Verticutting, or vertical mowing, removes thatch buildup in the lawn so turf can breathe easy, better absorb nutrients, and soak in much-needed moisture. Thatch is a layer of dead stems and roots that forms between the grass and soil. It isn’t all bad.

What is the difference between scarifying and Verticutting?

Verticutting also called vertical mowing is a refinement of scarifying, in that it is less aggressive. The blades are finer and are not designed to penetrate as deep as those on a scarifier. Verticutters have more blades (than a scarifier), with the spacings being closer together to leave a finer finish on the lawn.

What is the difference between Verticutting and dethatching?

The primary difference is that the verticut is just going to lightly tickle the soil down below, while dethatching will aggressively dig into the root system and pull out thatch.

How often should I Verticut?

You can use the cartridge every two to four weeks or so from April to September to keep on top of thatch and lateral lying grasses. Start with the cartridge on setting four and gradually lower- the cartridge should not be penetrating the soil as it will damage your blades.

Is it better to Verticut or aerate?

Core aeration is great for the lawn as it breaks up compaction and helps control thatch. It is not the best practice for seeding. If your main focus is to overseed then verticut as it provides for the best and most even seed bed. Core aeration can be used but verticutting is preferred.

Should I Verticut my lawn?

Verticutting helps remove the layer of thatch that naturally builds up from mowing and leaf litter. Because it is more aggressive, it is recommended for lawns that are in need of more serious repair or for replacing a lawn altogether.

Can you use a scarifier to Verticut?

WARNING: This is perhaps the easiest way the ruin your lawn. Do NOT allow the blades to contact the soil. If your lawn is bumpy these will need to be resolved before verticutting. Good quality professional scarifiers have interchangeable reels enabling brushing, verticutting, raking and scarifying with the one machine.

Can you Verticut in the spring?

We recommend verticutting services for your lawn once a year in the spring or summer, to remove thatch before the growing season.

How deep should you Verticut?

Few general rules:
Verticutting should be done during active growing season – the best time in Spring is just after the first cut.The depth depends on the condition of your lawn, but it is important that verticutter leaves grooves at a depth of 0.5cm to 1cm.

What should I do after Verticutting?

After you have finished using the Verticutter, it is time to clear out the rests of thatch from the lawn. The thatch will have been pulled to the surface and is easy to pick up and throw away. The easiest way to do so is to use a rake, pushing the debris onto a tarp.

What is a Verticut mower?

A verticutter, also known as a dethatcher or vertical mower, is a handy dethatching machine equipped with vertically-oriented blades. As the operator pushes the verticutter across the lawn (similar to a lawn mower), the tool’s blades slice into the thatch and raise it to the surface for bagging and removal.

Do you seed before or after Verticutting?

Timing: The verticutter is used after seed is applied. Method: Seed is applied to the entire lawn. Then the verticutter machine is run over the yard creating tiny rows with a slicing motion (rather than a punching motion of the aerator), essentially “cutting” the seed into the soil.

Can you Verticut and aerate?

By verticutting, seeding, then core aerating, the need for raking is eliminated. Through the combined benefits of verticutting and core aeration, we are able to redistribute the debris back over the lawn.

Does aerating also Dethatch?

They both serve to help key nutrients like fertilizer, water or oxygen reach your lawn’s root zone so that your grass can continue to grow and thrive. However, aeration results in the breakdown of compacted soil whereas dethatching removes layers of thatch, or dead grass and other debris, from the top of the soil.