What is a Vertislicer?

Asked by: James Mazatan

Verticutters (also called vertislicers) are a piece of equipment that uses vertical blades to remove thatch from the surface while leaving healthy grass intact.

What does a Verticutter do?

A Verticutter is a special landscaping tool that features special vertically-oriented blades capable of cutting into the thatch without damaging any healthy blades of grass. By cutting into it, the Verticutter can break up the layer of thatch, bringing it to the surface where it will be easy to collect and remove.

What is the difference between a scarifier and a Verticutter?

Verticutting also called vertical mowing is a refinement of scarifying, in that it is less aggressive. The blades are finer and are not designed to penetrate as deep as those on a scarifier. Verticutters have more blades (than a scarifier), with the spacings being closer together to leave a finer finish on the lawn.

What is the difference between Verticutting and dethatching?

The primary difference is that the verticut is just going to lightly tickle the soil down below, while dethatching will aggressively dig into the root system and pull out thatch.

When should I Verticut?

When: The best time to verticut your lawn is during the turf’s growing season. If your lawn is a warm-season turf, such as Zoysia grass or Bermudagrass, verticut in late spring or early summer. Dethatch your cool-season turf, such as Kentucky bluegrass, in early spring or early fall.

Is it better to Verticut or aerate?

Core aeration is great for the lawn as it breaks up compaction and helps control thatch. It is not the best practice for seeding. If your main focus is to overseed then verticut as it provides for the best and most even seed bed. Core aeration can be used but verticutting is preferred.

How often should you Verticut a lawn?

every two to four weeks

You can use the cartridge every two to four weeks or so from April to September to keep on top of thatch and lateral lying grasses. Start with the cartridge on setting four and gradually lower- the cartridge should not be penetrating the soil as it will damage your blades.

Which is better dethatcher or scarifier?

Dethatching is mostly used to remove thatch from your lawn while scarifying includes thatch removal as well as removing deeper debris. For quick lawn care, dethatch your lawn. For intense and longer-lasting lawn care, scarify your lawn.

Can I use a scarifier as a Verticutter?

Good quality professional scarifiers have interchangeable reels enabling brushing, verticutting, raking and scarifying with the one machine.

Does a scarifier remove weeds?

The experts at Stihl say that whilst there are many chemical products available to help remove unwanted plants from lawns, many people don’t realize that using a scarifier will also keep them at bay. This process of scarification, or dethatching, will disrupt the weeds’ growth, Stihl explains.

Is Verticutting the same as aerating?

Verticutting and power raking are words that are sometimes used interchangeably for doing the same thing. Verticutting is done by a machine that cuts thin rows into your grass rather than removing plugs, like aeration. Verticutters loosen the topsoil so that seed will have better contact with the soil for germination.

Should you Verticut every year?

We recommend verticutting services for your lawn once a year in the spring or summer, to remove thatch before the growing season. Certain types of grass in our area such as zoysia and bermudagrass need to be verticut annually each summer.

How deep should you Verticut?

The depth of the blades is typically adjusted 1/64-inch to 1/8-inch below the effective cutting height so that the blades penetrate the turf canopy. The goal is to thin the turf canopy while maintaining a proper balance of leaf growth and turf density.

Can I Verticut in summer?

A verticutting reel will generally have wider spacing’s than a groomer and have stronger blades. Generally it is done in spring but can also be done during the summer months.

Should I water before Verticutting?

If your grass is matted down, consider verticutting before mowing. This will get the grass standing upright, making it easier to mow evenly. Soft, damp thatch is easier to cut, so water the lawn several days before you start work or prepare to do the work a few days after it rains.