Scarification is using a machine to remove moss and thatch from your lawn. The machine scores your soil and pulls out any unwanted moss, thatch and weeds.

When moss and thatch get too thick it can prevent important elements such as water from getting the roots of your grass which prevents it from growing. In our case, we had an extremely spongy lawn as a result of all the moss that had built up and this was causing water to sit on the surface.

Scarifying the lawn keeps moss and thatch to a minimum and stimulates lawn growth to keep your grass healthy.

Preparation 

You can pick up a scarifier for a reasonable price or you can hire these from most tool hire companies. I always like to cut the grass prior to scarifying and it is best to do this when the lawn is dry to prevent grass from being ripped up.

Process

It is as easy as walking up and down your grass with your scarifier as you would do when cutting the grass. It’s important not to stay in once place too long or your turf could be damaged and it is always handy to do this in different directions to ensure you have a good coverage. As you can see below the moss and thatch will be pulled out and left on the surface.

Most scarifiers have a grass catcher to collect the moss but I find that I can only do one line before it’s full and for me it is easier to give the grass a good rake after scarifying instead.

Aftercare 

Once you have scarified your grass you can seed any bald spots and use a good fertiliser to help it recover quicker.

Don’t forget to regularly water your lawn as this will ensure it recovers and grows back quickly. I find using a sprinkler is the best way to do this and wouldn’t be without our Hozelock sprinkler.

I started my Instagram page @our.yorkshire.home to document the build of our home almost 4 years ago. My followers will tell you that our two dogs are the star of our Instagram account. I am also an avid DIY’er who loves to add storage solutions wherever I can, because who doesn’t need more storage!

I have loved gardening from a young age and I remember gardening with my parents and grandparents as a child. My first home was a small back to back terrace with a tiny garden, I couldn’t wait to move to somewhere with a bigger garden so I could attempt to make it look as beautiful as my parents. Having 2 dogs who love being in the garden means I spend most of my summer outside – plant watering time is our boxers favourite time of day! Over the last few years, I have learnt so much about gardening and have bought a little greenhouse where I have been growing flowers, fruit and veg from seed. I can’t even tell you how proud I am when I see a little shoot coming through!

We always said we wouldn’t move from our home but we’ve recently had an offer accepted on a house (with a bigger garden and a big greenhouse!) and we will hopefully soon be moving. Our summer plans will be to have a big tidy up in the garden and to bring some life back to the boarders. It has clearly been a well-loved garden but as the house has been empty for quite a while, it has become a little neglected. I absolutely can’t wait to get started on it and to share the progress on Instagram!