Lawn Scarification
Question:
I have a Santa Anna couch that I maintain. I usually do the cutback and aeration myself during spring, but I was curious how the lawn would come up after scarifying?
Answer:
Yes, scarification would definitely be a great idea for Santa Ana couch. It is very beneficial to the health of the lawn compared to just scalping down.
Scarification removes thatch which allows for air, water and nutrients to reach the root system more effectively. This promotes healthy growth, aids drainage and reduces the chances of pest infestations and fungal diseases.
In a domestic situation, where you are not confined by sports and schedules, I would look to scarify in November, December or January when recovery will be at its quickest. When soil temperatures are lower, recovery can take longer, especially if we have a cooler spring.
For the size of your lawn, I would probably hire a scarifier from Kennards and do it yourself.