Lawn scarifiers

I haul rather than push my scarifier. Physically easier and a better scarify.

I leave the collector off and, later, use a blower to drift the scarified moss - then load it into a cart and dispose.

PA

I used to have a Qualcast electric scarifier, which filled the collecting bin very quickly and needed emptying every ten yards or so. So I didn't use the bin, simply let the moss etc lie on the surface, but then I would go over the lawn again with the mower, which had a larger collecting bin.

I imagine scarifying by hand would be hard work, especially if it's to be effective, and you still have to collect the moss etc.

I use 'weed and feed' which kills the moss and promotes the grass. No need to scarify at all.

Hmm, not a bad idea. Will try that.

Tim

Kills the worms too, which you need to prevent moss in the first place

? I don't think so on either score

I have used one, given to me by a neighbor.

The angle of the handle determines the depth of the scrape. Tie a strap to the handle that goes around your wrist, so that you can just pull, and not have to grip as well. It's good for small areas, depressions, bumps, around isolated stepping stones, etc. where you want to adjust and work with more finesse than an electric one. I have sharpened the blades with an angle grinder to make it cut more easily -- it tends to rip plants and soil out of the ground.

Other than that, note this:

My manual rake gathers dust, and my suggestion is to avoid the manual rake like the plague. Get a different electric one; cheap enough used on ebay/classifieds, cost possibly offset by selling yours.

Thomas Prufer

I've not heard of ferrous sulphate being particularly harmful for Worms. However, Worms do aerate and improve the soil drainage which discourages Moss.

I have a collector. Cut the lawn really short with the mower first. Empty the collector regularly into a wheel-barrow.

I used to that. But over the years, decades?, the lawn formed a thatch top layer. The grass grew in the top layer, which would separate from the ground, like a carpet.

The lawn also became very bumpy, due to ant hills. Yearly scarifying seems to tackle both problems. I also sieve soil on top, (maybe called dressing?).

I do sometimes use weed and moss killer, but not fertilizer. Fertilizer just means I have to mow more often.

You took the words right outta my mouth TNP :-D

John