Vertimowing. Promote a healthier, thicker lawn.
Vertimowing slices through the thatch that builds up under a lawn, so water, air and fertiliser reach the roots and the lawn grows back thicker.
What is vertimowing?
Vertimowing, sometimes called dethatching or scarifying, uses a machine with vertical blades that slice down into the lawn and pull out thatch.
Thatch is the layer of dead runners, stems and old clippings that builds up between the green leaf and the soil. A thin layer is normal. A thick layer acts like a sponge and a roof at the same time: it soaks up water and fertiliser before they reach the roots, and makes the lawn spongy, patchy and prone to browning.
After vertimowing the lawn looks rough for a few weeks. With water and fertiliser it grows back thicker, greener and healthier. Running grasses such as couch and kikuyu respond best.
How vertimowing is done
From the first look at your yard to leaving the place tidy, step by step.
- 1
Mow low first
The lawn is mown down so the vertimower can reach the thatch.
- 2
Vertimow
The vertical blades pass over the lawn, slicing through and lifting out the thatch.
- 3
Clear the debris
The thatch that comes up is raked and cleared away. There is usually a lot of it.
- 4
Feed and water
Fertiliser and regular watering over the following weeks help the lawn recover quickly.
The benefits of vertimowing
- Water reaches the roots
With the thatch gone, water soaks into the soil instead of sitting on top.
- A thicker lawn
Cutting the runners encourages new growth and fills in bare patches.
- Better value from fertiliser
Fertiliser gets to the roots instead of being caught in the thatch.
When is the best time to vertimow?
Late spring into early summer, when couch and kikuyu are growing strongly and can recover quickly. It is not recommended in winter, when the lawn is dormant.
How long does the lawn take to recover?
It usually looks rough for two to four weeks, then comes back thicker and greener with regular water.
How often does a lawn need vertimowing?
Most lawns only need it once a year, or every couple of years, depending on how much thatch builds up.
Is vertimowing suitable for buffalo?
Buffalo is more sensitive and usually needs a lighter treatment. Talk to Simon about your lawn first.