93.8% of Homeowners SKIP THIS STEP. Don't Be One of Them.
A lush, green lawn is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. However, even the most well-maintained lawns can become susceptible to thatch buildup. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, leaves, and other organic material that accumulates on the surface of the soil over time. While some thatch can be beneficial for the health of your lawn, too much can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots, leading to a weak and unhealthy lawn. This is where dethatching comes in.
Dethatching, also known as "thatch removal," is the process of removing excess thatch buildup from your lawn. This is typically done using a specialized dethatching machine or a power rake, which slices through the thatch and lifts it away from the soil surface. By removing excess thatch, you can help promote healthy grass growth and prevent lawn diseases.
But how do you know if your lawn needs to be dethatched? The general rule of thumb is THAT if your lawn's thatch layer is more than half an inch thick, it's time for dethatching. However, it's important to note that some types of grass, such as Bermuda grass, naturally produce more thatch than others. In these cases, dethatching may need to be done more frequently.
It's also worth noting that dethatching is not the same as scarifying, verticutting, or power raking, although these terms are often used interchangeably. While all of these processes involve removing thatch from your lawn, they differ in the level of aggressiveness and the equipment used.
Scarifying is a process that involves cutting through the thatch layer and the soil surface using a specialized tool called a scarifier. This process is typically used to remove moss, weeds, and other debris from the lawn, as well as to promote healthy grass growth.
Verticutting is similar to scarifying, but it involves using a machine with vertical blades to cut through the thatch and the soil surface. This process is more aggressive than scarifying and is typically done to remove heavy thatch buildup and promote deep root growth.
Power raking, as the name suggests, involves using a power rake to remove excess thatch from the lawn. This process is typically less aggressive than scarifying or verticutting and is often used for routine lawn maintenance.
So why is dethatching so important for the health of your lawn? As mentioned earlier, excessive thatch buildup can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. This can lead to a weak and unhealthy lawn, as well as an increased risk of lawn diseases. Dethatching can help promote healthy grass growth by allowing water and nutrients to penetrate the soil surface and reach the roots.
In addition to promoting healthy grass growth, dethatching can also help improve the overall appearance of your lawn. A thick layer of thatch can give your lawn a spongy or spongy feel and make it more difficult to mow. By removing excess thatch, you can help restore your lawn's natural texture and make it easier to maintain.
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I always wondered what that rake was for in my grandpa's garage. He never made me use it. He was a good man.
So I did it last fall, got an electric detatcher, and ended up with about 5-6 lawn bags full of dead grass. My lawn was always very thick and one of the best lawns on the block. This year you can tell the difference. Much more lush, green, thick, and it is very apparent water is going into roots and not running off. Best investment was getting one of these electric ones as my grandfather has a manual one and it is a royal pain in the ass to use.
I like how the dog follows you around when mowing.
my latest problem in the backyard was recognizing, identifying & spraying for some nasty & invasive weeds. one was lesser celandine & the other is some kind of grassy weed that was hiding among the healthy grass & really took off while undetected. I haven't dethatched in a while, but next Sept & Oct when I start my Fall maintenance routine, I will absolutely be dethatching the backyard to clean out those dead weeds & also the newer ones that will want to come back again.
Thatch is nutrient dense. I compost mine in the fall, and then use the compost to fill in low spots in the spring!
@slimdude2011
Жыл бұрын
Why spend all that time dethatching your lawn, if you're going to reuse the dead grass to fill in the low spots? If you have low spots on your lawn, get some lawn soil and overseed it. The dead grass and other debris are supposed to be disposed of, not recycled. That's what dethatching is for! A person doesn't dethatch their lawn and put the dead grass right back on it afterwards.
@Mrs.LadeyBug
Жыл бұрын
@@slimdude2011Don’t go showing your lack of knowledge of the composting process all at once now, dear…
@Mrs.LadeyBug
Жыл бұрын
Wow, that is perfection! There’s no better example of natural healthy circular ecology than that! 💚
@slimdude2011
Жыл бұрын
@@Mrs.LadeyBug If I were to use compost on my lawn, I wouldn't use dead grass.
