If your lawn is starting to look tired, uneven, or overrun with thatch, you might have heard about vertimowing as a way to bring it back to life. But what exactly is a vertimower, and how does it work?

A vertimower is a specialised piece of lawn care equipment designed to cut into the turf vertically, removing built-up thatch and encouraging new, healthy growth. At Premier Lawns, this process is a key part of their professional Lawn Care Scarifying services, and it can make a dramatic difference in how your lawn looks and grows.

For those who prefer a DIY approach, Vertimower Hire Perth is also an option, but understanding how the machine works and when to use it is crucial for getting the best results.

Understanding Thatch and Why It’s a Problem

Before we dive into how a vertimower works, it’s important to understand what thatch is. Thatch is the dense layer of dead grass, roots, and organic matter that accumulates between the green blades of grass and the soil. While a small amount of thatch is beneficial, too much can:

• Prevent water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching the roots
• Increase the risk of pests and diseases
• Cause the lawn to look dull, patchy, or spongy underfoot

Buffalo, couch, and kikuyu lawns in Perth are particularly prone to thatch build-up due to their dense growth patterns. This is where vertimowing comes in.

What is a Vertimower?

A vertimower is a machine equipped with a series of vertically mounted blades or tines that slice into the turf and pull up thatch from the base of the grass. Unlike a regular mower, which cuts grass blades horizontally, a vertimower works vertically, cutting through the mat of dead material and even lightly pruning the grassroots.

This vertical cutting action not only removes unwanted thatch but also stimulates new shoots to grow, making the lawn thicker, greener, and healthier over time.

How Does a Vertimower Work?

• Blade Design – The machine’s blades spin in a vertical motion, digging into the turf to break apart and lift out the thatch.
• Depth Control – The operator can adjust the blade depth depending on the thickness of the thatch and the type of grass.
• Thatch Removal – As the vertimower moves across the lawn, it pulls up debris, which is then collected or raked away.
• Root Stimulation – Cutting into the soil and root zone stimulates new growth, helping the lawn recover thicker and stronger.

When done by professionals like Premier Lawns, vertimowing is usually paired with follow-up treatments such as fertilising, topdressing, or watering to help the lawn recover quickly.

When Should You Use a Vertimower?

The best time to vertimow is during the active growing season—usually late spring to early summer in Perth—when warm-season grasses can recover quickly. You should consider vertimowing if:

• Your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it
• Water runs off the surface instead of soaking in
• Grass growth is thin, patchy, or uneven
• You can see a thick brown layer at the base of the grass blades
• Your lawn is struggling despite regular watering and fertilising

Benefits of Vertimowing

• Removes Thatch Build-Up – Improves water and nutrient penetration
• Encourages New Growth – Stimulates the production of fresh shoots
• Improves Lawn Appearance – Makes the lawn greener, denser, and more uniform
• Reduces Pest and Disease Risk – Removes the breeding ground for harmful insects and fungi
• Prepares Lawn for Rejuvenation – Ideal first step before topdressing or overseeding

Vertimower Hire Perth – DIY or Professional?

If you have the time, skills, and confidence, you can try Vertimower Hire Perth and tackle the job yourself. Hiring a vertimower can be cost-effective for small lawns, but it requires careful handling to avoid damaging the turf.

However, for larger areas or heavily thatched lawns, professional help is often the better choice. The team at Premier Lawns has the experience and equipment to set the correct blade depth, work efficiently, and ensure the lawn recovers quickly with the right aftercare.

The Professional Lawn Care Scarifying Process

When you book a Lawn Care Scarifying service with Premier Lawns, here’s what you can expect:

• Inspection – They assess your lawn’s condition and measure thatch depth.
• Preparation – The grass is mowed short to make scarifying more effective.
• Vertimowing – They run the vertimower over the lawn, adjusting the depth for optimal results.
• Cleanup – All thatch and debris are removed from the lawn surface.
• Aftercare – Fertilising, watering, or topdressing is applied to help recovery.

Aftercare Tips for a Vertimowed Lawn

Once the thatch is removed, your lawn may look a little bare and stressed, but this is temporary. With proper care, it will bounce back stronger than ever:

• Water Deeply – Keep the soil moist to encourage new root and shoot growth.
• Fertilise – Apply a balanced lawn fertiliser to feed the recovering grass.
• Avoid Heavy Use – Minimise foot traffic for the first few weeks after vertimowing.
• Mow Carefully – Wait until the grass has grown back before resuming your regular mowing schedule.

Why Choose Premier Lawns for Vertimowing?

Premier Lawns is trusted across Perth for their expertise in Lawn Care Scarifying and lawn restoration. They understand local turf varieties and know exactly how to adjust their methods for the best results.

By choosing Premier Lawns, you get:

• Correct vertimowing depth to prevent turf damage
• Thorough removal of thatch and debris
• Expert aftercare advice for faster recovery
• Professional results that last

Final Thoughts

A vertimower is one of the most effective tools for restoring a lawn suffering from excessive thatch. By cutting into the turf vertically, it removes built-up debris, stimulates fresh growth, and prepares your lawn for a season of lush greenery.

Whether you choose Vertimower Hire Perth for a DIY approach or book a full Lawn Care Scarifying service with Premier Lawns, vertimowing can be the turning point for your lawn’s health. Done at the right time and in the right way, it’s an investment that pays off in a thicker, greener, and more resilient lawn.