How to Use a Power Rake
As grass grows it develops a matted layer of leaves, stems and roots that sets right on top of the soil. As this matter thickens, it prevents water and nutrients from reaching below the surface and reaching the roots. Your lawn may need dethatching with a power rake to loosen this mat. Power raking the lawn in the spring helps keep your grass looking good year round. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pick up any sticks and stones lying in the yard. Remove any lawn furniture, toys and other objects. Mark any sprinkler heads or buried lines with construction flags.
-
2
Set the power rake's tines so they are about 2 to 3 inches apart. Each power rake is different, so have the rental agency show you how to set their model. Turn the depth control knob so the power rake cuts at a depth of 1/2 inch.
-
-
3
Position the power rake along one edge of the lawn. Start the engine and run it at full throttle. Engage the rake tines. Push the power rake forward in a straight line until you reach the end of the first pass. Raise the tines out of the ground. Position the power rake to make a second pass over the lawn next to where you made the first pass. Continue going back and forth across the yard until you cover the entire yard.
-
4
Rake the yard with a hand rake to help remove the debris cut by the tines of the power rake. It also opens up the small holes left by the tines so you can easily sow seed in them later.
-
5
Move the power rake so it can make additional passes across the yard at right angles to the first power raking passes. In other words, if your first passes were in a north-south direction, make the second set of passes in an east-west direction. Cover the entire yard again.
-
6
Rake the yard once again with the hand rake.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Power rakes are available at most rental stores. Plan on having a friend help you unload the power rake when you get home with it because it is heavy.
After you power rake, spread seed and fertilizer over the yard following the same pattern you used while power raking if you wish to re-seed. Water the lawn no more than 1/4 inch to help germinate the seeds.
