How to De-Thatch Your Yard

Dethatching grass

Thatch is the layer of dead and living organic matter sandwiched between the soil and the grass. When this layer becomes larger than half an inch, it inhibits grass growth, provides a hospitable environment for pests and reduces air circulation. By removing this layer with a power rake, you help fertilizer absorb into the soil. Spring is the best time to de-thatch your lawn before applying fertilizer high in nitrogen.

Things You'll Need

• Power rake
• Garden hose
• Rake

Instructions

1. Water your yard thoroughly the day before you de-thatch. The soil should be moist, but not overly saturated with water.

2. Rent a power rake from your local gardening supply store. Pick up additional oil if the power rake has an engine.

3. Set the power rake's blades to a medium level. De-thatching with a low blade level will harm the root system of the grass. Push the power rake back and forth across the lawn to evenly de-thatch it.

4. Rake all the debris and either burn or throw it away. Alternatively, you can place the thatch in your compost if you did not use an insecticide or herbicide on the lawn before de-thatching.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine how thick your thatch layer is by pressing a measuring stick through the thatch to the soil.

• Avoid setting a power rake that runs on gasoline on your yard to prevent the gas from spilling and creating brown spots on the yard.

References

• Oregon State University: Spring is the Best Time to Dethatch Your Yard
• University of California Healthy Lawns: Dethatching