How do you "scratch"?

ArkCivEngr · Jun 7, 2005

How do you \"scratch\"?

I've got several areas of hardpan in my yards which need some light scratching (2 inches max) to help loosen up the top so rain can soak in better and grass can grow. I have a box blade and was wondering if anyone had any luck trying to tilt the front up and scratching with the rippers down. I also have access to a disk, but that seems like it would be a bit more agressive.

I've considered getting a really good heavy-duty spike aerator for my X495, but with a box blade and disk available, I'd rather get some ideas before buying one.

PineRidge · Jun 7, 2005

Re: How do you \"scratch\"?

Tried the box and it made everything ugly. Then I borrowed a harrow and it did the trick easily. It probably can be done with a box but there are other easier tools to use.

Spiffy · Jun 7, 2005

Re: How do you \"scratch\"?

If you can adjust the "v" fairly gentle, I think you'd be happy with the disk. I've had good luck doing exactly that with an old ag disk before, but not sure what you have. After you get the hardpan loosened, I'd think a plugger every year or two would keep it nice.

For what I'm assuming your conditions are, I'd think a spiker would need to be real heavy duty and you'd have to weight it awful heavy; should get water down, but I'm just not sure it's the long term effect you're after. I do know another member is very happy with a drum spiker, but not sure if he ever uses it for the type of situation you have.

I bought a 40" TSC lawn tractor spiker [the heaviest built LT one I could find, but still much lighter and likely narrower tines than I think you're proposing] for "setting seed" [didn't work too bad!]. With around 150lb added weight and on fairly wet ground it also did an acceptable job of breaking up thatch and 1"; maybe 2" aerating, but the slits were narrow enough that the longer term gains won't likely be in the same league as a plugger or even a "wide tooth" drum spiker.

Slamfire · Jun 8, 2005

Re: How do you \"scratch\"?

One of those old section harrows might be what you want. You can pull one section with a bit of weight on it and adjust the aggressiveness of the spikes to suit. I managed to find two sections at an auction and got two sections for $40. Took both to make one good one.