing the thatch up and leaving scars to drop seed or fertilizer in. The cheap screwfix scarifier I just bought not only scarifies, brilliantly.....but it come with a rake attachment that allows you to power rake the dead surface grass up, that the lawnmower or scarifier won't touch (even on the scarifier lightest setting). You need to differentiate between scarifing and power raking. You need both...as you can do a light or deep scarify but you will still be left with a stubborn surface of brown dead grass (yup my lawn has never been done before and it's a horror show). So not sure you can really scarify with that rake. You can of course power rake with it. Thanks for your videos very informative.
Demonstrating the different methods of scarifying was very helpful, thanks. Is it safe to assume that since thatch doesn’t break down in the lawn that it shouldn’t go in the home compost bin?
Well explained and presented Shaun. I clipped the top off the disaster lawns as planned at the weekend leaving it fairly long. Some more sun, rain, mowing and a bit more warming up of the soil over the next 2-3 weeks to stimulate the growth a bit and I will be onto the scarifier and up to my hips in thatch and moss! There is no way I can get to soil on this neglected lawn in one go, there will be nothing left. I have never felt such a spongy lawn and am really nervous about using a blade cassette on it rather than spring tines but plan to go relatively light with blades and see what I get. Hopefully not the Somme.
Ahh good luck!if at all unsure just use the less aggressive cassette and go over more times.. or try the blade cassette on an inconspicuous area first perhaps..
Hi Shaun, I have just moved into a bungalow with a fairly large front lawn. Unfortunately it appears that it has never been raked or scarified. I bought a little machine from Homebase and I'm amazed at how much of the dead matter it has removed after 2 passes, first on the highest setting then secondly on the 2nd setting. I intend doing several more passes with the rake cassette, then in with the blades before reseeding and top dressing. I have to say that so far I am extremely happy with the way the wee machine is holding up. I I also drilled a small hole in the rear flap and keep it slightly open then gather and bag the waste. Thoroughly enjoyed your video on the subject and between you a Robbie from Premier I hope I can transform what has the potential to be a beautiful front lawn. Best wishes from Belfast 👍
Hi. I watched your video which really helps. Now, I had already scarified my lawn and reseeded it. I also top dressed it with top soil. Is that going to be ok or should I have used compost? I scarified right to the soil with no grass left. It was very bad so I decided just to completely seed it from scratch. I just hope the soil works? Thanks. 👍🤗
@@LawnRight Thank you for replying. I thought I had made a mistake. I have put fertilizer on as well so hopefully the seed will grow?. I am watering it as well. Fingers crossed it works. This is my first time doing it all from scratch. Love your videos. 👍🤗
Hi lots of companies give different names which is wrong, but the heavy solid blades are more aggressive and the wire spokes are far less aggressive and suited for gentler raking of the lawn more often than the blades
Another very helpful video, thank you! Do you have a video on the best ways to deal with leatherjackets? I turfed my lawn some 4 years ago and imported the leatherjakets with the new turf. I have tried nematodes every year but with no real success.
Turfsolv, or find a local lawn care company who now have a pesticide that can be applied... Or saturate the soil at night... Put a black tarpaulin down, lift it off in the morning and you should see lots at the surface that can be brushed off
@@LawnRight Thanks Sean, I didn't realize there was now a pesticide that can be used, thought they were all banned. I will try the tarpaulin for now :)
@@LawnRight I must see if I can figure out what grass they have. All I know is that I've taken it down a decent amount with my manual push mower but now its so bumpy that it doesn't look as good as it could and I don't want to fill in low spots if I would need to scarrify first
Good Afternoon, Lawn right, fantastic video. Im a new subscriber 😊, i have just moved to a new property almost a yr now. I have found patches of moss as you rightly say when you walk on it its spongy, bouncy. I have cut the grass very short, also i have already aeratored with a fork , im now today going to apply Miracle-Gro 4-1 , my question is though, is there ever a time that its to late to scarifiy ? I mean if its been there a long time , is it still considered putting in the effort and will it eventually get rid of the moss? Thanks in advance keep up the great work. Kind regards Danny
I'm just concerned when you say rotavator. That would churn the lawn up like a ploughed field. I'm thinking you may mean that it has s set of little thin metal spring things.. aka a lawn rake/gentle scarifier.. then has a set of fixed steel blades that work more aggressive. These would be a heavier duty scarifier. You'd only need to use these if the lawn hadn't been scarified for a long time and was thick with moss and thatch. Youd still want go go lightly as if you go too heavy you could quickly remove too much and then need to reseed
What can I do to improve some parts of my lawn that just don't get to proper mowing height. For example more busy area where you walk daily to take out the trash? Is my soil already too packed in these areas? No thatch to be seen in those areas too. Is there a way to have a nice tall grass and still be able to walk on it? Thank you
I got a few questions. I bought my house in 2011 and lawncare have never been a priority or a interest, more of a burden you had to do. I got a robomower last year and with that, my interest picked up a LOT to have a nice grass. I have ordered a scarifyer (Al-ko electrical 38 something ) And was wondering how i should proceed. Snow have just smelted and it have started to grow veeeeery little. The spring is very late here in Sweden this year. When should i scarify? Im also going to overseed some while the grooves is open to put down seeeds. Also what height should i go with? Should i powerrake beforehand? Thanks for taking your time to read this, and even more for some reply. Have a good day sir.
Hi..... scarify when the grass starts to grow regularly... that should be about now.. I usually scarify.. mow really short, then overseed and topdress.... then just keep watering.. and give it a few weeks (no need to power rake beforehand..... down the line, mow regular not too short maybe 30 to 50mm for many grass types
Helpful video Shaun, thanks 👍, can I ask, are there scarifiers that collect the thatch or do you then have to go round the whole garden again to rake and pick up the thatch?, or do you leave the thatch on the lawn?