@MFCSteele
Жыл бұрын
Pretty clever, I'll make a note.
I got to use my Groundworks dethatcher on some trouble spots last night after the mow- these spots were too hard to get with the tow-behind, and I know I went over them like 5 times. The Groundworks took it right up! The Groundskeeper rake also is good if you want to spot clean any trouble spots, or stimulate dog spots.
Stumbled on this video. Don’t have a lawn but wow your videos are a lesson in clarity and being concise!
That's amazing, I never expected all of that to be under the grass. My grass is so thick and so lumpy in spots. I have zoysia gras, which is supposed to be drought-resistant etcetera however it takes a ton of water to get it nice and lush. Thinking about getting one of these for this coming spring.
👍 Just bought a used BillyGoat power rake, same one you showed. It is definitely aggressive, but so much faster than my corded sunjoe on 11,000 sq ft. Finally snow free here in Fairbanks, AK.
Awesome video. Well layed out, easy to follow and to the point explanation. And everything you talk about comes with its own demonstration. Fantastic job! Well deserved sub.
Incredible, I'll definitely give dethatching a go! I did notice mowing more often filled in lawn gaps but never tried detaching, I'm sure it'll really even things out further.
The Best advice ever. I bought a Sunjoe last spring. Did my lawn, then hit it with milorganite and ironite last year. Did it again in April, and this year I’m the most hated dude in the subdivision because nobody has a lawn like mine. It looks like astroturf.
Love you videos. You speak like youre talking to someone who that has no idea what youre talking about. PERFECT!
Man i love how simple u keep it while providing great info…
I got really good results with the SunJoe by dethatching and then following up with a second pass with the scarifier. I agree that the scarifier doesn't pull up as much thatch but the scarifier helps with overseeding. I did this last fall and my wife asked "Why did you scalp the yard?!" This spring the yard came back twice as thick and I have had neighbors and walkers stop to complement me and asked what I did. The SunJoe is a great homeowner product, IMO.
@gergemall
11 ай бұрын
I love it . Bought it in the spring .
Thanks a lot to the cameraman and the presenter for good quality presentation and explanation. 🙂
these are the best videos on lawn care on youtube, cant believe how long it me to get here
Great video and Well spoken. I own a Sun Joe Dethatcher and I needed a thorough explanation.
You always motivate me to be better at taking care of my lawn. Thanks for great lawncare content. Sweet dog.
I did a heavy dethatch and then scarfied it hired a guy to aerate it and then I heavily seeded it and added a really nutrient rich top soil. I can not believe how well it worked. I water every 3days and its 33c in Canada currently. Not brown grass blade yet. really makes a difference to get the soil prepped
@ellenorbjornsdottir1166
3 ай бұрын
which part of Canada?
Great explanation on the differences and the processes to perform the job. Your channel has a wealth of knowledge for the DIY enthusiast. Keep up the great work 💪🏼
@stanleyems
Жыл бұрын
A
I dethatched with a modified blade on my lawnmower, works great. Love your videos
I didn't realise how much I needed this video in my life. Thank you 👍
It depends on the type of grass! You don’t want to ever dethatch St. Austine grass, which is commonly used in Southern Lawns!
@cgonzalezper2010
Ай бұрын
Same with Bermuda.
i would gladly take all yard material that anyone wants to get rid of. sticks twigs, leaves, grass clippings, thatch, rocks. All of it, I have a big field that you can drive in, dump and drive away. I dont want kitchen trash, but i will take anything plant based.... in exchange, i will give you the same weight in compost.
That last line alone earns a subscribe! Thanks for the info.
The Best video about dethatching on KZread. I did however use the old style for 8 HOURS on the in laws yard one time. Now 15 years later being 55ish not doing that again. Renting a dethatcher thingy. Thanks for the best. 👍🍺
I been lost with the myriad options of these dethatchers now I know better. Thanka for this video ❤
Thanks for the super-useful video! The combination of background information and advice is perfect.
