How to Dethatch Your Lawn
- Tackle small lawns with a dethatching rake, and rent a dethatcher (also known as a vertical cutter, verticutter, or power rake) for larger lawns
- Mow your lawn to half its normal height before you begin dethatching. (FYI: Don’t fertilize before dethatching.)
- Use a dethatching rake like you would a regular rake. ...
Full Answer
Will dethatching help my lawn?
In most cases, a simple dethatching is required to get your lawn back to its regular state. Dethatching lawns provides a sense of normalcy, one of the most desired benefits. A well-cared-for grass is green and lush, with no patches of bare ground. Additionally, dethatching can help you sell your house or improve the overall appeal of your property.
When to thatch and aerate your lawn?
Aeration is best performed just before or during periods of high growth. However, not immediately preceding or during periods of stress to the lawn. For example, heat or drought. The type of grasses that make up your lawn will determine the best time of year to aerate. When to Aerate if You Have Cool-Season Grasses: If you’re working with ...
When to detach your lawn?
Other Signs That Your Lawn Needs Dethatching
- Brown patches on your lawn
- Frequent lawn diseases
- Lawn insect infestation
- Generally stressed lawn
How to dethatch lawn using a thatching rake?
What is the Best Rake For Dethatching?
- Use this thatch rake for your lawn.
- A thatch rake has a head with 2 sets of tines—straight on one side, curved on the other.
- The straight tines are best for dethatching, while the curved tines help prepare the soil for overseeding.
How do you detach your lawn?
Use a dethatching rake like you would a regular rake. Dig the tines into the thatch and pull it upward, helping to loosen and remove the buildup. While you rake, you should feel and see the thatch separating from the soil.
When should I detach my lawn?
For northern grass the best time to dethatch your entire lawn is in late summer to early fall when the grass is actively growing. For southern grasses, dethatch in late spring. In early spring, and for small areas, use a thatching rake, which is a sharp-tined rake that rips the thatch out of the lawn.
Is it good to dethatch your lawn?
Not all lawns need dethatching, but when your lawn does need it, knowing how to dethatch your lawn is crucial to its future. Done properly, dethatching helps restore your lawn to health and keep it beautiful in years to come. By learning why, when and how to dethatch, you can keep your thick, lush grass on track.
How do you dethatch a lawn manually?
1:513:55How to Dethatch Lawn Using a Thatching Rake - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull this towards us. Go back and forth. And here's what we're left with so. I'm just going to takeMorePull this towards us. Go back and forth. And here's what we're left with so. I'm just going to take a regular rake. And we're going to go ahead and rake this up. And I'll just put this in a lawn bag.
Is it better to aerate or dethatch?
It is best to dethatch first before aerating your lawn. Aerating is best done when there's the problem of compaction. Both dethatching and aerating your lawn will improve air, nutrient, and water penetration into the root zone of your grass. Thatch is the main problem these two processes address.
Should you cut your grass before dethatching?
Dethatch when soil is moist, not dry. If soil is too wet, a dethatch may yank turf out by the roots, creating large bare spots. It's best to dethatch during cooler weather. Mow the lawn to half its normal height right before dethatching.
How long does it take to dethatch a lawn?
You can usually expect to pay between $100 (for a smaller lawn) to $700 (for a large lawn) for one to two hours of work. Professional lawn dethatching services have seasoned experts to rake and remove thatch from a yard with precision.
What does thatch look like in lawn?
0:062:28**WHAT IS THATCH IN YOUR LAWN?!?!?! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is exactly what it looks like when thatch dies out it'll be very spotty. And it'll die inMoreThis is exactly what it looks like when thatch dies out it'll be very spotty. And it'll die in usually circle area so they'll be green green grass in between and this is all from thatch.
Does dethatching help with weeds?
Dethatching a lawn is a process whereby gardeners remove the thatch layer from their lawn. The objective of this is usually to make it easier for water, air and nutrients to reach the grass's roots. It also helps with weed control and fertilization.
How often should you dethatch a lawn?
Thatch builds up over time, so it's not necessary to dethatch every year. Plan on dethatching every five years or so if your lawn needs it. You might want to give your lawn a quick check every year just to see how much thatch has accumulated.
Can I use a regular rake to dethatch?
Dethatching rakes If you have limited thatch, you can also use a standard bow rake. “The same leaf rake that you use in the fall can be used to remove a degree of thatch from the lawn,” Mann says. “It's not easy, but it is doable.”
How do you get rid of thatch naturally?
Remove Lawn ThatchUse a thatch rake for thick layers of thatch. Using this tool in a push-pull motion will rip out thatch and dig into the soil. ... Use leaf rakes and a tarp to gather and remove the dead thatch and other material from your lawn. ... Water the lawn as needed to keep it moist and promote growth.