Hi.. Many will have a box on them like a mower, but it fills up really fast, so it's easier to just leave the box off and rake it all up.. Definitely need to remove it off the lawn surface though
Presumably, the spring tines on a scarifier are just for 'raking' up loose surface moss and grass thatch. If so, would you just use them at the end to clean up and after a dose of iron sulphate?
Hi.. I'd say no. Personally the spring tines do the scarifying, or dethatching and moss removal but then I tend to use a plastic leaf rake to pick up the thatch.. or I'd there isnt much thatch you can often use the lawn mower to suck up a lot of it
Hi spring and autumn are best a story usually are a little wetter. It can be done in summer BUT the heat will cause massive stress and unless you are prepared to water deeply daily for 6 weeks I'd leave it till autumn. Thanks
Hi Dave you should try to see soil in between the grooves. So you may need to scarify a few times to get down through the layers of thatch if it's a domestic machine
Thank you for you video. May i ask when i need to scarify for the first after i seeded my lawn in Septebmer/Ooctober this year? Should i scarify and areate in the spring? Thanks for the reply :)
@@LawnRight thanks again. Going into the winter the lawn looks thinner then after firet mow, dont know why :(. If i should skip scaryfying, should i at least areate my lawn in the spring 2023? Thanks
Hi, what’s the next steps after scarifying to get the lawn looking good please, feeding? If so can you recommend a feed. At the moment I’m paying a company for 4 visits a year but think it needs more and I’d like to get involved myself
Hi yes, A1 spring summer feed is pretty good (just applied it t my own lawn (video coming next week)) - it's available here amzn.to/3KmmPdG. you'll also need a spreader to apply it - I use this hand spreader on setting 3 - amzn.to/3ytfW7O. and this video will help you apply it and see may applying it ua-cam.com/video/rLV0qXCHSZ0/v-deo.html
That’s great thanks, any thought on another post I made regarding crabgrass / shredded wheat grass, is there anything that can be done or realistically should I replace the lawn
@@rogerbaker3914 that's strange lol.. Basically it's gotta be dugout, fresh soil and turf or seed.. You can slice into it with. A knife regular to help weaken it
Really like your hand tools! Wish I could get them here in the U.S., using your links just sends me to a U.K site with errors. Using the key words on my Amazon site does not show any results. I did order the Sunjoe electric model as it has received good reviews for the most part and my backyard is about the size of the green area in the video. Front yard is a bit smaller. First shot at taking care of the lawn in general, the guy next door took care of it for years but has since moved to Florida. With your good advice along the way I will achieve those goals.
Wolf garten is sold in the U.S. If you purchase, save your receipts for the guarantee to be honored. I didn't and they wouldn't replace broken parts/tools. I like their tools though, just sharing the information.
I use the Wolfcarten verticutter rake, you don't have to move it forwards and backwards as shown. In spring I just pull it one time over my lawn (cut about 0,5-1cm deep, when a lot of dead grass builds up, just shake it of the rake) and than a second time but in an opposite/ cross direction. This year I did it for a second time in august (only 1 direction), cause my lawn didn't look good after the summer heat (lot of dead grass).
Very informative video thanks Shaun, I took a chance at the weekend and put some seed down on a bare patch where I had installed an additional land drain in the early winter, no frost in the forecast for the next few weeks so fingers crossed it'll come through. If not I'll re seed in another month I'll keep you posted 👍
Ahh that's great! I'm dying to get mine done asap but my fence blew down and I've got my lawn fence there temporarily. I'm sure yours will come through just find.. as the days go by my confidence is increasing.. fingers crossed!
Another great video! I have a Stihl RLA 240 and four AK20 batteries, but wish I had bought the RL 540 instead. The 240 does the job, but the battery charge doesn't last long. The 240 came with a rake cassette and a vertical cutter cassette. Does anyone use the rake cassette, and if so, what situations make it a better option than the vertical cutter?
Hi Mike, the rake cassette would be good to use for very gentle raking a few times a year once the bulk of the thatch has been removed in spring.. so basically a very very light tickle with it (but not in the height of summer.. the ground should be nice and moist)
@@LawnRight Thanks, Shaun. After being frustrated this morning with the short battery life, long recharge time, and a failed battery (under warranty), I bought the RL 540. What a difference and a joy to use. I had to take a break midway through the scarifying so I could take it back to the dealer for the oil change after the two-hour break-in.
Hi Shaun … just a quick question…not sure if you will have answer. I bought a Viking LB540 second hand ( same as your old one ) . Hardly used by previous owner and I had it fully serviced before I used it. It seems to cope on level 1 , stops on level 2 , 3 etc as it seems to struggle with the ground. Have come across this on your one ?
Hi something seems off I'm afraid. For a start, this machine is not as powerful as a £2000 machine. On thick lawns if I go straight to say a number 4 it would struggle like its gonna cut out. That's why I usually start high on a 1 or 2 then next pass would be lower... as the blades start to dull I have to lower the height to get the same result but it wont struggle... so struggling is usually when the blades are down too deep within the soil too fast.. ie just dumped on a low setting .. I've never once had the blades stop moving... I worry if the engine is very poor.. I wonder if the blades are very dull.. only other thing I can think about is of there is some issue with the height adjustment not working as it should do as per manufacturers specifications.. maybe its dropping... does the bright adjuster knob/dial click into each height position? On my first lb540 it broke meaning when I lowered the bar down it would sink to the bottom.. I had a workaround to that which wasnt a big issue ..
@@LawnRight Shaun, really appreciate you replying in detail. Everything else seems fine the machine does vibrate a bit when idle so may be a engine issue . I will take it to a proper service dealer as see what they think .
I want to make it easier to seed cuz raking is a lot of work and rototilling is also kind of a pain. Does the scarifier actually loose the dirt up so the seed can get in it?
Thanks Shaun, I have just scarified this weekend. I had bought a 4in1 weed n feed manure. Was wondering if I should apply it after the scarification or would a pure fertilizer be better? My thinking is that the grass needs to recover and adding a weedkiller as part of the 4n1 might not be best!
