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. Dig the tines into the thatch and pull it upward, helping to loosen and remove the buildup. ...
- 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!
- Ask the rental agency to adjust the spacing and cutting depth for your grass type. The blades should be set to cut no deeper than ½ inch into the soil. ...
- After dethatching, your lawn will look ragged. Use a leaf rake to get rid of the thatch you loosened up.
- If bare spots were created by dethatching, use a patching product, like Scotts® EZ Seed®, to repair them.
- Now you can feed the rest of your grass. Once that’s wrapped, water your entire lawn to help it recover from all of the poking and prodding.
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.
What is Thatch?
If you've ever seen a cross-section of soil and grass roots, you've seen the layer of organic debris known as thatch. A mix of dead and living plant material , thatch forms at the base of grass plants, where stems meet roots and soil. Some organic matter, such as small grass clippings or mulched leaves, break down quickly in healthy lawns, but other materials take much longer to decompose. When buildup outpaces breakdown, your lawn's thatch layer grows thicker.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 to dethatch a lawn?
Dethatching is the easy option because it is accomplished simply by using a rake. Push the rake tines deeply down through the grass, so that they reach the thatch layer that lies beneath. If you have a cool-season grass, you can be dethatching your lawn at the same time as you rake it for other reasons. Here is why:
What happens if you put thatch in your lawn?
But sometimes the organic matter that makes up that thatch layer accumulates faster than it can break down. It becomes too thick (1 inch or thicker), leading to the following problems: 1 It forms a barrier that deprives the root system of air, water, and nutrients. 2 It promotes insect infestations. 3 Lawn diseases are more likely to take hold. 4 Patches of lawn with thick layers of thatch become spongy. When mowing your lawn, the mower wheels sink down in these areas, resulting in a lower cut. This keeps you from mowing your lawn at the ideal height.
Why is my lawn thatch so thick?
It becomes too thick (1 inch or thicker), leading to the following problems: It forms a barrier that deprives the root system of air, water, and nutrients. It promotes insect infestations. Lawn diseases are more likely to take hold. Patches of lawn with thick layers of thatch become spongy.
Why is thatch important for soil?
It moderates the temperature of the soil and helps it retain moisture. As microbes in the soil break it down, nutrients are released into the soil. But sometimes the organic matter that makes up that thatch layer accumulates faster than it can break down.
What is the best soil for a green lawn?
Having a green lawn starts with having good soil, in which the roots of your grass reside. An ideal soil is one that: Is kept evenly moist. Has good aeration. Has a pH level of about 6.5. Enjoys sufficient nutrients.
What makes a lawn green?
Having a green lawn starts with having good soil, in which the roots of your grass reside . An ideal soil is one that:
When is the best time to dethatch grass?
Cool-season grasses are coming into their prime time for growth in early spring and in early fall. Dethatching them at these times is ideal because they will recover more quickly at these times from the stress of being dethatched. These times just happen to coincide when you will be raking to clean up the lawn in early spring and raking leaves off the lawn in the fall.
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.
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.
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.)
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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When to dethatch Bermuda grass?
Your cue to dethatch warm-season varieties like zoysia and Bermuda grass occurs in spring or early summer after they’ve completely “greened up.”. If your lawn is dormant or stressed by drought, don’t dethatch. You can do irreparable damage.
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.
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.
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 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.
Why Should I Dethatch My Lawn?
Thin layers of thatch allows water, nutrients and air to penetrate into the soil and reach the roots of your lawn , but too much thatch can do quite the opposite.
What happens after dethatching a lawn?
After dethatching your lawn your work isn’t over. You will have a somewhat patchy, thin and slightly unhealthy looking lawn. It is quite important to get your lawn back to looking beautiful in all its green glory. After dethatching, plan to overseed your lawn.
What is a power rake?
Power rakes are similar to walk-behind lawn mowers and have rotating tines that slice into the grass/turf. These tines dig into the thatch and go all the way into the soil to pull pieces up and loosen/rake your lawn thatch, bringing it to the surface of your lawn.
What tools do I need to dethatch my lawn?
Tools Used to Dethatch Your Lawn. If you decide to dethatch your lawn yourself, there are three main ways: Manual rakes, power rakes and vertical mowers. There are both positives and negatives to every dethatching tool and technique, so I’ll discuss those here, and share how I dethatch my lawn.
