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Everyone who has a lawn near a country house is familiar with the problem of bald spots on it and yellowness. To keep the lawn in excellent condition, it will not be enough just to fertilize and cut it. Aeration of the soil is required, which is performed by a device called a verticutter. What it is, what types exist and how the device is used, we will learn from this article.
The concept and functions of the verticutter
So, let’s figure out what a lawn verticutter is. A verticutter is a special device that aerates the soil, and also removes last year’s small foliage from the lawn, which makes it difficult for young shoots to grow. In another way, it is also called a scarifier.
Any flower bed eventually becomes covered with a crust, through which oxygen cannot enter the soil, without which the grass will not grow. In addition, moisture and fertilizers will not be able to flow to the roots, which will simply drain from a hard crust.
Another problem with all lawns is the accumulation of packed debris, which also interferes with grass growth. Aeration is especially important for clay and wet soils, where the top layer deteriorates faster. When mowing the lawn, cut fragments accumulate between the blades of grass, and moss may also appear. Such a layer is called “felt” because it fits tightly on top of the lawn.
It is necessary to purchase a lawn verticutter if the owners want to see a well-groomed grass cover on their site. When buying, sellers may offer a device called an aerator. This is a slightly different type, which has special metal pins that pierce the ground to a certain depth and thereby provide oxygen to the ground.
A verticutter is a slightly different device, and unlike an aerator, in addition to piercing devices, it also comes with cutter nozzles that perform the function of cutting off a dead layer of soil. Residues from the operation of the device remain on the lawn or are sent to a special bag for collecting garbage.
Some nozzles have a penetration depth adjustment function, which allows, after some adjustment, to make the cutters penetrate deeper and cut the roots of the grass, which will stimulate its growth.
If the question is raised as to which device to buy an aerator or a verticutter, then we can say that the first type will be an ideal device for processing small lawns, and the second type of device is suitable for large lawn areas.
Variety of verticutters
The verticutter is an electrical device, therefore it has various drive options. Depending on its type, they are divided into:
- Mechanical verticutters, which do not have a drive at all and work on the strength of the person himself. These devices are lightweight and easy to maneuver, and are also inexpensive. This verticutter is very convenient to process small lawns. The advantages are the absence of noise during operation and the ability to process even hard-to-reach areas.
- Electric type verticutter for a lawn has a drive and is connected to the mains, which causes a lot of inconvenience due to the constant presence of a wire, which, through negligence, can be damaged. Such a device is literally “tied” to the outlet. But this device is maneuverable enough to work the lawn between bushes and trees, and also has enough power to cope with large areas. For example, verticutters of the Al-Ko brand perfectly cope with the task, while having a low cost.
- You can also meet cordless verticutters, which operate from a power source that allows you to use the device without being connected to the mains. The battery needs to be recharged every 12 hours depending on the model and usage.
- Petrol verticutters are the most powerful in the line, and are intended for processing football and golf courses. Among these verticutters, you can choose a model for professional or private use. The MTD verticutters stand out in particular due to their high quality. Such devices are quite convenient, but they make a lot of noise during operation, and also require regular maintenance, which includes refueling, oil changes and necessary repairs. Among other things, the device emits exhaust gases during operation, which negatively affects environmental friendliness.
Criteria for choosing a verticutter
Now a huge range of various verticutters is offered, among which it can be difficult to choose the right one. That is why, after determining the type of engine, you need to pay attention to other criteria that will help you make the right choice.
The body of the verticutter must be made of a material that is strong and lightweight. Lightness is necessary in order not to unnecessarily crush the grass. It is best to purchase a device with a metal or aluminum case, as it can last about 15 years. Less often, plastic verticutters are chosen, the cost of which, of course, is lower, but they do not differ in strength and reliability.
Milling cutters and knives are necessarily made of alloy type steel and are fixed in a spring way so that they are not afraid of any obstacle.
The device should have an adjustment for piercing the soil, which will simplify the process of working the lawn. Also, for the convenience of a working person, it is necessary to choose a device with a height-adjustable handle.
Be sure to determine in advance the presence of a garbage bin. On the one hand, this is a very convenient feature that allows you to remove all the garbage in the process. But on the other hand, there can be a lot of garbage on a large area of the lawn, which will lead to the need to constantly clean the garbage bin.
When deciding which model to buy, it is worth remembering that this device only needs to be used 2 to 3 times a year, so if it is not necessary, you can opt for a device of an average price category. Such devices, although they are inexpensive, compared to others, have the necessary power to process the lawn near a country house.
It is worth noting that verticutters must be purchased only in specialized stores, the reputation of which is beyond doubt.
Lawn Care Precautions
Lawn treatment is usually done in the spring before fertilizing, and in the autumn months before the first frost.
Before working, make sure that there are no pets and children on the lawn. Be sure to remove all foreign objects that may interfere with the movement of the device. You must also take the following precautions:
- Pour fuel only away from open flames and do not smoke during this process.
- Wear only closed shoes and tight clothing, and use special glasses for your eyes.
- If the lawn is made on a relief surface, then it is impossible to go up the slope with the verticutter in order to avoid its overturning.
- Be sure to carefully move the verticutter when changing direction, especially for electric models, so as not to touch the power cable. Only dry grass can be treated.
- After processing, it is necessary to wait until the drive stops completely and disconnect the device from the mains. After that, you can start cleaning it.
- During the winter months, the device must be stored in a warm room.
Conclusion
The verticutter is a very handy device that is designed to treat lawns in order to aerate the soil. This treatment helps the grass grow faster and keep a neat appearance throughout the season. Choosing a verticutter is not difficult if you know the main criteria for this process, which are displayed in the article.