Hi ye sits best to wait a little to allow any weeds to grow a little before spraying. Broad leaf weedkillers dont affect grass too much unless sprayed too heavy. I have personally done it both ways with no issues buy yes it makes sense to wait
@@karonroberts5888 hi.. for ease.. and I'm just out right now..I recently created a lawn care shopping list ua-cam.com/video/UGvh3LeWn5o/v-deo.html this provides alist as well as pdf download with products I'm using thanks
Totally understand... it takes about 6 weeks to fully recover. With the most there may not be much grass left so you may have to seed those spots.. plenty of regular water and itll come
@@LawnRight thanks for the advise, the video was very helpful. Ive ordered the screwfix scarifier so will be on the case this week. Hopefully it will do the job. Will see how it goes. I will probably have to do some seeding as the lawn thatch and moss is pretty thick. Thanks 👍
Hi.. It's been a frustrating point for me for years. Manufacturers sometimes call them different things... So I've had to Google it but the bosch unit does seem to be a verticutter.. The power raker will be a type of scarifier yes
@@LawnRight I just moved into a property where the lawn is a mess it’s patchy full of weeds mostly beige after cutting it. Do I need both? It’s bumpy/spongy in some areas before I watch a million videos which of these two do I need? Sorry to bother you at this time in the evening
@@yourlotusflower4414 hi I'd say the lawn rake for now, but potentially you may not need to yet, might just getaway with regular mowing and tackle it in spring. Depends when it was mowed before you move in.. Regular mowing soon turns a lawn around 😊😊
@@LawnRight hi thank you for your advice, I will leave it until spring then, I’m just longing for luscious fluffy grass. I’m sure your videos will be helpful until u get stuck in next year :) I cut it down when I first moved in it was calf length, it hasn’t really been growing so I literally maybe did it 3 times since June and that was it. I really appreciate you taking the Tom to reply to me :)
i bought a 2 in one scarifier and aerator from Lidl, but my issue is the level setting on the scarifier is too low and it takes out the weak grasses. do i need to reseed every time i scarify now?
HI.. Ive not used that scarifier before but a lot of people sya how good it is.. I found a user manual that explains how you can adjust the height settings (Im assuming its the same scarifier?) www.manualslib.com/manual/2822872/Aldi-Ferrex-F-Evl-1536-1-Uk.html?page=20#manual - have a look at that, or perhaps if yours came with a manual it may be easier to read printed out. So in asnwer to your question.. as long as there is plnety of grass in and amongst the bits youve scarified, it should recover (be sure to water regularly) in about 6 weeks.. this is normal.. it thins out and looks awful for a few weeks... but when youve done the big and dirty initial scarifiy (and yes you can reseed thin or bare spots), if you then go over on a lighter setting twice a year spring and uatumn itll recover far quicker and not look quite as bad
@@LawnRight this is really helpful, I've had a look and adjusted the settings not much difference, it's still cutting up into the soil. I'll just have to overseed it again
Hi Im not sure exactly but you'll need to get a feel for how long it's going to take, and factor in you may need to double scarify, and then theres waste to take away. 400 sq metres is a fair size and could take anywhere from half a day to a day. Most companies set their own rates based on their needs, I'd they have staff,unit etc to cover..to try and gauge a rough hourly turnover rate to be profitable.
Hi hurrels seeds for my customers.. using generic seeds off amazon on my own lawn this year Please see my video called lawn care shopping list to see the ones I'm using
@@LawnRight Thanks for the reply, I’m new to this but really want a nice lawn. The lawn Ive got is only 5x6m. Last year I went through boxes of seed, it grew, but didn’t persist. Still getting patches. I swear I used enough seed to reseed a football stadium. I’m just wondering if it could be the heavy clay soil? If so, how do I deal with that?
@@sprre3899 yes if it gets wet a lot itll hinder things.. fork deeply or buy a long drill bit or auger drill bit and drill deep holes without hitting any pipes and fill with compost and soil 😊 theres a couple of clay videos on my channel will help
Hi Robbie yes you can.. just make sure that the grass is actively growing (not in winter dormancy).. cut/mow it short before you start and take it noce and steady, thanks
@@LawnRight reading other replies later on it suggested you would only use a spring tine setup for a gentler rake out which is what my thoughts were and how I approached my lawn this year with my Stihl battery version. Thanks.
@@TerryJamesCole ahh sorry! I thought you were referring to my own machine (I had only just woken up 😴).. yes.. softer spring tines can in fact do a full scarify but just take more passes as they ate indeed gentler
Hi sometimes manufacturers refer to each a little differently.. so of small metal spokes like take.. that's a lawn raker. Essentially a gentler raking of the grass. The blade could be a scarifying blade whi h is generally more aggressive. If unsure go for the less aggressive version. If you k lw the model and make I may be able to help decipher
@@HirenDShah yeah the raker.. the less aggressive is the one with small spindly tines you can go over multiple times with that and cause less damage but it needs more times to be done.. the blade is quicker, more aggressive but more likely to take out grass with it unless you go very steady starting on a high setting 😊👍🌞
Great video and what a job to take on first one of the year 😂 what is the difference between scarifying your lawn and rakeing as I have bought one of these little devices off Amazon but has two attachments unsure what to use and when. UK👍🏻
Hi sometimes manufacturers refer to each a little differently.. so of small metal spokes like take.. that's a lawn raker. Essentially a gentler raking of the grass. The blade could be a scarifying blade whi h is generally more aggressive. If unsure go for the less aggressive version. If you know the model and make I may be able to help decipher
The way you have secured the flap where the bag goes by holding it up with a bungee strap to that height is very dangerous as I tried that and found out the hard way it is dangerous. 😢
After a year of sorting through various lawn care videos on UA-cam , FINALLY I find the most simple explanatory non biased answers I needed. Thanks!
