Blog>Cost Guides>What's the cost of lawn scarification?
Last updated: 20 May 2024
What's the cost of lawn scarification?
Looking for a way to encourage dense, healthy grass growth in your garden? Lawn scarification could be the answer. Here, we break down the typical cost of lawn scarification.

Fast Facts
The average cost of lawn scarification in the UK is around £50 - £125
If you plan to carry out DIY lawn scarification it will cost in the region of £10 - £400
For accurate lawn scarification prices in your area speak to local lawn care experts near you
Average cost of lawn scarification in the UK
Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high |
---|---|---|---|
Lawn scarification service | Per lawn | £50 | £125 |
DIY lawn scarification | Equipment purchase | £10 | £400 |
Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now |
Lawn scarification usually costs between £50 and £125 per lawn.
However, the exact total cost will depend on several factors, such as:
The size of your lawn
Its condition
If scarification is carried out manually or with a machine
Whether your lawn needs other lawn treatments in conjunction with scarification
Just a few lawn treatments that are commonly carried out at the same time as scarification include fertilisation, overseeding, or aeration.
Lawn aeration involves breaking up or removing sub-surface thatch, whereas scarification involves removing thatch from a lawn’s surface and up to 2mm below.
Whether you need both will depend on how good your soil’s drainage is and how compact your lawn is.

How much does DIY lawn scarification cost?
If you’re looking to save on the cost of lawn scarification, you might be considering doing it yourself. To do so, you’ll need to purchase the correct equipment.
A mechanical lawn scarifier can cost anywhere from £60+, whereas a manual scarifier will usually cost around£30.
The cheapest option is to simply use a rake to remove the thatch, which could cost in the region of just £10 if you don’t already have one.
However, lawn scarification is a tiring job. If you’d prefer to hand this over to the professionals, we can help. A lawn care specialist will be able to deliver a top-quality service in a more efficient manner. You can also ask them about professional lawn treatments.
What is lawn scarification?
Lawn scarification is when sharp blades are used to break up surface thatch before it’s raked away and removed.
By removing dead leaves, moss, and grass from your lawn, you can help to increase the nutrients that reach the roots and encourage stronger grass growth.
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FAQs
What are the benefits of lawn scarification?
Lawn scarification allows nutrients, air, and water to better circulate beneath the soil and reach your grass’ roots. By removing obstructions, such as thatch and moss, you can better encourage healthy grass growth.
When should lawn scarification take place?
Lawn scarification should usually take place once a year, either in late spring or early autumn.
It’s important to do it at a time when grass growth is strong because if it’s slow to replenish, the space created by scarifying could instead be filled with weeds.
For this reason, you should be careful that you don't scarify too early in spring.
How do I know if my lawn needs scarifying?
If your lawn feels spongy or soft underfoot, it could be a sign there’s too much water retention, moss, or thatch present. Lawn scarification could help you to treat the problem.
A professional lawn care expert will be able to best advise the right time for scarification and any additional treatments needed to help it flourish.
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