We scarify from mid September through to late February. That’s when the lawn’s actively growing, so it recovers quick once the thatch is out.

What scarifying does

Over time a layer of dead grass and runners builds up under the lawn, called thatch. It stops water, air and fertiliser getting down to the roots. Scarifying cuts down through the crown level and pulls that layer out. A mower on a low setting (scalping) can’t get through the crown, so it doesn’t do the same job.

Signs your lawn needs it

• It feels spongy underfoot
• It scalps easy when it’s mowed
• Water sits on top or runs off instead of soaking in
• It’s going brown or patchy even though you’re watering it
• It’s been a few years since it was last done

Why the timing matters

If you scarify too early, the lawn hasn’t woken up yet and sits bare for weeks. Too late and it’s going into the cooler months without enough growth to fill back in. Spring to summer gives it the best run.