When to rake a lawn

When is the best time to rake a lawn?

It’s best to carry out raking in spring and autumn in line with overseeding your lawn.

Spring is the best time to carry out some light raking, just as the weather starts to warm up. This is when your grass begins to grow again after winter, and a light raking will help to wake it up and clear out any leftover winter debris. Heavy raking and scarifying are best left to autumn after the leaves have fallen. This clears debris accumulated on the lawn over summer, thins the grass and exposes the soil in areas struggling to grow. By doing this, you will help loosen up the soil and create the ideal seedbed for overseeding with fresh grass.

Why Rake Your Lawn?

Think of raking as a bit of general lawn care that helps in the long run. Remember that over time, dead leaves, grass clippings, and other debris can build up on your lawn, creating a layer that prevents sunlight, air, and water from reaching the soil. This layer, known as thatch, can suffocate your grass and leave it looking tired and patchy. And giving your grass a good rake clears all that away, helping your lawn stay healthy and vibrant.

Spring: Light Raking and Scarifying

Light raking or scarifying in April (once the weather is warming up but before summer heat hits) can do wonders. This is the perfect moment to de-thatch or remove moss, giving your lawn a bit of breathing space and setting it up nicely for the months ahead. The grass is just getting into its growth stride, so it’ll recover quickly, looking thicker and healthier in no time.

Autumn: Heavy Raking and Scarifying

If you have a serious thatch or moss problem, autumn is ideal for bringing out the rake. Late August to September is the ideal time to do a heavy rake / scarify of your lawn. The weather is still mild, and the rains are starting to return, giving your lawn the moisture it needs to recover. Plus, doing a heavy scarifying session in autumn means you are less likely to end up with a lawn full of weeds—most weed seeds have already done their thing by then.

One key tip: Avoid doing heavy raking in spring. Heavy raking in spring can just swap one problem (thatch or moss) for another (weeds). If you missed your chance in autumn due to bad weather or if moss or thatch has gotten out of control (as mentioned above), then you can fall back to spring. But otherwise, stick to the autumn window.

Prepping Your Lawn for Raking or Scarifying

It’s best if you plan and set some time aside to bring your grass height down gradually over a week or two. Doing this helps the grass adjust and ensures the lawn gets a good airing and dries out making the whole process a lot easier.

Next, check your soil moisture. You want it just right—not too soft and not bone-dry. Too much moisture and you’ll be tearing up the lawn; too little, and you won’t get deep enough. Be sure to mow the lawn as close as possible the day before you start because long grass just makes more work for you. And choose a dry day, ideally in the afternoon when any morning dew has evaporated.

A Few Tips to Keep in Mind

• Timing is key: Spring and autumn are the best times to rake your lawn in line with overseeding
• Apply different pressure at different times of year: A light scarify in spring, and a heavier scarify in spring.
• Dry days are best: Rake and scarify when the grass is dry to avoid clumping, tearing, and making a mess of your lawn.
• Regular care: Don’t wait for a thick layer of thatch to build up—regular light raking can keep your lawn in top shape year-round.

We have included a few articles below that help you maintain the perfect lawn:

• Lawn Care Seasonal Checklist
• What’s going on in my lawn? UK Lawn Care Advice
• What’s wrong with my lawn?