Verticutters for home use operate similarly to a walk-behindself-propelling mower.
If thatch is greater than 3/4-inch thick, it’s more efficient to dethatch initially.
Subsequent verticutting keeps thatch to a manageable level.
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Dethatching
Dethatching is done as needed when decaying material adversely impacts lawn condition.
It is then raked up and removed.
Some lawns never require dethatching while others become choked, opening the way for weeds and insects.
Dethatching too often can damage existing grass and is done only once annually, or every few years.
Aerating
Aerating increases the oxygen available to roots.
It’s used in combination with dethatching or verticutting and is done during peak growing season.
Like dethatching, aerating a lawn is done on an as-needed basis.
Core aeration removes as many as 40 2- to 3-inch plugs of soil per square foot.
Plugs are mowed over and debris is left on the surface to feed existing turf.
Aerating is most beneficial for thick turfgrasses, andheavy clay soils.
Cooler temperatures and moist soil make the job easier and cause less stress to the grass.
Verticutting in autumn, then fertilizing is beneficial for spring growth.
Verticutting and reseeding are best done in early spring.
Verticutting opens the lawn for better oxygen uptake by removing thatch but is not as intensive as core aeration.
Thick lawns growing on heavy soils benefit from verticutting followed by aeration.
