Dethatching a lawn is an easy DIY project, because it can be accomplished with a simple rake.
Below, we outline everything you gotta know before dethatching your lawn and how to get started.
What Is Dethatching?
The Spruce / David Karoki
Dethatching is the removal of thick thatch on a lawn.
Then, water the lawn to relieve it from the stress of dethatching.
Core aeration is best performed immediately after dethatching but before overseeding and amendment/feeding.
The Spruce / David Karoki
If the layer of thatch is over 3/4-inch thick, you may need to dethatch.
Thick thatch may feel spongy underfoot, as well.
Dethatching is not nearly as common a lawn care project asmowingor fertilizing.
Some homeowners may never need to dethatch the lawn.
Or, it may be necessary only every few years.
Also, some types of grass simply are not as susceptible to thatch build-up as others.
Cool-Season Grasses
Dethatching works best when the lawn is growing and the soil is somewhat moist.
Cool-season grasses should be dethatched in the early spring or early fall.
Dethatching a new lawn can cause considerable damage, especially if it is done with power equipment.
An overabundance of thatch blocks water and fertilizer from reaching your lawn’s roots.
If you never dethatch your lawn, thick thatch will build up and block water and nutrients.
Eventually, this can kill the grass.
A thick layer of thatch is also a breeding ground for insects and plant pathogens.
For example:
Dethatching vs.
Core Aeration
Don’t confuse dethatching with another important lawn care routinecore aeration.
Although these activities are sometimes confused with one another, they are entirely different procedures.
Performing core aeration does not dethatch the lawn, nor does dethatching offer the same benefits as core aeration.
If the layer of thatch is over 3/4-inch thick, you may need to dethatch.
