A machine is used which is fitted with blades that cut vertically into the lawn just touching the soil thereby leaving grooves in the soil. These blades then remove the thatch and leave behind the grass in the lawn, the thatch is then disposed of. 

A mower is often used after the lawn is scarified to hoover up any remaining thatch that may not have been raked away leaving a tidy finish.

How often should a lawn be scarified?

The frequency of scarifying your lawn depends on several factors, but generally it's recommended to scarify annually. Some factors that are taken into account are:

• Lawn Type: Lawns that produce alot of thatch, like some fescue grasses, may need scarifying annually. However varieties of grasses such as a lawn that is all rye grass will not produce any thatch.

• Thatch Level: If your lawn has a thick thatch layer (usually exceeding half an inch), it likely needs scarifying. An analysis can be carried out to see the thatch level.

• Lawn Health: Lawns with moss problems or poor drainage often benefit from scarifying to improve air circulation and water penetration.

• Time of year: Scarifying in spring (around April-May) is ideal as the grass is actively growing and recovers quickly. Late August-September is also a good option.