What is manual dethatching?
Manual dethatching is the most physically strenuous type of dethatching. This is done with a rake that has curved blades, and digs into your lawn as you dethatch. If you’re going to dethatch your lawn with a rake, invest in a dethatching rake (I own this one available on Amazon, and it works well).
What is the strongest tool to cut through thatch?
Being the strongest of the three DIY methods, vertical mowers slice through thatch layers and into the soil. These tools are similar to power rakes, but are much more powerful. Use a vertical mowers for thick thatch and lawns that need major work.
How thick is a thick thatch?
Lawn diseases also thrive in thick thatch. If you want a healthy and beautiful lawn, you will want to dethatch anytime your thatch is thicker than .75 inch. You can check this by taking a small garden trowel or a spade and digging up a section of your lawn to check the turf (you can replace it when you’re done).
What Is Dethatching a Lawn?
Dethatching is the mechanical removal of thatch, made up primarily of grass, leaves, stems, grass roots and lateral weed growth. It is usually done with a gasoline-powered or electric dethatching machine, but you can also do it by hand with a dethatching rake.
What grasses need to be dethatched?
Prime offenders include cool-season grasses like Creeping Bentgrass and Kentucky Bluegrass and warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, according to Harbit. For other types of grass, thatch builds up over time so you don’t need to dethatch annually.
Why is my lawn prone to rot?
Thatch inhibits nutrients, air and water from reaching the root layer of your lawn, resulting in a shallow root system and issues with fungus. Wet thatch can retain too much water during rainy seasons, leaving grass roots susceptible to rot.
What is the purpose of spring cleaning?
Did you know that your lawn can benefit from a good spring cleaning just like your home? While an indoor deep cleaning removes dust and dirt from ceiling lamps to baseboards, an outdoor “deep cleaning” focuses on eliminating thatch buildup that may be depriving your lawn’s root system of the water, air and nutrients it needs to stay lush and robust.
How to measure thatch in grass?
You can dig up a small sample of turf with a trowel to measure the thickness of the thatch layer, or simply try to poke your finger through the grass into the soil. If the thatch is too dense to penetrate, you likely have a problem you need to address.
When do grass seeds germinate?
In most growing regions of the U.S., this means the spring or fall, when warm temperatures and ample precipitation promote rapid and hearty grass growth . “Try to avoid times of year when we would expect weed seed germination since the process of dethatching brings seeds to the surface,” adds Mann.
Can grass die from a rake?
With so many wounds, grass plants may dry out and die.”. If your lawn is already compromised, dethatch with a rake or dethatching machine with rake tines. This method removes the layer of thatch without penetrating the soil beneath, so there is less chance of further damaging your grass.
How thick should thatch be?
Perform a few simple tests to see whether or not your thatch has gotten too thick. A general rule is that thatch should be less than ¾ inch (1.9 cm) thick. Steps.
How to dethatch a lawn with a shovel?
Hold the chunk of turf up so you can see it. Pull it off of the shovel by the grass or simply examine it on the shovel. Hold a ruler or measuring tape up to the thatch. Hold the zero mark right at the top of the soil. If the thatch goes past ¾ inch (1.9 cm), it’s a good idea to dethatch the lawn.
How to get rid of thatch in grass?
Press the lawn with your hand. If walking around the lawn doesn’t give you a good idea about the firmness, use your hand to check it. Push the grass down until you feel the thatch. Your hand is more sensitive to the spongy feeling than your feet are, so judge whether it feels too thick.
How much does it cost to dethatch a yard?
Most services range in price from $200-400 per 1,000 square feet.
How to measure thatch?
While you are bent down, gently push your finger through the thatch layer. Pay attention to how far up your finger the that ch goes. Pull your finger out and measure the depth. Less than half an inch (1.3 cm) is the ideal depth.
What to use to penetrate thatch?
If you don’t feel comfortable sticking your finger into the thatch, use a stick or even a ruler to penetrate the thatch layer.
What happens if your yard is clogged?
One of the side effects of a clogged yard is standing or spongy grass. This is an indication that the yard needs aeration.