To properly care for your lawn, you need to work with the best products and that’s why we have looked at getting this article together. So what is the best scarifier and raker for your lawn? A lawn scarifier is a tool used in the garden that is made to cut through dead grass on soil,. It can be used to remove dead moss and other debris like grass cuttings.
We have a list of the best lawn scarifiers to use on your lawn for the best results.
Our Top Recommendations
- Bosch AVR Electric Lawn Raker
- Einhell Petrol Scarifier/Aerator
- Black and Decker GD300 Lawn Raker
- Einhell GE-SC Power X-Change Cordless Lawn Scarifier
- Gardena Hand-Powered Lawn Scarifier
- VonHaus 2 in 1 Electric Lawn Scarifier and Aerator
Reviews
Bosch AVR Electric Lawn Raker
Features
- Versatile scarifier
- Features an efficient jet collection system
- Large 50 litre capacity box
If you want the best lawn scarifier in the market, you can’t go wrong with the Bosch AVR Electric Lawn Raker. It’s the best, powerful product you can find in the market today. This device comes with a motor with 1100 1watt power, including the ability to increase its torque when faced with complex work.
This scarifier works with a drum system and has height settings in the range of -5mm to +10mm. With a cutting width of 32cm and 10 strong steel blades, this machine performs difficult tasks easily and you wouldn’t have to spend so much time in the garden. Also, it has a large 50 liter capacity box which reduces the frequency of emptying and that’s a good thing for lots of persons.
The Bosch AVR product weights 11.8 kg. You can move this device around your garden comfortable regardless of whether it has a flat surface or not. In addition, it has an ergonomic handle which allows you to control the machine and you can stack the collection box.
If you want a scarifier with all the best features, you best invest in this product and have a swell time each time you use it.
Features
- 212cc petrol motor
- 45 litre bag capacity
- Working width of 40cm
If you’re in search of a powerful 4 stroke engine Petrol Scarifier, the Einhell petrol scarifier is one of the best products you can go for. Its 53.2 cc engine will make light work or scarifying.
The device features two cartridges and the catch bag has a volume of 28 litres.
The 20 stainless steel blades will rid your lawn of dead foliage and moss while the 17 bladed detaching one helps extract lawn thatch. You also have five height settings within a range of -15mm to +5mm. To set up height, simply turn dial located in the front part of the scarifier and choose your preferred height.
It has a cutting width of 40cm and a 45 litre capacity collector which is on the large size. It weighs 39kg so it’s quite heavy as common to petrol machines.
Summarily, this is a nice petrol scarifier to work with. It is suitable for large-sized lawns and will do a great job of getting rid of debris, moss and thatch embedded in your lawn.
It’s a worthy product to invest in.
Black and Decker GD300 Lawn Raker
Features
- Suitable for small gardens
- Lightweight at 7kg
- Offer great value for the price
For the gardens on the smaller or medium size, the Black & Decker GD300 lawn raker is right for you. With a weight of 7kg and motor with sufficient 600-watt power, you will get satisfactory results each time you work with this product.
It’s lightweight so if you don’t enjoy working with tools on the heavy side, you have the option of working with this. You’ll find it far easier to navigate your lawn.
This device features 3 tines rows with 3 different working heights and a raking width of 30cm. The least settings enable you to get rid of dirt and thatch in your lawn, the next controls normal raking while the highest helps you collect grass clippings and leaves.
Also, it has a small-sized detachable collection bag. Some persons will detach the bag and collect at the highest setting when they’re done with raking out thatch.
You have some safety features put in place by the manufacturers which include an automatic switch once you release the handle and cable management to avoid unwanted incidents.
This is a lightweight, affordable product with nice features worth investing in.
Einhell GE-SC Power X-Change Cordless Lawn Scarifier
Features
- Suitable for small to medium lawns
- Has 16 steel blades
The Einhell GE-SC Power Scarifier is a great, durable product you can trust for cleaning up your small or medium sized lawn. With its tough 16 steel blades, this machine with extract weeds and moss right from their roots and ultimately give you a neat looking lawn you’ll be proud of.
It isn’t difficult to work with this aerator, it’s actually comfortable to use although it uses a powerful motor. You have the option of adjusting the handle height to suit yours with the help of the release levers. In addition, you can choose any from three depth settings depending on your needs.
Minimal stress is exerted on your lawn all thanks to its wide wheels as well as its parking position which keeps your blades protected when static.
The Einhell scarifier will give your small and medium-sized garden all the care it deserves.
