Scarification, like punching, is a task that is done to eliminate the accumulation of organic matter in the soil. One of the symptoms is the appearance of waterlogging, moss…
How does this felt originate?
Trampling through the same places, always passing with the mower’s wheels through the same “orders” end up compacting the soil, this added to the cut grass that remains on the ground between the plants that form the meadow generates a lack of aeration, which affects the decomposing organisms of the organic matter of the soil, therefore by reducing the activity of these living beings, the decomposition of this organism is slowed down, a larger layer accumulating, preventing the aeration of the soil … a circle Vicious, which generates a layer like a “carpet” of semi-composed herbs, a continuous felt.
In the end, the moss gains ground, and the grass is losing its appearance of the dense carpet.
What do I do to eliminate it?
To eliminate this felt of organic matter we need to air the ground, the options can be punching or scarifying the soil. Both techniques consist of making holes or “scratching” respectively the first cm of the ground to promote this lost aeration.
Focusing on the scarified we seek to crack the first 2-3 cm of the soil, removing much of that plant matter that blocks the passage of air and stimulating root growth.
In the first 10-20 cm of the soil we find the vast majority of prairie roots, so by cracking we “break” part of them and stimulate the emission of new rootlets.
The optimum root growth occurs with mild temperatures, such as autumn or spring.
Whenever it is done, it should be mowed under the grass without damaging the crown of the plants and after that and with the soil very dry, pass the scarifier, better than a two-pass pass to eliminate, as much as possible felt and moss, and leave the meadow airy.
For this work, a motor scarifier is usually used, consisting of a series of blades that literally cut grass and soil and bring to light all those leaves and plant debris that accumulates after the harvesting seasons.
After the pass of the scarifier the remains are collected (do not be scared by the amount or the aspect in which the grass is left) and just afterward the ideal would be to provide sand to cover the “scars” on the ground.
Once done we will keep without stepping on a few weeks so that it does not compact early and we will see how the grass recovers much of the lost splendor.
Never, I emphasize never perform with intense heat or intense cold because the plants that make up our lawn with the roots cut and exposed to the elements can not only worsen but also perish.
The comment that avoiding passes through the same sites when mowing, trampling in certain areas, collecting organic matter well, favoring this aeration of the soil … helps to avoid felt or slow down its appearance.