😊😊😊
This was helpful. thanks
I just brought a house where the lady didn't take care of her lawn. I've been watching a lot of lawn videos, and your is far better than the ones I've watched. Thank you👍
Hi Barbara, thank you so much, that's incredibly kind of you
Finally someone who scarifies properly. Most reviewers use a power raking attachment and say that’s scarifying.
I blame the manufacturers putting misleading wording on their machines
FINALLY, a video that shows you not only what to do but how to do it and why. Superb.
Thank you so much!
My man that was a very thorough and efficient UA-cam video. Normally I go a bit nuts, because they just talk so much and take forever to get that information down. But you did it in a really good way. You've got a new subscriber Thank you... Now to get onto my lawn!
Thank you so much..very kind to hear
I borrowed my cousin’s Stihl scarifier. Sooooo satisfying!
Dont give it back! 😁
That was some area to cover, the amount of moss that comes out never ceases to amaze . Thanks for sharing 👍
Oh yes.. so thankful for customer joining in.. kept the motivation up 😊
I appreciate you posted this video a year ago, roughly, but it is a Godsend. Thank you for taking the time to make this. 👍
Just bought myself at Wolf Garten Scarifier tool very happy only have a small front garden. Great tool.
Great stuff! Yes its very helpful isnt it! 😊😊
Brilliant video. Explains the jobs in detail and then demonstrates. So good all round. Thanks.
Many thanks for your kind words 😊👍
Last year I was scarifying customers lawns manually. Never again! I just got the Stihl RL540 for this season and i cant wait to put it to work.
You will be forever grateful for having it... I did a few lawns by hand many years ago.. Never again
Folks, the Screwfix scarifier in the description is currently selling for £70, really good reviews too. Think I'll be getting one soon.
Another great and informative video with a no bull approach.
I plumped for the same stihl scarifier after watching your videos. It does a great job and not as expensive as the likes of Cannons or Weibangs of this world. I've also got the wolf Garten attachment which I've not used yet. So you demo came in really handy. Thanks muchly 👍
Best of luck! and many thanks as ever for the kind words :)
Thanks for the video - I'm about to try using one of these machines for the first time.
Good luck! Nice and steady and start on a high setting..here if you need help
In the desert SW of the US, I do this twice a year as well, with several tools. On my mower I put on a de thatching blade, gather up the thatch and then also run my Mantis tiller over the de thatched area with the aerating tines which go down 6 inches. These also take out some thatch. Then for the fall, over seed with Perennial Rye which is a great lawn. I’m thinking of over seeding with Arden 15 Bermuda in the spring as the Rey will not last in the heat. I’d like to hear from anyone who has experience with Arden 15 in the SW US.
😊👍
This is brilliant! I just got told by a lawn expert that the cheaper versions weren't suitable for my lawn so I had to use his professional expensive machine.
Hi.. He's right in one way in that it's so much easier with the expensive one but you can definitely get it done with the others, it just takes a bit longer to achieve.. Still gets you there
They’re so many vid out there. You’re the best one thx sir
Thanks 🙏🙏
Thanks for the tip. I bought one last year but haven't used it. I don't think our yard has ever been done so it will be quite a challenge.
You'll be fine. Nice and slow to start on a high setting.. aiming to gently scratch the soil surface.. you can always repeat 1 or more times if needed in different directions. Enjoy!
Great video really helping me do a DIY job of my garden !!
I love how the proposed tools relate to the size of the area 😉
🤣 absolutely!
With a scarifier you are scaring the turf. Bringing the thatch up and leaving scars to drop seed or fertilizer in. The cheap screwfix scarifier I just bought not only scarifies, brilliantly.....but it come with a rake attachment that allows you to power rake the dead surface grass up, that the lawnmower or scarifier won't touch (even on the scarifier lightest setting). You need to differentiate between scarifing and power raking. You need both...as you can do a light or deep scarify but you will still be left with a stubborn surface of brown dead grass (yup my lawn has never been done before and it's a horror show). So not sure you can really scarify with that rake. You can of course power rake with it. Thanks for your videos very informative.
You’re a nice fella - thank you for producing this very informative video.
Thanks, you're welcome!
Fantastic video. Well done
Good stuff mate please keep making these I.learn alot from them
Thanks, will do!
Thanks Shaun 👍like your other subscribers I was always confused regarding which cassette to use. You have explained it very clearly. Thank you.
Thanks, you're welcome!
Awesome video. Currently doing my first scarification and this helps a lot 👌
Thanks.. good luck !
Demonstrating the different methods of scarifying was very helpful, thanks. Is it safe to assume that since thatch doesn’t break down in the lawn that it shouldn’t go in the home compost bin?
Hi.. It will compost down just takes longer so best to mix it with other things.. Once the heat gets in and the microbes are working it'll be fine
@@LawnRight great, thanks so much 😊👏👏👏
Really informative and helpful video, bud. Thank you!
Absolutely no problem whatsoever 😊👍
Well explained and presented Shaun. I clipped the top off the disaster lawns as planned at the weekend leaving it fairly long. Some more sun, rain, mowing and a bit more warming up of the soil over the next 2-3 weeks to stimulate the growth a bit and I will be onto the scarifier and up to my hips in thatch and moss! There is no way I can get to soil on this neglected lawn in one go, there will be nothing left. I have never felt such a spongy lawn and am really nervous about using a blade cassette on it rather than spring tines but plan to go relatively light with blades and see what I get. Hopefully not the Somme.
Ahh good luck!if at all unsure just use the less aggressive cassette and go over more times.. or try the blade cassette on an inconspicuous area first perhaps..
@@LawnRight Yup, that is the plan for a few weeks time, Putin willing.
Fantastic job!! Have been learning a hell of a lot from you.
Any time 😊👍
Hi Shaun, I have just moved into a bungalow with a fairly large front lawn. Unfortunately it appears that it has never been raked or scarified.