Do I need to remove old grass before seeding?
Allowing the dead grass to build up also weakens the grass around it and will cause even more of it to die. So removing it is important. Especially if you are planting grass and have more than a half inch of dead grass anywhere in your lawn it needs to be removed before the new seed is planted.
Should you seed after dethatching?
It is a good idea to seed your lawn after you finish dethatching it. The holes left by the dethatcher make it easy to get the seeds into the soil. People often overseed to fill in bare spots and replace sections where grass came up with the dethatching. If you plan to seed your lawn, do it after you dethatch.
What do you do after dethatching your lawn?
After dethatching, rake up the newly exposed thatch. Mowing your lawn will also help to clean things up. Fertilizing at this time is also important. This will help your lawn recover and get much needed nutrients.
How do you tear up a lawn and reseed?
Remove Weeds. The very first thing to do is get rid of all existing weeds on your lawn. ... Prep the Soil. Next, you must prepare the soil for reseeding. ... Spread the Grass Seed. After the weeds have been removed and the soil aerated, it's time to actually spread the new seed. ... Apply Fertilizer. ... Water Your Lawn. ... Maintain the Yard.
Why is my lawn stronger without a thatch barrier?
Allowed to grow unchecked, thatch forms an impenetrable barrier that prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching roots. A thatch layer of an inch or more is a breeding ground for fungal diseases and mosquitoes that favor humid, wet conditions where water can’t percolate into the soil.
What is a dethatching rake?
Dethatching Rake: Using the same motion you would to rake leaves, the short tines and curved blades of a dethatching rake (such as this AMES model, available on Amazon) can dig into your lawn to pull up the thatch layer. They’re great for smaller lawns and those with mild thatch buildup.
What is a good rake for small lawns?
For small lawns, use a dethatching rake to work across the lawn using the same motion you would when raking leaves. Not only will you be helping your lawn, you’ll get a workout too. Power rakes, available for rent at many home improvement and hardware stores, are ideal for larger spaces and operate like a lawn mower.
What is vertical blade on lawn mower?
Vertical Mower: Lawns with thick thatch or those in need of total renovation would benefit from this aggressive approach. Vertical blades on a mower or scarifier (such as this Sun Joe model, available on Amazon) penetrate the thatch layer and the soil to lift the thatch—and plenty of grass roots—out.
What is a power rake?
Power Rakes: The power version of a dethatching rake (such as this Greenworks corded dethatcher, available on Amazon) is pushed much like a lawn mower. But, instead of blades, a power rake has rotating tines that dig into thatch and lift it out as you push.
Why do grass clippings decompose?
The problem occurs when the buildup of these materials outpaces decomposition and the thatch layer thickens. The thicker the layer, the more difficult it becomes for water, nutrients, and air to reach grass roots. When this happens, the lawn suffers and it’s time to dethatch.
What grasses are prone to thatch?
Some fast-growing grasses like St. Augustine grass and Kentucky bluegrass are more prone to thatch than other varieties, especially when grown in compacted or heavy clay soil. Timing should coincide with your lawn’s peak growth period and varies based on the type of grass you have.
Reasons to Remove a Lawn
If your lawn is out of control and weeds or bare spots account for more than half of it, you may need to know how to remove grass so you can start over. If you've decided that a turfgrass lawn takes too much work, water or expense and want to try a lawn alternative, you'll need to get rid of the grass before you begin your new landscape.
Plan How to Remove Grass
Getting rid of your lawn is a big project. When considering how to kill grass, you'll find there are several methods and they all require investments of time, money and effort. Some methods have more impact on the environment than others, and some may be more acceptable to your neighbors.
Remove a Lawn With Herbicide
Applying a nonselective, post-emergent herbicide to your lawn is a relatively quick method of killing it. Pay attention to the types of plants the herbicide will kill and make sure it's appropriate for the job. You can choose between concentrates that need to be mixed or pre-mixed, ready-to-use varieties.
Remove a Lawn by Digging It Up
If you prefer a natural grass killer option, you can dig up a lawn with several types of power equipment. Buying a tiller will make the work easier, but you'll need a heavy-duty, rear-tine model. You can rent a heavier grass removal tool, such as a sod cutter, which will cut under the turf and slice it into strips.
Remove a Lawn With Solarization
Solarization is a process that uses heat from the sun to kill weed seeds and pathogens in the soil. Solarization also kills the grass, cooking it until it dies. You'll need lots of direct sunlight and high temperatures for success, so a hot summer is the best time for solarization. Mow the grass as closely as possible and water it thoroughly.
Remove a Lawn by Smothering and Composting
Smothering your lawn kills it and allows it to compost in place, adding valuable organic matter back to the soil. Start by mowing the grass closely. Cover the lawn with a minimum of six layers of newspaper or cardboard. If you layer with newspaper, use paper with black ink because color ink can contain heavy metals.