Thank you for this great video. I think I may not should be simply pulling the thatched grass out. I was thinking I needed to aerate yet now I may consider option #2.
Haha, best outro! Just wanted to comment to say thanks for the clear explanation. I went with a corded one like you showed with the interchangeable dethatcher/scarifier, about to give it its first go.
Young man, awesome, detailed and informative video. Thank you for sharing!
I took your advice and purchased an electric corded model and I was very surprised on how well it worked!!
Finally an amazing video to explain the debate!!! Jesse you the man bro 👊🏾😂😂😂 and I love your dog he just wants to help his best friend 😩😊👊🏾🔥🙏🏾🤙🏾
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for always watching bro! Best dog I've ever had. He just always wants to be apart of the action 😂
Thanks from New Zealand. One the best video i hv seen so far..
What ever you want to call it, the explanations were right on. I use to use the hand thatch rake on my 1800 sq ft lawn twice a season for years and always dreaded it. The results were worth it though. Got the Greenworks 4 years ago and it was a game changer. The scarifier and verticutter attachments for the Allett are too expensive now a days and might just invest in a SunJoe which has both attachments
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
The manual dethatcher is a good workout at least 😂 Allet and Swardman are crazy with their pricing. I'll never own any of their equipment because of the price tag alone. I'm sure they're fine tools, but the mower price plus cartridges are insane. Not for me.
I use thatch for mulch on my raised bed gardens. They do an excellent job and at the start of early spring the next year, you can dig it into the beds to add organic material.
I used to do this yearly on my lawn. I got compliments every year from my neighbors that my lawn looked the best on the block. I didn't think I was trying all that hard, just doing typical yard maintenance. I would also run an aerator over the lawn and then fertilize/water that week. The lawn would look a nice green and take far less water.
Am definitely realizing i should have done this, this year. Thanks for the info!
The best thing I did for my lawn was purchase the electric Sun-Joe thatcher that comes with the scarifier. I could not believe how much deadness I brought up on the highest setting. I now do it late winter or early spring and my lawn is the best it looked. Great video LAWN.
The Groundskeeper II rake is an excellent tool for this process as well, very light, easy to use and does a fantastic job.
@NordicDan
Жыл бұрын
Does it work well for removing dead moss?
@johnm.5346
Жыл бұрын
@@NordicDan yes, it works well. Handy tool to add, works great for mulching too
@stevenbrown6782
8 ай бұрын
it's a beast
Great Video Jesse! between the US and the UK it can get real confusing what it means to scarify/verticut/dethatch i think you did a great job clearing that up. nice to see that you guys are out of the snow! 🤣
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
Snow is a thing of the past. I'm fricken sun burnt now 😂 can't win! 😂😂 Thanks for watching bro!
An excellent video and you had the same results I did. I own that same hand dethatching tool. It's best as a follow up, after you've dethatched the previous year. It's very hard to use if you have creeping grass, since they grow along the ground. I also own the Sun Joe dethatcher. 18 months ago it was $80 but has been replaced with an upgrade that costs $180. Hopefully the little model will return soon. It has a catch bag but it's too tiny for practical use. It's best to use on moderately dry grass and mow before dethatching. Use the mower again to collect the thatch. As I recall, the first time I dethatched, I pulled up 4 times the grass that mowing normally collects.
Very well presented and packed with useful information. Well done.
I have a dethatching bar with a single spring tine at each end, that swaps out the cutting blade in my standard push lawnmower. It works well and gets a good amount of thatch out of the lawn.
@chuckredd9131
3 ай бұрын
I have been using the same type for years, works great! I start at the side and work my way to center of lawn, then put on regular blade & grass catcher, set the mower low, suck up all the thatch. I also use de-thatcher blade in the fall. Instead of raking up the leaves I power rake them & leave them laying until I do the grass in Spring.
Thank you so much! You answered a lot of my questions with your informative video.
I would have added to not do this too early in the spring, or when it’s wet. I did both and tore up my lawn a little. However about 6 weeks later it’s recovered and looking great
@AnonymousGameWarden
2 ай бұрын
How do you know when is too early, and when to start dethatching in spring?