I bought a little machine from Homebase and I'm amazed at how much of the dead matter it has removed after 2 passes, first on the highest setting then secondly on the 2nd setting.
I intend doing several more passes with the rake cassette, then in with the blades before reseeding and top dressing.
I have to say that so far I am extremely happy with the way the wee machine is holding up. I
I also drilled a small hole in the rear flap and keep it slightly open then gather and bag the waste.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video on the subject and between you a Robbie from Premier I hope I can transform what has the potential to be a beautiful front lawn.
Best wishes from Belfast 👍
Hi thanks for the kind words! Good luck with it. Here to help!
Great video, just had a petrol scarifier delivered. Can’t wait to start this years work!
Exciting times ahead!
A great, well explained process and video. Thank you 👍🏻
Thanks so much!
1st class video. Thanks - beats all others.
You're welcome!
Hi. I watched your video which really helps. Now, I had already scarified my lawn and reseeded it. I also top dressed it with top soil. Is that going to be ok or should I have used compost? I scarified right to the soil with no grass left. It was very bad so I decided just to completely seed it from scratch. I just hope the soil works? Thanks. 👍🤗
Hi that's absolutely fine 😊😊. I've done manyover the years with soil with great results.. I just prefer compost these days for the added nutrition
@@LawnRight Thank you for replying. I thought I had made a mistake. I have put fertilizer on as well so hopefully the seed will grow?. I am watering it as well. Fingers crossed it works. This is my first time doing it all from scratch. Love your videos. 👍🤗
@@gardenrose264 all good :)
Thanks, our Dethatcher has a Dethatching and Scarifier blade. What is the difference?
Hi lots of companies give different names which is wrong, but the heavy solid blades are more aggressive and the wire spokes are far less aggressive and suited for gentler raking of the lawn more often than the blades
Another great video Shaun, thank you. 👍🏻
Thanks mate hope you are well
Superb vid I’m off to screxfix, also can you advise how to get rid of crabgrass and that sort of shredded wheat grass, will scarify help?
Another very helpful video, thank you! Do you have a video on the best ways to deal with leatherjackets? I turfed my lawn some 4 years ago and imported the leatherjakets with the new turf. I have tried nematodes every year but with no real success.
Turfsolv, or find a local lawn care company who now have a pesticide that can be applied... Or saturate the soil at night... Put a black tarpaulin down, lift it off in the morning and you should see lots at the surface that can be brushed off
@@LawnRight Thanks Sean, I didn't realize there was now a pesticide that can be used, thought they were all banned. I will try the tarpaulin for now :)
Will every lawn need this. My in laws have never done it ever and the lawn is still green and not struggling
No. Many lawns do especially fine ornamental grass species like fescue. But on the flip side
species like dwarf rye often dont
@@LawnRight I must see if I can figure out what grass they have.
All I know is that I've taken it down a decent amount with my manual push mower but now its so bumpy that it doesn't look as good as it could and I don't want to fill in low spots if I would need to scarrify first
Excellent video , but you never explained how you collected the thatch afterwards from the lawn ?
Sorry about that..blowing or raking into piles then picking up..I do have other videos showing the procedure
@@LawnRight Brilliant! ... Thank you 😊
That was great information. Thanks!
Any time!
Great video, very helpful and to the point. One question though please. How do you get rid of 16 tonne bags? 🤔
Hi.. I use a farm that deals with green waste..you have to use google.. look for green waste recycling farm and see what comes up.. good luck !
Hi brilliant video really informative after scarifying would you aerates your lawn then feed it or seed it👍👍
Depends on the need really..scarify and aerate go well together.. I'd it needs seeing then I'd do that and apply a light dose of balanced fert
.
Good Afternoon, Lawn right, fantastic video. Im a new subscriber 😊, i have just moved to a new property almost a yr now. I have found patches of moss as you rightly say when you walk on it its spongy, bouncy. I have cut the grass very short, also i have already aeratored with a fork , im now today going to apply Miracle-Gro 4-1 , my question is though, is there ever a time that its to late to scarifiy ? I mean if its been there a long time , is it still considered putting in the effort and will it eventually get rid of the moss? Thanks in advance keep up the great work. Kind regards Danny
Hi Danny, no harm in scarifying at the minute.. when it gets much hotter I usually stop then can do again in Autumn if needed
One of my neighbours gave me Mac Allister Scarifier which has a rotovator blades. When should I use them? I couldn’t find info about it.
I'm just concerned when you say rotavator. That would churn the lawn up like a ploughed field. I'm thinking you may mean that it has s set of little thin metal spring things.. aka a lawn rake/gentle scarifier.. then has a set of fixed steel blades that work more aggressive. These would be a heavier duty scarifier. You'd only need to use these if the lawn hadn't been scarified for a long time and was thick with moss and thatch. Youd still want go go lightly as if you go too heavy you could quickly remove too much and then need to reseed
Thank you so much for this video. That's all I really needed to know about the subject and it fully addresses my lawn problem. Very comprehensive.
Thanks Valery
@@LawnRight Pleasure is mine
What can I do to improve some parts of my lawn that just don't get to proper mowing height. For example more busy area where you walk daily to take out the trash? Is my soil already too packed in these areas? No thatch to be seen in those areas too. Is there a way to have a nice tall grass and still be able to walk on it? Thank you
Hi yes you've got it.. compacted areas.. fork those areas well and deeply fo help air get in and down.. or use an aerator
Great video thanks for the tips!
I got a few questions.
I bought my house in 2011 and lawncare have never been a priority or a interest, more of a burden you had to do.
I got a robomower last year and with that, my interest picked up a LOT to have a nice grass.
I have ordered a scarifyer (Al-ko electrical 38 something ) And was wondering how i should proceed.
Snow have just smelted and it have started to grow veeeeery little. The spring is very late here in Sweden this year.
When should i scarify?
