Botanical scarification is an important part of creating an optimal environment for new plants or seeds to grow. Scarification helps protect seeds or plants in the early growing stages. This practice is helpful in northern and southern latitudes and aids in reducing the negative impacts of pests or competing vegetation on seedlings.

Scarification is a beneficial practice in any climate. However, it is particularly important at northern latitudes where the growing season is shorter. Proper scarification can mitigate the effects of lower temperatures and reduced sunlight by exposing plants to higher air temperatures, allowing more sunlight in, improving water balance of the soil, and increasing access to nutrients. No matter your location, scarification offers key benefits including increased plant survival rates and improved growth.