Guess it would still be dethatching time in MN, 😂 thanks for the video, I always enjoy a “satisfying” dethatch session! 👍🏻👊🏻
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
Always behind everyone else 🙃 I need to start making videos three weeks ahead of time for what I'd be doing in my own lawn 😂
Never had to detatch my yard. Never had thatch in my yard. have detatched a client's yard, a couple dead spots we reseeded, just used a rake. Now less then 1 yr later, you'd have no idea last summer they were brown spots of dead grass. This is why I always mulch my grass, cut regularly, keeps thatch from building up and instead feeds your lawn for free.
@arbyc8736
Жыл бұрын
I never dethatch too. Core aerate and/or just put down gypsum. I always mulch unless we have rain for several days.
@christopherblack4520
22 күн бұрын
Thatch is grass roots growing sideways instead of down do to bad watering (lightly often) or bad fertilizer that encourage top growth not dead grass. Dead grass will break down and provide nutrients to the lawn plus it will keep water in the lawn.
Informative video! Appreciate the explanation of different methods and tools used
I’ve used my metal rake that I use for my leaves in the fall. I have a small yard so it’s not terrible. But even that makes a difference. I still manage to rake up a lot. Grass is nice and green. Now that I know this is an actual thing, I might just have to grab a proper tool. It’s nice when you randomly find useful videos on KZread. I haven’t been searching for anything grass related, so this was a good recommendation KZread. Maybe it was just “Dad” related things since it’s almost Father’s Day.
I have that electric machine and it works really good but like you said, it takes a little time to clean up. Thanks, good information 👍
I used a greenworks electric dethather years ago. Sure it worked ....but I have a bigggg yard. I ended up buying a lawnmower dethathing blade. Works great and was simple to install on your existing mower. Plus the blade was only $20ish.
I love that your dog just follows you about.
Excellent video! I have a Greenworks dethatcher, it works well and lifts truly epic amounts of dead grass. I am in Colorado, a fertilizer that works well in my semi arid area is dried poultry waste. From a chicken's ass to my grass! As it should be, "DPW" is cheap if you buy an off brand. I figure DPW is truly a commodity, no need to by the expensive "Revive" version that is popular here. A 40 pound bag of the off brand stuff is about $11.50. The regimen is to dethatch and then put a good thick layer of DPW on. The beauty of manure type products is they won't burn your lawn or force the grass to grow rapidly like chemical fertilizers do.
I got a mantis dethatcher but you need to pull it back to make it work. What a mess and clean up. Great info. Thx.
Very clear thanks for the great video and explaining. What do you think if I pick up the dead grass with a grass sweeper?
I like your adding of the office clips to the back of your sunjoe. I HATE the bag but I could never figure out a good way to keep the flap open without have rocks nail me in the shins. I'll give the clips a try.
This is a good explanation on dethatching/verticutting/scarifying - though as far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong), can't be done on buffalo type grasses which rely heavily on surface runners, as it causes more damage than fixing. I have such a type grass; and frequently do aeration, but haven't scarified, or dethatched (I did one small section and it is slowly coming back after 2+ years). Battery tools also can't handle it either as they're quick to cut out. Any further recommendations on this; if it should/should not be done? Buffalo is far more popular in Australia than the US due to drought tolerance, so can appreciate if it isn't often used.
I've been watching King of the Hill lately and gosh dang it I need to get my lawn game on point. Your videos are top notch and I can't wait to get my little plot of grass to be the best on the block!
Spot on I thacth every season and my lawn has been green and thick. Thacth,overseed,milorganite,water.
@AnonymousGameWarden
2 ай бұрын
How do you know when to start dethatching in spring? You throw down seed as soon as your done dethatching? And then put down Fertilizer immediately after the seed? Just trying to understand your process! Thanks!
Used a manual dethatcher once and a man drove past my house, stopped then reversed. He asked what kind of rake I was using bc he noticed a big difference from what I had done already and the part yet to do. It was a small yard but boy my side muscles were ever sore for about a week after. Gave the dethatcher to my neighbour when I moved. He was quite happy with it.