Im also going to overseed some while the grooves is open to put down seeeds.
Also what height should i go with? Should i powerrake beforehand?
Thanks for taking your time to read this, and even more for some reply. Have a good day sir.
Hi..... scarify when the grass starts to grow regularly... that should be about now.. I usually scarify.. mow really short, then overseed and topdress.... then just keep watering.. and give it a few weeks (no need to power rake beforehand..... down the line, mow regular not too short maybe 30 to 50mm for many grass types
@@LawnRight Appreciate it a lot. Thanks for the response.
Helpful video Shaun, thanks 👍, can I ask, are there scarifiers that collect the thatch or do you then have to go round the whole garden again to rake and pick up the thatch?, or do you leave the thatch on the lawn?
Hi.. Many will have a box on them like a mower, but it fills up really fast, so it's easier to just leave the box off and rake it all up.. Definitely need to remove it off the lawn surface though
Thanks Shaun, I'm subscribed now, so I'll keep looking at your posts !
@@NeilHaydon thanks 👍
Presumably, the spring tines on a scarifier are just for 'raking' up loose surface moss and grass thatch. If so, would you just use them at the end to clean up and after a dose of iron sulphate?
Hi.. I'd say no. Personally the spring tines do the scarifying, or dethatching and moss removal but then I tend to use a plastic leaf rake to pick up the thatch.. or I'd there isnt much thatch you can often use the lawn mower to suck up a lot of it
@@LawnRight Thanks for the speedy reply :).
Great video. So all I would need to do is expose the soil when scarfing my lawn. What would you recommend about aerating a lawn ?
Aeration is beneficial to the lawn,relieving compaction and improving drainage. You can use stool,machine or a garden fork 😊👍
Quite useful.
Might suggest using the sunlit areas for your videos as much as possible.
👍
This is great thank you, is there a time of year that you should or shouldn't scarify? Is it ok to scarify now?
Hi spring and autumn are best a story usually are a little wetter. It can be done in summer BUT the heat will cause massive stress and unless you are prepared to water deeply daily for 6 weeks I'd leave it till autumn. Thanks
@@LawnRight That's great thanks so much!
Shaun great video and explanation as usual. Daft question what is the best depth to go down too?
Hi Dave you should try to see soil in between the grooves. So you may need to scarify a few times to get down through the layers of thatch if it's a domestic machine
@@LawnRight Thanks Shaun
4:15 I think "pails" is somewhat similar to a word we have in English "piles".
Ahaaa! 🤣
Well, how deep should it go?
Can you show us the different heights?
And what level its best to use?
Hi you need to be scratching the soil surface. Sorry.. I did put that in there but its perhaps not clear enough.
Thank you for you video. May i ask when i need to scarify for the first after i seeded my lawn in Septebmer/Ooctober this year? Should i scarify and areate in the spring? Thanks for the reply :)
Hi yes to spring..but..if it's looking pretty happy I'd be more inclined to just leave it and review later in the year
@@LawnRight thanks again. Going into the winter the lawn looks thinner then after firet mow, dont know why :(. If i should skip scaryfying, should i at least areate my lawn in the spring 2023? Thanks
WOW that's one big lawn good luck 😁👍👍
😊👍
How short should I cut the lawn prior to scarification and if it’s particularly long should I cut it in stages first to get it short?
Hi it's going to stress it out anyways so just cut it short.. Theres no need to scalp it though.. Anywhere around an inch or os is fine
Hi, what’s the next steps after scarifying to get the lawn looking good please, feeding? If so can you recommend a feed. At the moment I’m paying a company for 4 visits a year but think it needs more and I’d like to get involved myself
Hi yes, A1 spring summer feed is pretty good (just applied it t my own lawn (video coming next week)) - it's available here amzn.to/3KmmPdG. you'll also need a spreader to apply it - I use this hand spreader on setting 3 - amzn.to/3ytfW7O. and this video will help you apply it and see may applying it ua-cam.com/video/rLV0qXCHSZ0/v-deo.html
That’s great thanks, any thought on another post I made regarding crabgrass / shredded wheat grass, is there anything that can be done or realistically should I replace the lawn
@@rogerbaker3914 hi I replied on that post 😊
Sorry I didn’t get that just a ❤ emoji , could you advise again on crabgrass etc
@@rogerbaker3914 that's strange lol.. Basically it's gotta be dugout, fresh soil and turf or seed.. You can slice into it with. A knife regular to help weaken it
Good job Shaun, I have a similar video planned myself 👍🙂
Thanks Robbie
Look forward to seeing your take on it.
@@LawnRight I did something very similar two years ago. Just refreshing what I did back then.
Great as always 👌👍
Really like your hand tools! Wish I could get them here in the U.S., using your links just sends me to a U.K site with errors. Using the key words on my Amazon site does not show any results. I did order the Sunjoe electric model as it has received good reviews for the most part and my backyard is about the size of the green area in the video. Front yard is a bit smaller. First shot at taking care of the lawn in general, the guy next door took care of it for years but has since moved to Florida. With your good advice along the way I will achieve those goals.
🙏 sorry about that. The spreaders are Scott's spreaders
@@LawnRight Wrong comment but thanks.
Wolf garten is sold in the U.S. If you purchase, save your receipts for the guarantee to be honored. I didn't and they wouldn't replace broken parts/tools. I like their tools though, just sharing the information.
I use the Wolfcarten verticutter rake, you don't have to move it forwards and backwards as shown. In spring I just pull it one time over my lawn (cut about 0,5-1cm deep, when a lot of dead grass builds up, just shake it of the rake) and than a second time but in an opposite/ cross direction. This year I did it for a second time in august (only 1 direction), cause my lawn didn't look good after the summer heat (lot of dead grass).
Hi, the blades had started to get blunt
Top man. See you on the next one mate.
Cheers matey!
