scarify

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Related to scarify: sacrifice

scar·i·fy

(skar'i-fī), This word has no relation, etymologically or semantically, to scar.

To produce scarification.

scarify

(skăr′ə-fī′)

tr.v. scari·fied, scari·fying, scari·fies

a. To make shallow cuts in (the skin), as when vaccinating.

b. To create a design on (the skin) by means of shallow cuts that are sometimes rubbed with a colorant or irritant to enhance the resulting scar tissue.

2. To break up the surface of (topsoil or pavement).

3. To distress deeply, as with severe criticism; lacerate.

4. Botany To slit or soften the outer coat of (seeds) in order to speed germination.

scar′i·fi·ca′tion (-fĭ-kā′shən) n.

scar′i·fi′er n.

scar·i·fy

(skahr'i-fī)

To produce scarification by cutting the skin.

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References in periodicals archive ?

I recommend moss killer in early autumn and then scarify a couple of weeks later after the moss has gone black and died.

I can't stand mower rows with hubby

If you have loads of moss it's worthwhile applying a moss killer before you scarify and wait a few days before raking it up.

Give your lawn a health check; Gardening

One September routine for all lawns is to scarify first, then spike any compacted areas.

Top tips; Gardening

Don't cut it too short, but you will find you need to cut it somewhat shorter than during the drought periods because of the need to scarify it.

You can scarify using a wire tined rake and this is really hard work.

Develop the perfect patch; NEXT year's lawns are made in the next few weeks

Give yourself a bit of a work-out and scarify the lawn.

Gardening: LAYING DOWN THE LAWN; Touch of tough love will boost your grass

Alternatively, you could use a wire-tined rake and scarify by hand.

Easy paces to a perfect green patch

NLightly scarify your lawn if debris has built up over the summer, unless there is a drought.

What to do this weekend

The best way to solve this problem is to scarify, or "scratch" the lawn and, unless you have a huge expanse, it's easy to do by hand.