The 10 best lawn scarifiers to keep your grass healthy

If left indefinitely, grass can quickly become clogged with weeds, moss and organic matter known as ‘thatch’ left from fallen leaves and dead shoots. Here are the best lawn scarifiers you can buy to remove them effectively and keep your grass healthy.

By Alice Tuffery

Published: Thursday, 16 February 2023 at 12:00 am

When thatch begins to develop beneath the grass level, it can be hard for a lawn to collect the nutrients it needs. The result? A patchy and unhealthy garden, with areas of moss and weeds.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution. Experts suggest we scarify our lawns to remove unwanted matter every few weeks – but failing that, a thorough session in April and September should do the trick.

Scarifiers use metal tines to drag up organic matter lurking in the grass – and some come with aerators to help get oxygen into the soil afterwards. You can use a manual tool or rake to get the job done, but an electric scarifier should make it easier – especially in large gardens.

Tip: If you use a scarifier without a collection box, go over your work with a non-mulching lawnmower. It’ll pick up all the debris left on the ground and trim any straggly remains. Once you’re done, you may want to sprinkle some grass seed in any patchy areas to encourage new growth.

Here’s our selection of lawn lawn aerators to buy