In lawn care you sometimes have to be cruel to be kind, and a good-quality scarifier can help you do so. Scarifiers feature large metal blades that tear into your lawn to remove accumulated debris that can suffocate your grass and restrict any new growth. Some scarifiers collect the debris and others leave it on your lawn to be raked and removed by you. All versions will leave your lawn looking terrible — but only for a short time. The process will ultimately improve the look and feel of your lawn.
If you are looking for a versatile machine at a great price point, consider the VonHaus 12.5-Amp Lawn Dethatcher, Scarifier and Aerator. With its debris-collection bin, adjustable depth and folding handle for easy storage, this machine will make scarifying your lawn less of a chore.
What to know before you buy a scarifier
The layer of your lawn called thatch, which consists of stems, leaves and other organic material, can protect roots from extreme heat but can get so thick that it hinders lawn health, too. Scarifiers are just one tool experts recommend for making sure water and air are reaching the roots of your grass.
Scarifier vs. aerator
Aerators perforate the lawn by boring holes into the dirt, while scarifiers have metal blades that slice into your lawn to break up thatch and moss. Experts recommend both aerating and scarifying your lawn once a year.
Scarifier vs. dethatcher
Scarifying and dethatching both aim to break up the underlying bed of thatch in a yard, but dethatching is a much more gentle process. A dethatcher is much more like raking with thin metal tines, while scarifiers feature thick metal blades.
Scarifier vs. verticutter
Verticutters feature thin vertical blades close together. The blades only graze the surface of the lawn, collecting debris along the way. A scarifier goes much deeper under the surface.
These tools do not necessarily cancel each other out. They can all be used at different times throughout the growing season depending on the lawn species, climate, growing season and fertilizer.
Scarifier features
Working width
While there are no huge variations on scarifiers’ working widths, it is worth noticing if you have a large lawn that you want to scarify. Remember that the wider the cutting path, the fewer passes across the lawn you are going to have to make.
Working depth
Most scarifiers are adjustable to determine how deep you want them to cut. Different areas of your lawn might need more dramatic cuts than others. The ideal intensity may also depend on the season.
Multitasking
Many scarifiers come with attachments fit for aerating, mowing or dethatching, too. This will save you money, allowing you room in the budget to purchase other lawn care items.
Folding handles
A folding handle means a scarifier can be collapsed for easy storage. This way you can have more space in your shed or garage for other implements.
Scarifier cost
Scarifiers start at about $130 for a basic plug-in model, but the more industrial-level, gas-powered machines can cost over $1,000. The best ones for most casual lawn developers will cost about $200.
Scarifier FAQ
When should I scarify my lawn?
A. Late summer or early fall is a good time since your lawn has been accumulating debris all summer season. Don’t wait until too late, though. You want to give your lawn time to recover before the first frost. Some experts also recommend a more shallow scarifying process in the spring once the lawn is growing.
Can’t I just rake it?
A. Raking may help your lawn by removing dead grass and leaves that can deprive roots of water and air but scarifying does this more profoundly for better results. Raking is also much more labor-intensive than running over everything with a scarifier.
How do I know if my lawn’s thatch layer is too thick?
A. If you feel like you are walking on a sponge, your lawn probably has a too-thick layer of thatch. However, a thin layer of thatch is actually good for your lawn so you do not want to overdo it. Thatch can protect roots from extreme temperatures.
Which scarifier should I get?
Best of the best scarifier
VonHaus 12.5-Amp Lawn Dethatcher, Scarifier and Aerator: available at Amazon
Our take: This is a well-regarded product that combines three lawn maintenance tasks in one sensible package.
What we like: This unit has a relatively wide cutting path for you to finish more quickly. It can adjust to five different depths for customized cuts and offers a folding handle for compact storage.
What we dislike: This is a lightweight unit that might not be able to handle a very thick thatch.
Best bang for your buck scarifier
Sun Joe 12-Amp Scarifier and Lawn Dethatcher: available at Amazon
Our take: This is a versatile option. You can use it to do two different tasks at five different depths.
What we like: This scarifier starts at the push of a button and includes a collection bag, which means you won’t have to rake at the end of the project.
What we dislike: This has a narrower cutting path than some, so it might take a few more passes to get through your entire yard.
Honorable mention scarifier
Costway IronMax 13-Amp Scarifier and Dethatcher: available at Home Depot
Our take: This unit can scarify or dethatch by switching out the blade and the angle can be adjusted to accommodate hills.
What we like: This scarifier has a wide cutting path and collection bin so you can finish quickly and without having to rake. It offers a carrying handle and a folding handle for easy storage.
What we dislike: Other machines had more height adjustments and this one is pretty pricey.
Angie Parkinson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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