Scarifying

This is the process of removing mat from the root zone using a series of vertically mounted rotating blades, set at a depth that penetrates the soil. The blades are fitted with tungsten tips, with a thickness of 3 mm and spaced 38 mm apart. The depth setting depends on the depth of the mat layer and is influenced by the extent of root system below the mat layer, because this will affect the rate of recovery.

The number of passes used depends on the amount of mat removal required and the recovery time available. Multiple passes cause significant disruption to the playing surface and require extended recovery time. Deep scarifying can be achieved using either a shallow blade depth with multiple passes or a deep setting with a single pass. Scarifying removes an enormous quantity of plant material that has to be picked up off the surface with a vacuum.

Light Scarifying / Verti-Mowing

This is the process of removing thatch from a turf sward using a series of vertically mounted rotating blades, set at a depth that does not penetrate the root zone. On playing fields and fairways, the same blade configuration used for scarifying is suitable, but the blade tips only just touch the soil surface

Multiple passes are required to remove a significant amount of thatch, but this will depend on the recovery time available. Height adjustments are required before each pass to prevent blades from penetrating the soil.

A new piece of equipment that effectively removes thatch and mat is the Field Top Maker. Rather than using a series of vertical blades to cut into the turf, it uses a powerful flail action to shave the surface. The height is easily adjusted to remove mat or thatch as required. This is ideal for when you have a spongy thatch cushion of turf that is simply too thick for play.

Scarify & Vacuuming is ideal for harvesting stolons & rhizomes for planting into other areas of your golf course or council. 

Areas suited for scarifying & vacuuming are golf course fairways & tees, racetracks, sports fields and recreation areas.