Lawn aeration, verticutting and scarification

Lawn aeration, verticutting and overseeding

The secret to a beautiful, healthy lawn lies in the soil: a dense grass cover can be achieved by improving the access of air, nutrients and moisture to the roots. Lawns suffer particularly after winter, so it is no surprise that spring brings yellow, dried grass blades and a lawn struggling to recover its vibrant green colour. To restore healthy growth around your home, the following treatments are needed: scarification, also called verticutting, and aeration. Keeping a lawn dense and consistently green takes considerable time and effort. We offer several levels of service:

• lawn aeration, or verticutting
• grass collection and removal
• application of mineral fertilisers
• grass overseeding and lawn improvement.

Lawn scarification, or verticutting, is often confused with aeration

Aeration and verticutting are two different treatments. Verticutting combs through the lawn and lightly loosens the soil surface. Read more about this service below. The work is carried out with a special machine, a scarifier, and in Latvia the treatment is often called lawn verticutting. Aeration, by contrast, ventilates the lawn by cutting or hollowing out holes of various depths, shapes and sizes. It is one of the basic lawn-care tasks, performed in spring and, in some cases, autumn. Special machines called aerators are used. If a lawn is established on clay or sandy soil, or in a shaded area, aeration will certainly be necessary. There are shallow and deep aeration methods; deep aeration is only carried out on grass that has been established for several years.

Lawn verticutting

Verticutting, or scarification, effectively removes the old lawn layer that forms from mowing and accumulated organic debris. This creates a fibrous layer, or thatch, which restricts and blocks water, air and fertiliser from entering the soil, weakening healthy grass growth. Verticutting removes thatch — plant fibres, moss, old roots and other organic debris — so the lawn can absorb oxygen, moisture and fertiliser more effectively. Afterwards, the grass cover becomes more resistant to drought, disease and foot traffic. Scarification makes the lawn denser, more attractive and much healthier, strengthens its root system and improves grass growth. After verticutting, we offer collection of the old grass, overseeding and application of a seasonally appropriate mineral fertiliser mixture. ! The customer must mark the locations of irrigation hydrants and the wires for electronic dog fences and robotic lawnmowers.

Lawn aeration

In good growing conditions, a lawn continually thickens, eventually making the root system too dense. The roots struggle to absorb enough air and water and lose their ability to take up nutrients effectively. Mowing, watering and fertilising alone are not enough for a beautiful lawn. Aeration is needed to improve the access of air, water and fertiliser to the roots. With more air available, the recovering lawn will be healthier. Timely aeration using professional equipment allows you to enjoy a healthy, vibrant lawn for almost the entire year, until snow arrives. Spring or autumn is the best time for aeration. After spring aeration, apply a compound fertiliser containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, and water generously. An aerated lawn suffers less scorching during hot, dry summers and stays healthy even after prolonged drought. Shallow aeration also lightly combs the grass, much like verticutting, while deep aeration can prevent puddles from forming, depending on soil type. If aeration is performed correctly and the lawn is watered regularly afterwards, it should look noticeably healthier and greener within approximately 10 days and fully regain a healthy, attractive appearance after 4-6 weeks. Water thoroughly after aeration and avoid excessive use: it is best not to walk on it too much for a week, so the newly created holes are not closed and air, nutrients and water can reach the roots more easily. In addition to aeration, we offer collection of the resulting organic debris and overseeding where the lawn has become thin or weakened for various reasons. ! The customer must mark the locations of irrigation hydrants and the wires for electronic dog fences and robotic lawnmowers.

How often should a lawn be verticut and aerated?

Verticutting is recommended once every one or two years, preferably in spring. If the lawn is cut with a mower and the clippings are collected, verticutting is needed less often. However, if a robot mows the lawn, or the clippings are mulched and left in place, verticutting should be carried out annually. Aeration should be performed once every one to four years, in spring or autumn. The best time is when the ground is neither completely dry nor excessively wet and muddy. If the soil is very dry, water it thoroughly the day before aeration.

Lawn overseeding, improvement and repair

Overseeding an existing lawn is an important part of lawn care. Every lawn is affected by its growing environment, intensity of use, underlying soil, topsoil depth and general weather conditions. Overseeding can fill damaged and bare patches, improve thin and sparse grass cover, and restore scorched or heavily walked areas, giving the lawn a healthier, fuller appearance. It also improves colour intensity while reducing weed and moss invasion. Where needed, overseeding includes adding a layer of healthy topsoil using specialist equipment.

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Book a service or ask a question

To receive an approximate quote or book a service, complete the enquiry form. Please describe the work in as much detail as possible. We may ask you to send photographs or visit the site to assess the work.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens to the raked-out grass and other organic waste?

We can place them where you specify or arrange waste removal.

Should the lawn be mown before aeration or verticutting?

Yes, this makes the treatment more effective.

How soon after verticutting or aeration can the lawn be mown?

No earlier than one week after the work, as the grass needs time to recover.

Could the irrigation system, electronic dog fence or robotic lawnmower be damaged?

Yes. The customer must carefully mark the locations of hydrants and wires!

Does the lawn need overseeding after aeration or verticutting?

We assess this on site and agree it separately.

Does laid turf need verticutting or aeration?

This is not necessary in the first two years, but may be needed in the third season.

Does aeration or verticutting help control weeds?

Yes. After the treatment and with regular mowing, there will be significantly fewer weeds, or they will disappear altogether.