Would love to see the clean up process
Hi this was the full lawn..I think we did around 15 or20 tonne bags in the end😮😮😊😊😊
@@LawnRight Do you mow across it to pick it up by machine?
@@Irish-Triplet not usually as it fills the box fast.. so I blow into lines, rake into piles and pick up
Thank you for this video. You are very informative on scarifying. I hit that sub button for good measure. =)
Thanks and welcome aboard!
Very informative video thanks Shaun, I took a chance at the weekend and put some seed down on a bare patch where I had installed an additional land drain in the early winter, no frost in the forecast for the next few weeks so fingers crossed it'll come through. If not I'll re seed in another month I'll keep you posted 👍
Ahh that's great! I'm dying to get mine done asap but my fence blew down and I've got my lawn fence there temporarily. I'm sure yours will come through just find.. as the days go by my confidence is increasing.. fingers crossed!
Another great video! I have a Stihl RLA 240 and four AK20 batteries, but wish I had bought the RL 540 instead. The 240 does the job, but the battery charge doesn't last long. The 240 came with a rake cassette and a vertical cutter cassette. Does anyone use the rake cassette, and if so, what situations make it a better option than the vertical cutter?
Hi Mike, the rake cassette would be good to use for very gentle raking a few times a year once the bulk of the thatch has been removed in spring.. so basically a very very light tickle with it (but not in the height of summer.. the ground should be nice and moist)
@@LawnRight Thanks, Shaun. After being frustrated this morning with the short battery life, long recharge time, and a failed battery (under warranty), I bought the RL 540. What a difference and a joy to use. I had to take a break midway through the scarifying so I could take it back to the dealer for the oil change after the two-hour break-in.
Hi Shaun … just a quick question…not sure if you will have answer. I bought a Viking LB540 second hand ( same as your old one ) . Hardly used by previous owner and I had it fully serviced before I used it. It seems to cope on level 1 , stops on level 2 , 3 etc as it seems to struggle with the ground. Have come across this on your one ?
Hi something seems off I'm afraid. For a start, this machine is not as powerful as a £2000 machine. On thick lawns if I go straight to say a number 4 it would struggle like its gonna cut out. That's why I usually start high on a 1 or 2 then next pass would be lower... as the blades start to dull I have to lower the height to get the same result but it wont struggle... so struggling is usually when the blades are down too deep within the soil too fast.. ie just dumped on a low setting .. I've never once had the blades stop moving... I worry if the engine is very poor.. I wonder if the blades are very dull.. only other thing I can think about is of there is some issue with the height adjustment not working as it should do as per manufacturers specifications.. maybe its dropping... does the bright adjuster knob/dial click into each height position? On my first lb540 it broke meaning when I lowered the bar down it would sink to the bottom.. I had a workaround to that which wasnt a big issue ..
@@LawnRight Shaun, really appreciate you replying in detail. Everything else seems fine the machine does vibrate a bit when idle so may be a engine issue . I will take it to a proper service dealer as see what they think .
I want to make it easier to seed cuz raking is a lot of work and rototilling is also kind of a pain. Does the scarifier actually loose the dirt up so the seed can get in it?
Hi yes, I always aim to cut thin grooves in the soil which creates a great seed bed 😊👍
Thanks Shaun,
I have just scarified this weekend. I had bought a 4in1 weed n feed manure. Was wondering if I should apply it after the scarification or would a pure fertilizer be better? My thinking is that the grass needs to recover and adding a weedkiller as part of the 4n1 might not be best!
Hi ye sits best to wait a little to allow any weeds to grow a little before spraying. Broad leaf weedkillers dont affect grass too much unless sprayed too heavy. I have personally done it both ways with no issues buy yes it makes sense to wait
Thanks Shaun
@@LawnRight Hi, what typenof broadleaf weedkiller do you use to spray the lawn, which selective? Many thanks
@@karonroberts5888 hi.. for ease.. and I'm just out right now..I recently created a lawn care shopping list ua-cam.com/video/UGvh3LeWn5o/v-deo.html this provides alist as well as pdf download with products I'm using thanks
Is scarify the same as dethatching?
Pretty much
The hassle with this is raking up the thatch and disposing of it. I got ten cubic metres last time from 2000 m square.
Yep.. the works dead easy.. but the clearing up... omg lol
After all is said and done it all needs to be raked up correct? Just subscribed
Oh yes. If left itll eventually rot down but would have stopped the grass underneath from seeing the sun
It looks so brutal. I need to do my lawn, got thick thatch and mossy patches, but im worried it wont grow back
Totally understand... it takes about 6 weeks to fully recover. With the most there may not be much grass left so you may have to seed those spots.. plenty of regular water and itll come
@@LawnRight thanks for the advise, the video was very helpful. Ive ordered the screwfix scarifier so will be on the case this week. Hopefully it will do the job. Will see how it goes. I will probably have to do some seeding as the lawn thatch and moss is pretty thick. Thanks 👍
Is the Bosch Verticutter a scarifier or is their power raker a scarifier I’m so confused 🤦🏻♀️
Hi.. It's been a frustrating point for me for years. Manufacturers sometimes call them different things... So I've had to Google it but the bosch unit does seem to be a verticutter.. The power raker will be a type of scarifier yes
@@LawnRight I just moved into a property where the lawn is a mess it’s patchy full of weeds mostly beige after cutting it. Do I need both? It’s bumpy/spongy in some areas before I watch a million videos which of these two do I need? Sorry to bother you at this time in the evening
@@yourlotusflower4414 hi I'd say the lawn rake for now, but potentially you may not need to yet, might just getaway with regular mowing and tackle it in spring. Depends when it was mowed before you move in.. Regular mowing soon turns a lawn around 😊😊
@@LawnRight hi thank you for your advice, I will leave it until spring then, I’m just longing for luscious fluffy grass. I’m sure your videos will be helpful until u get stuck in next year :)
I cut it down when I first moved in it was calf length, it hasn’t really been growing so I literally maybe did it 3 times since June and that was it.