Next Steps
Regardless of which lawn removal method you use, there are some things you need to do after the grass is gone. Even if you use a method that allows you to plant immediately, your landscape will benefit from preparation. If you lost your lawn to weeds or disease, address the underlying problems before they arise again:
How to remove debris from a vertical mower?
Remove the debris created by a vertical mower or core aerator with a leaf rake, and load it into a wheelbarrow for disposal.
How thick should a lawn be to promote healthy grass growth?
Lawns should be de-thatched to promote healthy grass growth whenever the layer of thatch is more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick. You can do this either mechanically or manually. Steps.
What is a vertical mower?
Vertical mowers, sometimes called power rakes, chop down through the thatch layer and lift it to the top of the lawn. These machines create a lot of debris that will you need to remove for compost or disposal. Core aerators pull soil plugs from the lawn, which you can remove or leave on the lawn to decompose naturally.
Can you de-thatch a small lawn?
Small lawns that do not have extremely thick hatch zones can be de-thatched manually with a sturdy leaf rake if you have the time and energy.
Can you use too many pesticides on lawns?
Try not to use too many pesticides on your lawn, as they tend to decrease the number of earthworms and beneficial bugs in the ground.
Can you pull up green grass?
Be careful not to pull up large amounts of green grass.
Do you fertilize after dethatching?
According to Scott Lawn and Turf, fertilize your lawn after dethatching to help the lawn recover. Do not fertilize before dethatching. Keep your lawn well-watered to help your grass recover.
When to dethatch grass?
Active grass growth helps speed your lawn's recovery. Dethatch cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, in late summer or early fall. Dethatch warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass or Zoysia grass, after spring green-up, as they enter early summer's peak growth. Never dethatch when your lawn is dormant or stressed;
How to tell if your lawn has thatch?
Take a garden trowel or spade and dig up a small wedge of your lawn grass and soil. You'll be able to see and measure its thatch layer. If your thatch is 1–2 inches or more, you've probably already seen signs of poor grass color and weak, thin growth. Once you've confirmed your thatch exceeds the healthy mark, the time for dethatching has come.
What is a power rake?
Power rakes work well for lawns with thinner thatch layers and grass that can withstand intense raking. Vertical mowers, also called verticutters, have vertical blades that slice down through the thatch layer and into soil, pulling thatch—and often grass roots—to the surface as they go.
What is a manual dethatching rake?
Manual dethatching rakes are heavy, short-tined rakes with curved blades designed to dig into your lawn and pull up thatch as you rake. Dethatching rakes are good for light thatch and general thatch maintenance on small lawn areas.
Why is thatch a barrier?
Water from irrigation can accumulate in the thatch layer, too, so grass roots suffocate from lack of air.
What is thick thatch?
Thick thatch also provides a breeding ground for lawn disease and insect pests. Some lawn grasses are more prone to thatch buildup than other. Vigorous, spreading grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, Bermudagrass and creeping fescues, may need regular dethatching.
How thick is a thatch layer?
A thin thatch layer, less than 1/2-inch thick , is beneficial to lawn health.1 It acts as an organic mulch to help conserve soil moisture and protect against big fluctuations in soil temperatures. A thin thatch layer allows water, nutrients and air to penetrate into soil and reach waiting plant roots.
How do I dethatch a lawn?
How to Dethatch Your Lawn. Tackle small lawns with a dethatching rake, and rent a dethatcher (also known as a vertical cutter, verticutter, or power rake) for larger lawns. Mow your lawn to half its normal height before you begin dethatching. (FYI: Don’t fertilize before dethatching.)
How to remove thatch from a rake?
Use a dethatching rake like you would a regular rake. Dig the tines into the thatch and pull it upward, helping to loosen and remove the buildup. While you rake, you should feel and see the thatch separating from the soil.
What Is Lawn Aeration?
Lawn aeration, coring, and aerifying are different terms you might hear for the same procedure. A core aerator removes plugs of soil from your lawn, which helps loosen compacted soil and allows vital air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. You can either aerate your lawn yourself or call a lawn service. If you plan to DIY, rent an aerator (you’ll need help and a truck to transport it) and follow these tips.
Why is my lawn not growing?
In both cases, the grass is suffering because air, water, and nutrients aren’t able to move freely into and through the soil, and are having trouble reaching the roots.
How thick is thatch in a yard?
It’s when thatch builds up to more than ¾-inch thick that’s the problem.
What to mark before renting a dethatcher?
If you’re planning to rent a dethatcher, mark any shallow irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, or buried utility lines before starting. This is no time for surprises!
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What is the best way to remove deep thatch from lawn?
