Scarification

Over the course of a year, dead roots, grass clippings, leaves and other organic matter all increase the layer of thatch which forms at the base of the grass stems.

As this mat increases in density, it prevents important nutrients, as well as water and air, from reaching the root zone. It also provides a perfect environment for moss to flourish.

To treat moss, GreenThumb addresses the cause of the moss, and to this end will remove the surface thatch on which the moss is growing.

Scarification is the mechanical process of removing surface thatch from a lawn. It should not be confused with lawn raking using either a spring tine rake or an electric machine with hook line tines.

Rakes and domestic machines are relatively good at removing dead moss, but they have little or no effect on surface thatch.

You can find out more about scarification using our Rule of Thumb Guide to Scarification (PDF format).