Now is the time for people in France to ‘scarify’ their lawn
The practice, which should be done twice a year, enables the grass to thrive
Removing excess debris from your lawn can help it to thrive in the spring
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People with green lawns in France should ‘scarify’ their grass at this time of year, gardening experts advise, to remove moss and debris that can suffocate the lawn and affect its growth in spring.
‘Scarifying’ is the practice of removing debris known as ‘thatch’ from the lawn. This includes grass clippings, moss, and fallen leaves. Excess thatch build-up can stop the lawn from receiving enough nutrients from light, air, minerals, and water, hindering its growth.
Removing it can improve water drainage, and enable the grass to get more nutrients from fertilisers and soil improvers.
It is recommended to scarify the lawn twice a year.
Once at the beginning of spring, after the last frosts, when temperatures exceed 10C
Once in the autumn, before the first frosts.
Lawns should also be scarified if the ‘thatch’ exceeds one centimetre in thickness.
Read also: Explained: French garden rules on cleaning, bonfires, planting and more
How do you scarify the lawn?
Specialist gardening site GammVert advises:
Firstly, apply an anti-moss product about 10 days before scarifying, particularly if you notice that there is a lot of moss on your grass.
Check the weather forecast before scarifying the lawn. The soil should be slightly damp. If the soil is too dry, lightly water the lawn.
Then, cut the lawn very short (to about two centimetres) so that the scarifier can reach the layer of thatch.
Set the scarifier (a special tool designed for the job, similar to a rake, but with wheels) so that it scratches a maximum of 4 mm of soil surface. “Any deeper and the scarifier will destroy the grass roots, compromising the regrowth of the lawn,” states GammVert.
Make criss-cross passes with the scarifier. This will enable the grass to regrow more healthily.
Then rake the lawn with a lawn brush.
Green waste disposal
Beware: France has strict rules around the disposal of green waste (déchets verts). The government website service-public.fr website defines the main types of green waste.
Burning the waste is forbidden in France year-round, and has been since 2011. This is because burning plants, especially when damp, can release substances toxic to humans and the environment.
Read more: What are the rules for burning garden waste in France in 2025?
Those caught breaking the rules risk a fine of up to €750, however studies by the French ecological transition agency ADEME have found that up to 15% of homeowners in the country still burn garden waste.
Read also: Why this widely-used gardening tool can land you a large fine in France
Read more: Errors to avoid and how to help wildlife as you get your garden in France ready for spring
Read also: Watch out for hedgehogs when clearing overgrowth in your French garden
Care advised for clear-up
Gardeners in France are also advised to mow lawns carefully at this time of year, and avoid cutting hedges, as this can injure hedgehogs, and disrupt the nesting period for many birds and small animals.
Some people may also be subject to débroussaillage (strimming or cutting back) laws as spring and summer approach. These require residents to clear away any green debris (living or not) that could allow a fire to jump from place to place. This might mean removing long grass, shrubs, bushes or log piles, pruning trees, or moving inflammable plants away from your house.
This is normally obligatory for those who live in departments that are particularly vulnerable to wildfires, and whose property is within 200m of a forest or other woodland.