VonHaus 2 in 1 Electric Lawn Scarifier and Aerator
Features
- Powerful electric scarifier
- Features a dual-purpose drum
- Ideal for mossy lawns
To get work done on a very thatched lawn that’s been abandoned for a while, the VonHaus 2 in 1 electric scarifier is the perfect device for the job. It is a powerful tool suited for complicated tasks.
With an electric motor having a power of 1500 watt, this machine generates enough power needed to deal with extremely messy lawns. For even higher power, you can get the petrol version.
The product features interchangeable rollers that perfectly fit one dual-purpose drum and they can easily be alternated. To do this disconnect from its power source, carefully elevate the grey cover and switch rollers with your Allen key.
You have for working depths with this machine so you can select any depending on what you’d like to get done. From basic scarifying work to complete removal of moss which gives you the opportunity to re-seed. Your aerating roller is responsible for every raking work.
Also, you have a nice adjustable handle to prevent suffering from backaches. With a weight of 8.5kg, it’s relatively lightweight and comfortable to use around the garden.
There’s the large 40 litre capacity for collection and 10-metre cable so you won’t need extension leads.
You want an electric scarifier with great features? This product includes safety features to protect the user from accidents and this includes a thermal mechanism to prevent overheating. Overall, the VonHaus Lawn raker is a decent product to use on your small, medium size garden.
Gardena Hand-Powered Lawn Scarifier
Features
- A large cutting width of 32cm
- Works with Combisytem handles
The Gardena Scarifier machine is an inexpensive, hand-powered product that works well to get rid or moss, thatch and weed within your lawn and keep it looking neat. Its wheels enable it to get into the ground and do a good job.
This product is compatible with all Combisystem handles so you easily fix and work with them. With a large cutting width of 32cm and smooth stainless steel rear, you can get your lawn aerated comfortably.
This product is the most effective hand-powered aerator you’ll find in the market.
Buyers Guide – How to Choose a Scarifier And Raker For Your Lawn
The importance of scarifying your lawn can’t be over-emphasised; it’ll ensure it looks neat and healthy in any season. To get the best results on your lawn, you’ll need to get yourself the perfect scarifier for the job.
There are a few parameters it’ll help to consider before making a choice and the product you go for should be influenced by your lawn. Some lawns may thrive with a very affordable machine that won’t go too deep in the ground while others need one with a deep depth.
Ultimately, get a scarifier that’ll meet your needs. Below we’ll examine features that’ll help you make up your mind.
Working Depth
The range of working depth is an important factor for you to consider. From basic scarifying to more in-depth action, you should know the full capability of a product before shelling out cash to purchase.
Machines with deep teeth will aerate your lawn by puncturing holes and this further oxygenates your grasses. Adjustable heights make working more convenient, so keep an eye out for this feature.
Blades, Claws or Teeth?
For this section, the blades are the toughest option as they are able to do more difficult work compared to the other two.
Working with teeth is also a decent option. A device with more teeth is more powerful than one with less. The material used to make the teeth is also vital, metal teeth is stronger and more durable compared to plastic teeth for instance.
Also, some models also give you the option of replacing teeth. Ensure the product has all the features you need before purchase though.
Ergonomics
While you’re working, the machine may tend to get a bit jumpy especially when you’re clearing up a rough area. Get a tool you can adjust to your height because that’ll make navigating corners and working overall a lot easier. Ergonomic handles will do you a lot of good unless of course, you’re strong enough to control the device amidst all the chaos.
Cutting Width
A large cutting width means you’ll get more work done in less time, isn’t that great? However, this also translates to a weighty machine so choose your preferred quality wisely.
Some persons need something to get all the work done in a jiffy while others won’t mind taking their time to ensure the garden is all cleared up or maybe they just favour a lightweight machine. Either way, the ball is in your court.
Source of Power
Electric Scarifiers
A lot of persons favour electric scarifiers and it’s not hard to see why. They are usually more lightweight while having enough power to care for small and medium-sized gardens. What’s more? You can clear up thatch and moss without difficulty.
In addition, they make very little noise unlike the petrol machines and maintenance is pretty simple. An electric scarifier is perfect for you if scarifying about 2 times a year does the trick for you.
Petrol Scarifiers
Petrol powered machines are often the best option for working on large lawns. They are more powerful so they’ll perform more difficult tasks, including providing sufficient aeration.
When it comes to noise-making, these machines are among the loudest so be prepared. Put on some earplugs to protect your hearing ability. Also, petrol scarifiers require more maintenance.
