scalping your yard

[utmck]

This time of the year you see a lot of people mowing their yard really low "scalping", what are the advantages / disadvantages in doing this?

 

[Bob Wills]

I don't scalp my yard, and might be completely wrong here, but I thought this was something that is done only to bermuda/zoysia in late Winter or early Spring.

If you do it now, I have a hunch that you'll regret it.

 

[TigerPride]

It's cheaper than an actual dethatch. None that I know of outside of t hat

 

[CottonEyedHorn]

The only reason I know of is if they are laying down winter rye. Gives it a better take rate.

 

[7Titles]

It would also open the lawn up for winter weeds, many need sunlight to germinate.

 

[GarCiaRia]

In reply to:

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[utmck]

thanks guys

 

[TexasEd]

Cons:
Lets weeds grow
Allows cold snap to damage roots easier


Pros:
De-thatch


I leave my grass longer in the winter and usually see it green up before my neighbors. I take off the top dead grass and I have an instant green lawn after my first mowing.

IF I scalp my yard I do it in the spring when the grass has come out of dormancy. This way it fills in right away and I don't get as many weeds.