Removing Thatch with Power Dethatchers
Power dethatchers are used to decrease lawn thatch, the layer of organic materials (leaves, pine needles and cut grass) that collect together on top of the dirt surface. A little bit of thatch is good for the grass, but once it gets over an inch thick, it can begin to affect the flow of air, water and nutrients to the grass roots. Too much thatch, around 3” deep, creates a barrier that keeps the necessary things for healthy growing grass from going to the roots, including fertilizers and other lawn care products.
Power dethatchers have several adjustable blades along the bottom that remove thatch as the machine is moved along the turf. Blades are spaced farther apart for more delicate grasses and closer together for the hardier grasses. Blade height can be set to dig into the soil and rip the thatch out. This is the best way to get through a thick layer of thatch, but it does pull up grass plants too. The lawn will look sparse for a while until the grass recovers. Setting the blades higher so they slice into the thatch rather than pull it out is easier on the grass. Usually that will be enough if the thatch is less than 3” thick.
The thatch depth can be checked by removing a soil plug from the lawn and measuring the thatch. If it is between 1”-3”, using a power dethatcher is a good idea. Generally, it is best to dethatch in the early spring when the ground isn’t too dry or too wet. Mow the grass shorter than normal and water it the night before. Plan ahead to rent the dethatcher (for around $65 for a half-day) since they are popular to rent during the best times to use them. Start dethatching and then stop to make sure the blades are working correctly and are set at the proper height and width apart. Dethatch in parallel rows along the length of the lawn and then go a second time in shorter rows along the width to remove more of the thatch.
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