I have a empire Zoysia front yard and princess Bermuda back yard. I always scalp and then burn in early spring… I don’t have an issue with thatch and understand that not everyone has the option of burning…. By late spring early summer, …lawn domination!
Good video, I have the Sunjoe but have never used the scarifier but maybe I will for the mossy areas. Its def a huge time commitment
This is awesome! Thanks for the explanation in differences.
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Eli! I appreciate it!
Great video man. Good info and a quality video production.
I bought one of the machines and it’s AMAZING
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
I don't take care of the lawn or even like lawns, but this video is well presented and potentially useful
Manual thatcher not for the faint of heart but best arm and chest workout ever. Bonus is a gorgeous lawn. Did Manual thatching today, and it almost killed me, totally exhausting. But my lawn and arms look great 😮😅 already.
@RevealedFilms
13 күн бұрын
Make sure you grab a protein shake after that workout 😂
I did it manually, small lawn, and it’s easily the most satisfying lawn activity ever 😂. FYI, first pass sucks, but once you get a see saw motion going it becomes rather therapeutic 🤙🏽😎🖤🐓. Lawn looks fkn amazing ☝️
Awesome video! Thank you. Are there certains times of the year you should/shouldn't do it?
Great video, and the breakdown of dethatching equipment. What is missing is types of grass which shouldn't be dethatched...
@Mrs.LadeyBug
Жыл бұрын
Are there types of grass that shouldn’t be dethatched? Around here our grass is all pretty much generic.
@PavalonTech
Жыл бұрын
Buffalo, St Augustine...
Dude, you're amazing :) Thanks for all the knowledge
Wow. Super helpful. Thanks!
Great video, Jesse! Very informative as always.
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
Thanks bro. You killed your video as well. Obviously dethatching time here in the Midwest 🤣
This was great! Much Appreciated!
This guy makes good content...seems like he has good sense
Wow thanks for the info! You’ve gain a new subscriber 😊
I have the manual dethatcher and it it backbreaking. And even more so if you are on the taller side because even though the blades angle is adjustable but if you are tall you may have to still bend over to get the blades tips to dig in. Also if your lawn has a lot of uneven spots or patches unwanted rooted growth, it gets caught up on and you have to give it a yank and it isn't as easy as just going back and forth smoothly like in the video. I want to get the affordable electric ones but I just don't have the space for it.😥
i have the ryobi cordless dethatcher and love it! works really well for me
@LAWNLIFE
21 күн бұрын
I was actually just looking at that..I need a cordless. The cord is driving me insane. Hey bro I checked out your channel, great stuff!! Let me know if you want to Collab on something in the future. Id be down for sure!!
Man, I just moved to Fort Worth, TX and my yard is fully shaded and sloped…and is mostly dirt right now. I’ve been researching solutions and came across this video. Unreal. You clearly know your $h!t. I’m most impressed with your communication and ability to express your ideas. I know very little about this stuff, but everything you said makes sense. Love it. Thanks, brotha. Appreciate the knowledge.
@DieselRamcharger
Жыл бұрын
your grass has work to do, so dont cut it as short as some of the lawns you see. get the right grass seed and watering its all downhill from there ;)
@soccerguy2433
4 ай бұрын
Don't cut your lawn short. People get wrapped up on looks (short) when longterm it's crap. Long grass is healthy and resilient
I dethatched and scarified my front yard for probably the first time since this house was built in 1956. I had sixteen 30 gallon paper bags full of dead grass and hopefully thatch when done. At first I tried raking it all up but settled for running the mower over it and emptying the mower bag into the Lowes 30 gallon bags. I'm pretty sure that when I do this again next spring I'll have 16 more bags of lawn crap.
Nice video, I've dethatched my lawn every Spring for the last 35 years and find it to be the most beneficial thing I do to my lawn, bar none. As this video states, it removes a huge barrier of waste and opens up / wakes up your grass in the spring. I've also used all of the gadgets and machines mentioned in this video, and personally found the gas powered power rake to be the best. It's aggressive but you can easily adjust it to the level you want. It does wonders. And after you finish the look of your lawn is not very good, it's totally beat up. But a good feeding of pre-emergent and slow release fertilizer and you lawn recovers in 2-3 weeks. Highly recommend it...