I really appreciate you taking the Tom to reply to me :)
i bought a 2 in one scarifier and aerator from Lidl, but my issue is the level setting on the scarifier is too low and it takes out the weak grasses. do i need to reseed every time i scarify now?
HI.. Ive not used that scarifier before but a lot of people sya how good it is.. I found a user manual that explains how you can adjust the height settings (Im assuming its the same scarifier?) www.manualslib.com/manual/2822872/Aldi-Ferrex-F-Evl-1536-1-Uk.html?page=20#manual - have a look at that, or perhaps if yours came with a manual it may be easier to read printed out. So in asnwer to your question.. as long as there is plnety of grass in and amongst the bits youve scarified, it should recover (be sure to water regularly) in about 6 weeks.. this is normal.. it thins out and looks awful for a few weeks... but when youve done the big and dirty initial scarifiy (and yes you can reseed thin or bare spots), if you then go over on a lighter setting twice a year spring and uatumn itll recover far quicker and not look quite as bad
@@LawnRight this is really helpful, I've had a look and adjusted the settings not much difference, it's still cutting up into the soil. I'll just have to overseed it again
Should the thatch be moved into a composting pile, if one also has something high in nitrogen?
Hi yes absolutely
Question/ help: just starting out but a client wants a 400sqm lawn scarified, is there a going rate per a sqm?
Hi Im not sure exactly but you'll need to get a feel for how long it's going to take, and factor in you may need to double scarify, and then theres waste to take away. 400 sq metres is a fair size and could take anywhere from half a day to a day. Most companies set their own rates based on their needs, I'd they have staff,unit etc to cover..to try and gauge a rough hourly turnover rate to be profitable.
Very interesting and informative
Thanks John
Where can you buy replacement scarifying blades for the rl540?
I used mowwithus.com and paid £68
What company do you use for your grass seed?
Hi hurrels seeds for my customers.. using generic seeds off amazon on my own lawn this year
Please see my video called lawn care shopping list to see the ones I'm using
@@LawnRight Thanks for the reply, I’m new to this but really want a nice lawn. The lawn Ive got is only 5x6m. Last year I went through boxes of seed, it grew, but didn’t persist. Still getting patches. I swear I used enough seed to reseed a football stadium. I’m just wondering if it could be the heavy clay soil? If so, how do I deal with that?
@@sprre3899 yes if it gets wet a lot itll hinder things.. fork deeply or buy a long drill bit or auger drill bit and drill deep holes without hitting any pipes and fill with compost and soil 😊 theres a couple of clay videos on my channel will help
I'm in Florida. Can I do this on my St Augustine lawn?
Hi Robbie yes you can.. just make sure that the grass is actively growing (not in winter dormancy).. cut/mow it short before you start and take it noce and steady, thanks
Brilliant mate 🤙
Thanks
Do you ever use the other attachment that comes with the scarifier
Hi.. with this machine it's just a fixed unit and doesnt have interchangeable blades
@@LawnRight reading other replies later on it suggested you would only use a spring tine setup for a gentler rake out which is what my thoughts were and how I approached my lawn this year with my Stihl battery version. Thanks.
@@TerryJamesCole ahh sorry! I thought you were referring to my own machine (I had only just woken up 😴).. yes.. softer spring tines can in fact do a full scarify but just take more passes as they ate indeed gentler
@@LawnRight I was to begin Shaun, I just assumed yours would come with the option to switch cassette
I have a scarifier which has a tines cartridge and a blades cartridge. Which one should I be using?
Hi sometimes manufacturers refer to each a little differently.. so of small metal spokes like take.. that's a lawn raker. Essentially a gentler raking of the grass. The blade could be a scarifying blade whi h is generally more aggressive.
If unsure go for the less aggressive version. If you k lw the model and make I may be able to help decipher
@@LawnRight It was a cheap one from ScrewFix. I think it's the WR6002-1500.
@@HirenDShah yeah the raker.. the less aggressive is the one with small spindly tines you can go over multiple times with that and cause less damage but it needs more times to be done.. the blade is quicker, more aggressive but more likely to take out grass with it unless you go very steady starting on a high setting 😊👍🌞
How do you get rid of poa Anna?
Either dig it out or put roundup on it then pullit out.. Fresh soil and seed or turf.. Hard to kill and can come back
How do you pick up the thatch ?
Hi, I often use industrial leaf grabbers to pick it up
Excelente!! muy buena información
😊👍
Very useful thanks nice video
Thank you so much! 😊👍🙏
I think you need a detacher as opposed to scarifier. Unless you’re planning to overseed I wouldn’t recommend a scarifier on a lawn as short as yours.
Hi yeah this customer was planning to use a seed machine to place seeds in the soil directly and wanted a heavy scarifying
Great video and what a job to take on first one of the year 😂 what is the difference between scarifying your lawn and rakeing as I have bought one of these little devices off Amazon but has two attachments unsure what to use and when. UK👍🏻
Hi sometimes manufacturers refer to each a little differently.. so of small metal spokes like take.. that's a lawn raker. Essentially a gentler raking of the grass. The blade could be a scarifying blade whi h is generally more aggressive.
If unsure go for the less aggressive version. If you know the model and make I may be able to help decipher
@@LawnRight many thanks for this really appreciate, it's called a vonhaus 2 in 1 .
Bet the fun part was removing piles of thatch.
Daft question but how do you get rid of 16 builders bags of moss.
Any farms near you that recycle green waste? Thats what I use
Subscribed!!
Thanks!
The way you have secured the flap where the bag goes by holding it up with a bungee strap to that height is very dangerous as I tried that and found out the hard way it is dangerous. 😢
most of the time its only raised a little way up (my bad on that one)
Just subscribed 🤝👍
Thank you! 🙏
@@LawnRight one question what was the cut height of your own lawn the one in the winter months video please
@@stevenbuckley1416 maybe 50mm