PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE Scarification If the formation of thatch in the lawn is already too far advanced, scarification is the answer. The primary goal is to remove the existing thatch layer or to reduce it. At the same time, however, scarification will also improve the composition of the grass, since it damages, in particular, broad-leaved weeds and shallowrooted grasses such as annual meadow grass, and grasses with offshoots are encouraged through the stimulation of the side shoot formation. The lawn should be dry before scarification and cut to around 2-3 cm to ensure that the scarification blades really penetrate down into the thatch layer and cut it. Important are: narrow blade spacing, fast rotating blades that are as sharp as possible to ensure that they cut rather than just tear, and a machine that is heavy enough to generate enough pressure. This will optimally allow 5-15 mm deep furrows to be cut into even surfaces at a distance of 2-3 cm apart. The soil below the thatch layer should be only lightly scarified. More than 1 kg/m2 of material to be removed can be cut out in the successful scarification of thick layers of thatch. Generally speaking, scarification one a year will suffice. The best time of year for doing this is spring and late summer. Re-seeding is particularly effective after scarification. Sanding Sanding is a complementary measure for lawns that suffer much wear and tear or are compacted, as well as for ground with a high proportion of fine soil. The sand improves aeration and thus allows for increased drainage. Thatch will not have the chance to form in well-aerated and biologically active substances. All conditions that promote the mineralisation of the organic substance help prevent the formation of a thatched layer. Sanding required around 2-3 kg/m2; for a thatch layer of more than 1 cm in thickness, the lawn will need sanding several times. A processing known as topdressing has proven its worth in sand-rich lawns, for example DIN sports fields or golf greens. Topdressing material is not pure sand, but has unspecified amounts of peat, compost, fine soil and, in many cases, lime and fertiliser added to it. When using organic materials it must be ensured that they are free from pests, diseases and the seeds of unwanted plants; a prophylactic decontamination is beneficial. Topdressing can improve both the soil structure and the supply of nutrients at the same time and level out any uneven surfaces. It is also a nifty way of re-seeding, when the grass seeds are mixed in too. Re-seeding Damage to lawn plants can be caused by neglect or inappropriate care but can also occur due a number of other reasons: • too heavy wear and tear • Stress in wet conditions • natural wear • deliberate destruction The first measure will be an extremely low cut and the removal of the clippings. This will limit the competitive power of the existing grass. To ensure soil contact for the seeds as a pre-requisite for germination, the soil should be opened up, e.g. by means of sharp scarification. Now the soil is re-seeded, e.g. with Kiepenkerl Majestic Aktiv or Regeneration Mixture. With a seed mix, care must be taken in particular to ensure that the individual work steps are carried out in quick succession, i.e. short mowing, scarification and sowing as quickly as possible after each other, in order to take advantage of the optimal conditions that have just been created. With re-seeding too, rolling can be very beneficial, but may be made difficult due to the clump-like old growth. In cases where speed is of the essence, ready-made turf is the best option. However, holes in a lawn are normally filled in through re-seeding. Aeration Aeration is when 7-16 cm-deep holes are pricked into the lawn. This maintenance measure is carried out to combat compaction, matting and in the case of insufficient ventilation of the soil. Aeration is most beneficial during the lawn’s main growth period, or several times a year on grass that is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Slightly moist soil will produce the best results. Slice aeration Slice aeration is carried out using triangular blades that penetrate into soil to a depth of 75-100 mm and leave behind slits of 10-20 cm in length and 3-5 mm in breadth. Slice aeration machines are used at the beginning of the main growth period and in autumn at the end of the vegetation period, and are suitable for most types of lawn. 63 SERVICE
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