This type of dethatching machine, also known as a scarifier, is the most effective method for removing deep or dense thatch. It is also the most aggressive method and should be used with caution on lawns that are not in vigorous health.
How long does it take for a lawn to look better after dethatching?
Dethatching will probably leave your lawn looking a little worse for wear for a few weeks. Regardless which dethatching method you choose, bolster your lawn immediately with quality fertilizer and a deep watering. Your grass will need some TLC to bounce back as vibrant and resilient as before.
What is a dethatching rake?
Dethatching rakes. A dethatching rake is a short-tined rake with thin, sharp blades designed to dig into your turf and pull up thatch. Dethatching rakes are effective for light thatch maintenance on small lawns or sections of lawn.
What is a tow behind dethatcher?
If you have a large area that needs dethatching and you own a tractor, rider or ATV, a tow-behind dethatcher is ideal. Fitted with sturdy tines, these dethatchers comb through the matted layer of thatch while being towed across your lawn.
What is a power rake?
Also known as power rakes, these work well for lawns with thinner thatch layers and healthy grass that can withstand intense raking. Power rakes are commonly used by landscapers to remove loose thatch, allowing air and light to penetrate to the grass roots. They can also be rented or purchased for DIY dethatching.
What to mark before dethatching?
If you’re using a dethatching machine, be sure to mark any shallow irrigation lines, sprinkler heads or buried utility lines before starting.
What is thatch in lawn?
Thatch, a dense layer of organic material — including live and dead grass, roots, leaves, stems and weeds — covers the surface of the soil. It acts as an impenetrable barrier that blocks adequate amounts of air, water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. This lawncare oversight is rapidly changing, however.
How do I dethatch my lawn?
There are several ways. For lawns with moderate levels of thatch, aerating (see below) may do the trick. Or use a cavex rake (aka thatching or lawn dethatcher rake)—which has unusual semicircular tines. Those knifelike blades cut through the sod and pull out thatch. For large lawns with serious thatch problems, the most effective solution is a vertical mower (aka power rake). Resembling a heavy-duty power mower but with a series of spinning vertical knives, it cuts through thatch.
When is the best time to dethatch your lawn?
The best time to dethatch cool-season lawns is late August to early October, depending on your location , when the grass is growing vigorously and few weed seeds are likely to germinate. A light application of fertilizer (½ to ¾ pound actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet) and regular, deep watering will speed the lawn’s recovery.
What causes thatch?
There are numerous causes for excessively thick thatch. The most common ones are poorly aerated soil, excess nitrogen (which leads to excessive growth), and too much water (which reduces the amount of oxygen in the soil). Thatch may also result from activities like the overzealous use of pesticides that kill the earthworms and microorganisms that break down organic matter.
What is a dethatching mower?
Resembling a heavy-duty power mower but with a series of spinning vertical knives, it cuts through thatch. Dethatching often creates a large volume of debris that must be removed. If the debris is weed-free and you have not used herbicides or pesticides on your lawn, compost it.
How many holes per square foot for a lawn aerator?
You steer it across the lawn—several times in different directions—to break up compacted soil as much as possible. (Aim for 20 to 40 holes per square foot.)
What is thatch in grass?
Thatch is a matted layer of grass stems, roots, stolons, rhizomes, and other organic debris that builds up faster than it can decompose. Thatch accumulates immediately below the green surface of the lawn—on top of the soil at the base of blades. A layer of thatch that’s less than ½ inch thick is normal and does not present cause for action.
Why is there a layer of thatch on my lawn?
A thick layer of thatch can harbor disease-causing insects and fungi, prolong high humidity that promotes disease, and bind or tie up pesticides.
How to keep rainwater in your yard?
Rain-wise Garden. Divert all or some water from your roof into a dry river bed to reduce urban runoff and keep rainwater in your yard to enhance soil moisture. Rain-wise gardens also create an interesting dimension to your yard – you can put in bridges, pots, or artwork.
How to locate underground utilities in your yard?
Make a diagram of your yard. Measure all the landscape features , including the grass and other planted areas, sidewalks, driveways, doorways, walkways, and outdoor water faucets. Call 811 to locate underground utilities.
Why is mulch important?
Mulch serves many purposes – it keeps the soil cooler, protects root systems, and deters weeds. Varying mulch types can also add visual interest to your yard. When evaluating mulch options, consider:
Is it better to remove turf or water?
Removing turf with water-efficient plants can be cost-effective, beautiful, and low-maintenance. About half of the water we use at home is spent outdoors on landscaping. Californians have made great strides to improve indoor water efficiency; however, outdoor water efficiency achieves much more water savings.
Do succulents like overhead spray?
When selecting succulents, choose carefully as many can be frost-and-heat-sensitive. Also, make sure your irrigation is compatible and that the soil is well-drained. Many succulents do not like overhead spray.