[dfgarden]

All,

I'm new to this forum and here is my first question.

I have alot of moss on the lawn 1/3 acres in size. I have applied Feed and weed with sulphate of iron in the last few days.

I want to use a scarifier that I got recently with a new rideon lawnmower.

Its at this link.
http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/landowner/accessories/product-accessories/tractor-accessories/scarifier/

The things I wonder are.

Will a scarifier help erradicate the moss.
What time of the year or when should I use the scarifier.
Is weight on the unit essential to sink the spikes down..
Is it as effective as an aerator.

[Michael196]

Hi

Husqvarna are a little confused, they have called an aerator a scarifier. the tool that you highlighted will increase aeration of the soil.

to remove dead moss, use this:

http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/landowner/accessories/product-accessories/tractor-accessories/moss-rake/

[jashar99]

If you have a push lawnmower you can but a scarifying blade for it. it has2 prongs on a blunt blade. It is phenomenol for clearing moss and thatch. It only cost me E20 last year and is the best bit of equipment i got. You can adjust the height with the wheels, it might be as option as it is just usually once a year job. There is a great clip on the video projects section of the gardeners world website

[dfgarden]

What will the aerator do ?

Someone told me that the moss and poor grass growth in patches would be helped by forking the ground. Would the aerator suffice. Is there specific times of the year to do this or is it OK anytime. Wet or dry, spring summer or autumn.

[jashar99]

The aerator will definetly benefit the grass but, the scarifier will remove dead grass and moss which both inhibit grass growth, the aerator will improve drainage are allow air to get to the grass. I scarified my lawns with the blade attachment i mentioned earlier. you can fork the area to get 6 inch holes, as i did and then scattered sand and then brushed it in with a yeard brush which worked brilliantly, then scattered seed with compost. and will hopefuly have a rejuvinated lawn shortly

[dfgarden]

Thanks for that.

I will try the rideon attached one as mentioned above. Can I do this now or is there a right time in the year to aerate the lawn. Also is it best to add weight on the aerator to ensure that the spikes go down far enough.

D

[jashar99]

I have no experience with the ride on aerators/scarifiers, now is a good time to attack the lawn and hopefully enjoy in the the coming weeks. It would be no harm to look on bokk BBC Garden Section and BBC Gardeners World Website for more information (2 seperate websites) along with the great stuff on here of course, in terms of adding weight, that might be a trial and error for you to report back on, kind regards, jashar99.
PS , i cannot get Dermot O'Neill out of my head everytime i see Husqvarna written