Hand Scarifier
Manual scarifiers are suitable for those who don’t mind using a bit more elbow grease. They are quiet to use, do not take up much storage space and when it comes to maintenance, you don’t need to do more than scrape off some rust occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a scarifier actually do?
By now you probably know the function of a scarifier and if it’s still not clear, I’ll remind you. They are devices used to take out thatch (dead grass) and moss embedded in your lawn so fresh, healthy grass can grow and thrive. In addition, their blades aerate help to aerate the lawn which equals easier access to water and air for your grass.
They usually have a handle, four wheels and collection boxes with varying capacity depending on which product you get. Lawn rakers can be used to remove thatch, but can’t go deep in the soil. There are machines which offer both features by simply changing a cassette or blade height.
Ultimately, it’s a really useful tool to use on your lawn.
Are scarifiers worth it?
Yes, they are. If you would like to get deep into your soil, get rid of unwanted debris, moss, and weed, you’ll need a scarifier to help with that.
A lot of persons make the mistake of neglecting the lawn while spending a good amount of time on outdoor activities or just lounging on a garden daybed in the sun. It is important to create some time to scarify your lawn otherwise its healthy look will be sabotaged by dead thatch which will ultimately result in a brown, awful looking luck.
Invest in a scarifier and spend some time scarifying your lawn every few months to maintain a beautiful lawn.
Is scarifying important?
The answer to this question boils down to how you’d prefer your lawn to constantly appear. Are you okay with a mossy lawn with sickly looking grass? Then, don’t bother worrying about a scarifier. However, if you’re a sucker for healthy-looking green grass, a good scarifier will ensure your lawn is filled with just that.
The consequence of not scarifying your lawn will be evident with time. What happens is that moss, grass clippings and weed gather at the surface preventing light and rain from getting to the grasses. Eventually, they begin to die.
You’ll begin to observe brown patches on your lawn and that simply tells you the soil isn’t getting enough water to develop fresh plants. If you wait till you notice brown patches all over before scarifying, your lawn won’t look good afterwards. However, in a short while the grasses will grow and you’ll have your green, healthy lawn.
Is a lawn raker different from a scarifier?
They are both similar but the scarifier has an added feature. While they both are used to remove debris and moss so your grasses keep looking healthy, the scarifier is able to cut deep into the soil with its blades to aerate it. This allows easy movement of air and nutrients which are necessary for the grasses well-being. That’s the difference between the two.
How do I use a Lawn Scarifier?
Scarifying just twice every year is enough to keep your lawn looking great. Some persons scarify just once and that works. You can scarify in the spring and maybe in the autumn to get rid of accumulated waste.
Trim your grasses some days before scarifying and it’s also better to work under dry weather so things don’t get all muddy.
Select the highest working setting and begin pushing the machine around your lawn. Using your highest setting will keep the motor from burning out. Emptying your collection box keeps it cool. Chose a lower working setting for the next pass and continue like that.
You need to put on protective clothing before working with a scarifier. During use, stones and all kinds of debris embedded within the lawn will be sent flying in the air. Protective clothes will ensure you don’t get injured.
Put on protective glasses and thick shoes for your feet. Gloves are also beneficial to secure a firm grip, especially on hot days. Petrol scarifiers are the noisiest so if you’re working with one of those, get your ears covered with earplugs.
When is the best time to scarify my lawn?
Ideally, your lawn should be scarified under moist and warm conditions. Autumn season is the best period that provides the right conditions for effective scarifying. Some persons also prefer scarifying in the spring.
Your grasses should be growing normally and your lawn should be mowed first before scarifying. Your lawn may not do too well if you scarify in extremely cold, hot, wet or dry weather.
Should I use fertilizers after scarifying?
Yes, you totally should. Get a fertilizer suitable for the season so your lawn recovers fast. Autumn fertilizers will release nutrients gradually to ensure the growth and well-being of your grasses during the winter. Spring fertilizers on the other hand will have a more rapid effect on your lawn.
After scarifying, water the lawn for a few weeks if it hasn’t been raining. Re-seed bare patches if you notice any.
How long will it take a scarified lawn to recover?
The season or time you scarify in a year determines how long it’ll take to recover. If you scarified in cold, dry weather, you may need to wait a few months. On the other hand, it’ll just take some days or a few weeks to completely heal if you scarified in warm weather.
Final Thoughts
In the market, you’ll find a variety of products to choose from. This article gives you the best recommendations and pointers that’ll help you pick out the features you need. Make a choice considering your lawn size, power of the machine, your needs and budget as well.
It is extremely healthy for your lawn to get scarified from time to time. That’ll preserve its healthy, green and fresh appearance throughout the year for you.