In a word yes, scarifying does help to remove weeds but might need to be used alongside other measures for deep-rooted weeds. "To remove unwanted weeds, we can use techniques such as aerating a lawn and scarifying the lawn," suggests Chris. Both processes loosen the roots of the area you are targeting.
"Scarifying, also known as 'dethatching', involves removing the layer of thatch - a mix of dead grass, roots, and debris - from your lawn," says Teri Valenzuela, natural science manager at lawn care specialists Sunday. "To carry out this process, a specialized tool is often required which breaks up the layer of thatch, making it easy to rake up and discard. While this method may help eliminate weeds with shallow roots, it's not effective against deep-rooted or well-established weeds."
"Once you've cleared some of the thatch, manually pull out remaining weeds or apply targeted spot treatments to larger infestations on your lawn. Afterward, introduce premium grass varieties to your lawn, which can naturally outcompete weeds."