scarify

In surgery, to scratch or make superficial incisions in: as, to scarify the gums.

To stir up and prepare for sowing or planting by means of a scarifier: as, to scarify the soil.

Figuratively, to harrow or rasp, as the feelings.

To scratch or cut the skin of; esp. (Med.), to make small incisions in, by means of a lancet or scarificator, so as to draw blood from the smaller vessels without opening a large vein.

To stir the surface soil of, as a field.

To scar.

Denude, or lay waste to.

To remove thatch (build-up of organic matter on the soil) from a lawn, to de-thatch.

break up

scratch the surface of