Dethatcher

Scarification or de-thatching of lawns or turf is a mechanical process whereby the surface and subsurface of the lawn, green or sports pitch is rigorously abraded by penetrating metal blades, tines or prongs.

The process is usually carried out by machines of a professional standard which are normally powered by gasoline engines.

Removing the thatch helps the grass by encouraging it to thicken up and also makes it stronger and less susceptible to disease.

Significant thatch problems in lawns can cause diseases and can encourage moss to grow in the areas where grass has died.

A by-product of scarifying or de-thatching is that moss is also removed, and depending on how deep the scarifying blades are set, root cutting can also occur, and this in turn helps grass to thicken up over time.