Scarifying is one of the most misunderstood practices in bowling green care. Done right, it controls thatch and stimulates healthy new growth. Done wrong, it can set your green back months.
Thatch reduction is best viewed as an autumn-focused operation, when soil temperatures are still warm and the turf is actively growing. This gives your green the best chance to recover from disruption before winter sets in.
But what about summer?
During the warmer months, lighter, less invasive operations such as verti-cutting, grooming, and sarrel rolling can be extremely effective at managing organic matter without shocking the turf. These practices encourage air exchange, light penetration, and tillering, all of which support a denser, healthier sward.
Timing is Everything The key is aligning your maintenance with the turf’s natural growth cycles. Operations that disrupt the surface—however gently—should be planned for periods of peak regrowth. This ensures rapid recovery, reduces weed ingress, and maximises the benefits of each intervention.
This is a core principle of effective natural greenkeeping. For more detail, see:
- Diluting Thatch or Deluding Yourself?
- Join the Introduction to Greenkeeping Academy Course
- Performance Bowling Greens eBook
Science Meets Practice: Disturbance Theory In ecology, the concept of disturbance theory tells us that moderate, well-timed disruption can actually improve the health and diversity of an ecosystem. Turfgrass management is no different. Scarifying, grooming, and other cultural practices are forms of controlled disturbance—when applied with sensitivity to timing and intensity, they build resilience and performance.
The problem arises when these operations are performed out of habit, or too aggressively, without regard for soil health or turf condition. That’s where many clubs go wrong.
Your Turf’s Calendar Matters More Than the Club’s If you want maximum results from any maintenance operation, always ask: is the turf ready to bounce back? If not, postpone. If yes, proceed—but always pair disturbance with the right aftercare: overseeding, nutrition, microbial support, and moisture management.
Natural greenkeeping is about rhythm, not routine. And the best greenkeepers are those who tune into the biology of the surface—not just the calendar on the wall.