RAKING VS SCARIFYING

Raking and scarifying have the same purpose, which is to remove thatch and dead material from your lawn, however they have their different benefits and shortfalls.

Manual v Automatic

The most obvious difference is what powers the two options. Raking is an entirely manual job and can be tough work if you have a large lawn. Whereas scarifying is automatic and is powered by the scarifier, rather than requiring manual effort. 

If you have a small or medium sized lawn, then raking will be fine for you. Anything bigger than that, then make sure you use a scarifier. 

Cost

There is a big disparity in the cost of a rake and a scarifier. A rake can be picked up from £10 whereas a scarifier is going to start at around £60-70, but a decent quality one will cost in excess of £150.

Bearing in mind that this is a piece of equipment that is used very infrequently, a scarifier is expensive! There is also the option to hire a scarifier. 

Aeration v No Aeration

A rake will simply extract the thatch layer and dead material from your lawn, but it will not have any effect on the soil. 

Whereas, most scarifiers have metal blades built in, as well as the metal tines. The metal tines carry out the same function as a rake, but the metal blades cut into the soil as well. This cutting into the soil, aerates it.

Summary

Scarifying is generally considered the better option of the 2, however, there is nothing wrong with raking instead. Way up the cost and effort consideration and work out which is best for you.