Scarifier

An item of equipment used for scarification purposes. A scarifier will typically have metal tines that are either narrow prong like, or broader, being chisel or triangular in shape. The depth settings for a scarifier will vary, ranging from light to heavy: See ‘Scarification' entry for general guidance. Be careful not to destroy the sward with too deep a setting, unless this is the aim through the process of Fraise mowing.

  Scarify

The action of scarification.

  Scrake

A long handled tool with curved metal teeth at one end, which is used for light scarification.

  Scratching

A general term used in some countries to describe the action of scarification.

  Screed

A long handled tool with a relatively narrow and straight piece of material, up to 3m in length, at the end. A typical size might be a length of wood, 50mm x 25mm, and with a metal angle iron being fixed to the 50mm side, making that side about 75mm in height. This side is then drawn across a turf surface to help distribute and work in topdressing material. A smaller type of improvised screed can be the back of a metal 1-metre wide landscape rake, which is ideal for working and redistributing topdressing over a small area.

  Scythe

A traditional method of cutting lawn grass. With the invention of the lawn mower in 1830 and continued development of mowing machines, scything was limited to use on a fine turf golf and bowling green until around World War One, after which it essentially fell out of use. There is still a place for the use of a scythe in cutting grass in wildflower meadows, however, this is now a very specialised activity.

  Sea Washed Turf

A fine grassed, silty soil turf, which was cut from coastal areas and was popular up until the 1960s for use on bowling greens. A common name for this type of turf was 'Cumberland' turf, being named from where it was grown. However, with advances in turf maintenance and problems which arose from the use of sea-washed turf, it is little used as cultivated turf is far superior in all situations. This can also be referred to as Sea Marsh Turf.

  Seaweed Extract

A traditional organic soil conditioner for fine turf surfaces, with many nutrients. The seaweed is dried and ground prior to applying to a turfgrass surface, or it may be applied as a liquid product. Seaweed products are also used in modern turf maintenance practices on high class winter sports pitches ¯ football and rugby, especially where pesticides are not used as part of a sustainable turf management approach. A typical application rate for some products in these cases might be the equivalent of 6 litres of liquid concentrate per full pitch per week.

  Seed Slotter

A long handled hand tool with rotating discs which have shallow (~13mm deep) blunt tines which create fine slots for seed to be sown into without causing surface disturbance to a grass sward.

  Seeder

An item of equipment which is used to apply grass seed to a surface. There is a range of different types, including: Spinning disc; Drop spreader; Oscillating Spout; Disc cultivator with seed drop spreader incorporated; and a Spiked roller with a seed drop spreader incorporated.