Scarifying your lawn in late summer, before autumn arrives, is a crucial task for achieving lusher, healthier grass in the coming months, according to lawn care expert Jonathan Davis at Lawnsmith.
With September bringing cooler temperatures, Davis recommends tackling this task before August ends. "Scarifying might sound drastic, but it's actually one of the most beneficial things you can do for your lawn at this time of year," he said. "By removing thatch and surface moss, you allow the grass to breathe, absorb nutrients, and grow back stronger."
Why late summer is ideal
While scarifying is commonly associated with spring, Davis insists late summer presents a perfect opportunity. "The soil is still warm, which helps the lawn recover more quickly," he explained. "You've also got enough growing weeks left in the season to encourage new grass to fill in any bare patches created by the process."
Scarifying involves stripping away dead thatch, the brown layer beneath green grass blades, using a rake or scarifying machine. Experts at Gardeners' World note that the lawn may appear "unsightly" initially, but a vibrant, green lawn will soon emerge.
Benefits for winter and beyond
A lawn heavily laden with thatch can retain moisture and prevent air from penetrating the soil. Davis said: "Scarifying opens up the surface, improving airflow and drainage. That reduces the risk of moss buildup over winter and creates better conditions for healthy root development."
For those planning to overseed in autumn, scarifying beforehand improves seed-to-soil contact, essential for good germination. Without that contact, seed struggles to establish.
Though effects may not be immediate, Davis added: "It's not just about what your lawn looks like in a week or two. It's about building a lawn that's thick, healthy, and resistant to disease, weeds, and moss going forward."
