Verticutter: types and features of application

After the onset of spring, the lawn cover needs to be restored. For this, a verticutter is used, which improves the flow of water and air to the roots of plants. Over time, a felt layer forms on the lawn cover, which makes it difficult for nutrients, moisture, and oxygen to enter the soil. If this is not prevented, moss forms, which will significantly impair the appearance of the lawn. A regular aeration procedure will help maintain a fresh and green look of lawn cover. To choose a verticutter, you need to know their main types and principle of operation.

What is a verticutter for?

Natural processes on the lawn cover give rise to shrubs of dried grass, moss and leaf debris. Over time, this layer becomes so thick and dense that it prevents the entry of oxygen, nutrients and water into the ground. This condition can also be caused by excessive fertilizing of the lawn, which leads to abundant grass growth. And when mowing the lawn, microorganisms are not able to utilize such an amount of mowed grass, so a dense layer is formed.

This leads to a deterioration in the quality of the lawn. The main signs are a yellowish shade of grass, the appearance of bumps and bald spots.

To improve the quality of lawn grass, it is necessary to periodically conduct aeration to saturate the soil with oxygen. Previously, the procedure was carried out using a conventional pitchfork, which was stuck in the soil with an interval of 50-100 cm. A vertical cutter for the lawn allows you to cope with the task faster and better.

Using a verticutter you can achieve:

• improve grass growth rate;
• increase the resistance of the lawn to moisture deficiency;
• excess moisture in damp areas of the soil;
• prevent the formation of a dense layer of dry grass;
• decrease in soil density;
• penetration of moisture and nutrients to the roots of the grass.

That is why the verticutter is an important lawn care technique. However, in order to make the right choice of device, it is necessary to know the main types and types of devices.

Types of verticutters

The simplest and most affordable type of device is a mechanical verticutter. However, devices with a gasoline or electric engine are most often used. Each type of device has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, a petrol verticutter is a more powerful device, so it makes it possible to quickly process even large areas of the lawn. In addition, such devices have no limitation in range. Electric models are much quieter and easier to maintain. However, their radius of action is smaller and depends on the length of the cord.

The most popular types of devices are:

• Aerator verticutter. The device is equipped with spring teeth, which remove the remnants of moss and dry grass, as well as loosen the soil. As a rule, electric models are produced.
• Scarificators-verticutters. Scarifiers are devices that have blades to remove a dense layer of lawn. They are also used to cut the roots of lawn grass to accelerate its growth. There are gasoline and electric models.
• Verticutters-aerators. Combine the functions of scarifiers and aerators. Models are equipped with spring teeth and blades. Such devices are most often produced electric.

When choosing the type of device you need to take into account the size, features and frequency of care for lawn grass.

Rules for choosing a verticutter

To choose a device that will fully perform the tasks, you need to pay attention to such details:

• Strong case. It is recommended that the verticutter case be made of durable but lightweight material. This will allow him to serve for a long time, but he will not injure the plants. An excellent option would be a body made of durable plastic or aluminum. Professional models have a steel case.
• The choice of engine. Professionals recommend choosing a petrol verticutter aerator. Such models have a higher power, so when the knives and teeth are deeply immersed in the turf, movement overload will not occur. In addition, gasoline devices work on a lawn of any size due to the lack of the need to adapt to the length of the cord.
• Quality cutters. When choosing, you should give preference to devices with mills made of stainless steel. In addition, they must be fixed so that they do not jam or get out during operation.
• Features of the garbage container. Most models are equipped with a waste bin, so you don’t have to worry about moss and old grass that can be removed using a verticutter. However, if it is small in size, it must be pulled out and emptied during operation. Some manufacturers have eliminated this design element. In this case, the garbage will have to be collected using a rake, so when choosing a verticutter, you need to understand the need for this element of the device.
• Handle height adjustment. It is better to give preference to models that have a handle that can be adjusted to fit a person’s height.

Owners of a large lawn claim that it is almost impossible to do without a verticutter. However, in order for the device to bring maximum benefits and lasts a long time, when choosing it, it is necessary to evaluate not only the cost, but also power indicators, housing features and the presence of additional functions.

The choice between an electric and a gasoline device

Gasoline or electric verticutter - the main question when choosing the optimal model. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing.

The advantages of an electric verticutter:

• affordable cost;
• easy care;
• light weight;
• low noise level;
• ecological cleanliness.

Such devices have several disadvantages. The main one is low power, as well as a small radius of use. In addition, to apply the electric model, if there is no power supply nearby, it will not work.

An electric verticutter can be selected if the lawn is small and there is a power source next to it. Such a device practically does not make noise, and it can be used without fear to disturb neighbors.

The main advantages of gasoline models is high power and a wide range of use, but such models also have disadvantages:

• high noise level;
• high price;
• production of air emissions;
• heavy weight;
• the need to use quality fuel;
• constant control of the lubrication level.

When choosing between gasoline and electric verticutters, it is first necessary to take into account the location of the lawn, its size and the presence of electricity near the lawn.

Processing a corral with a verticutter

Use a vertical cutter to treat the lawn coating twice a season. Be sure to carry out the treatment in early spring, when the season has just begun. Then fertilizers are applied.The second treatment is recommended at the end of the season. The optimal time is 2-3 weeks before the expected frost.

However, a verticalizer can be used throughout the season. Such a device works only on the surface of lawn grass and does not cause time to the roots. The optimal frequency of use is once every 6-8 weeks.

Rules for using verticutter

A verticutter aerator is a cutting device, therefore it is necessary to work with it very carefully. Buying such mechanisms is necessary only in specialized stores where the seller can give advice on the rules of use. It will not be superfluous to independently study the instructions for use.

Before processing the lawn, make sure that there are no pets, children, or solid objects, such as stones, that could damage the device on its territory. If a petrol verticutter is used for work, the fuel must be poured away from fire and in the open.

When choosing with equipment, safety precautions must be observed, so a person should wear:

• tight closed shoes;
• special safety glasses;
• tight clothes with closed sleeves and legs;
• headphones when using a noisy gasoline model.

If the lawn has an uneven inclined surface, it is forbidden to move the device up the slope. Doing so could result in the product tipping over and serious personal injury. Care must also be taken when changing the direction of movement of the device. This primarily applies to electric verticutters, the wires of which can fall into the work area.

On wet grass, a verticutter can glide. Also, problems can occur when there are bumps and pits on the lawn, so work is recommended to be carried out only on a dry and level surface.

Before starting work, you must carefully inspect the lawn, removing branches, hives, rods and other debris, which can lead to damage to the device. In case of dull blades, it is not recommended to use devices.

When using gasoline models, it is necessary to use fuel and lubricants of only high quality. This will protect the device from premature damage. After the work is completed, it is necessary to disconnect the electric models from the network, as well as clean the knives and teeth from grass, leaves and soil. In winter, it is recommended to store the device in a warm and dry place or wrap the mechanism with a warm cloth.

Lawn care is a complex process that requires the use of professional equipment. The verticutter will remove dying organic debris and restore freshness and well-groomed appearance to the grass. Otherwise, old grass and moss will become a favorable environment for the development of pathogens and parasites.