Scarifying

NOVEMBER - THATCH CONTROL TIME

All running grasses (warm season) develop over a duration of time a mixture of both dead, decaying roots and shoot tissue which is called thatch. A small amount of this substance is good for the turf as it will encourage the earth worms to break it down and in turn they will form tunnels as they work which will help water to soak deeper into the ground bringing your applications of lawn fertiliser with it.

Accumulation of thatch will reach a point to obstruct water, air and fertilizer, it is then time to take corrective measures.

November is a perfect month to cut warm season lawns down hard, either with a lawn mower or a scarifying machine. Warm season lawns are Couch's, Buffalo and Kikuya,etc. This will remove any dead thatch that has built up or sponginess in the lawn and allow moisture and fertiliser's down into the roots where it can do the most good.

Ovals Scarifying

After cutting the lawn down hard (or scarifying), it is then a perfect time to lightly top dress with a sandy loam any low areas at approximately half an inch in depth. Fertilise the lawn prior to top dressing.