Lawns: Raking and Brushing

A rake should be used in spring to remove leaves and twigs/branches etc. from the winter season. This breaks up thatch and lifts weed stems and leaves for when the lawn is cut. Less essentially, used in late spring and summer to lift grass clippings. It is not essential here if the lawn is reasonably free from debris. Do not rake too vigorously. Brushing at this point could be a less invasive option. Raking is autumn is basically an alternative to brushing or scarifying in order to remove leaves and break up thatch. If there are large areas of thatch then scarifying is a better option at this point.

Brushing in spring is mainly used to remove dew and raindrops from the lawn and to spread worm casts before you mow. Brushing in late spring and summer holds much the same purpose, but also lifts leaves and weed stems prior to cutting and is less invasive to the lawn than raking at this time in the year. Brushing in winter is basically used to remove dead leaves and other debris. If is essential that a layer of leaves are not left on the lawn over winter.

Scarifying is not recommended in spring as it will damage the shoots preventing side shoots forming. Scarifying in late spring and summer can be used as a moss-removal tool but never scarify the whole lawn at these times of year. Early September is the best time to scarify. At this time of year it can be used to remove debris and thick thatch from the lawn. If you have a problem with moss, use a moss killer a couple of weeks prior to scarifying, and if a large amount of thatch is removed, then it might be a plan to use grass seed where the areas are now bare. 

Lawn Care:
 Jobs to do
 Equipment
 Mowing
 When do I cut my grass?
 Top dressing
 Feeding
 Watering
 Trimming
 Raking and brushing
 Aerating 
 Liming and Rolling

Lawn Problems:
 Pests
 Diseases
 Weeds
 Brown patches
 Repairs