@AnonymousGameWarden
2 ай бұрын
Hi! When do you know when to start dethatching in spring? And do you put down pre-emergent before or directely after dethatching? Thank you in advance!
@hughmohan3592
Ай бұрын
@@AnonymousGameWarden I look for a period of consecutive dry days beginning in the last week of February. It's better if the ground is dry. Some years it was in late March before I was able to do it. And I apply pre-emergent / fertilizer immediately following the dethatching / cleanup. Don't worry if the lawn looks rough, it will after dethatching. It will recover nicely in the following weeks. good luck...
I have an old mower that I put a thatching blade on. Works awesome! Afterwards I run around with my nice bag mower and suck old grass off of lawn. Works easy, and great results. I believe the blade with an extra set of springs are $20-30.00 Cheap!
This is so cool! This guy rocks!
...... get yourself a camera guy straight outta the 80s with the members only jacket 😜😆🤣🤣 ..... (seriously though love the simple explanation of this.. had to sub, trynna get my lawn as good as yours 👍👍)
Thank you for the very informative video. I've always mulch-mowed my lawn with the understanding that the cut grass decomposed and put nutrients back in the soil. This process seems to take all of that back out, which defeats the purpose. Would it be better to bag cut the lawn and possibly avoid the need for this? Also, have you ever tried liquid dethatcher chemicals? I read something about using Sugar to speed up the microbes decomposing thatch. Ever heard of that? Thank you and keep up this great channel
@senseisnotcommon9711
9 ай бұрын
I had 2 grass piles. I treated 1 with liquid dethacher and left the other in the sun. After about 5 days, the treated grass was gone while the untreated was still mostly there. So it comes down to $. It easier to spray than dethach and clean up.
I just now saw this video, but last weekend I rented a power rake. It is, as he said, heavy as f**k, and very aggressive. My lawn needed it though. Our 3000 square foot lawn gave up 10 contractor cleanup bags of thatch. My wife and I raked in 3.5 yards of amended topsoil and overseeded the whole thing. Fingers crossed it makes my sad lawn look better.
Nice job. I learned from this video.
I have the tow behind one, I found another by the side of the road someone was tossing out, took the tins off it and installed them where there was not one, so now my pull behind has double the tins it had originally, I also have the sun Joe scarifier I got from a yard sale, I enjoy the pull behind one, I put on my head phones, light a cigar and pop open a beer and rake up and down and sideways,on an angle, Clean it up and like u said, it looks torn up, but with a little rain and sun, it comes back to life quickly, great video, thanks
@LAWNLIFE
Жыл бұрын
Yeah there's something about dethatching that is so peaceful. Don't know what it is. It's nice to have a good buzz by the time you actually have to clean up the mess though 😂 Thanks for watching!
@danalmeida5380
Жыл бұрын
@@LAWNLIFE 😂 keep up the good videos!
Thanks for a GREAT explanation on the thatching tools. I live in NW Montana about 30 miles from Glacier. Fell in love with the house and views when I bought it but failed to recognize the HUGE lawn around it. It's 3 acres (who does that?) I try to hire out someone every year and it's a crap shoot on how effective they are when I can find someone. The mowers with tines are not very effective. After 15 years I'm tired of the struggle each year so.....what equipment do you recommend for me to purchase so I can do this myself every year? I know it will be large and heavy but I pay out $300 plus each spring for someone to come and do it. Any thoughts? Lastly, I thatch in spring; do you recommend one season more than the other and is once a year enough? Thanks so much.
Gonna pop one of those takes in my basket right now cheers :)
you are a great teacher!
I manually dethatched for a year and I only have a few hundred square feet. If you own a home you can afford a $200 powered dethatcher. I only bought a manual one because I didnt know how much work it was or how important dethatching is.
We do are yard every few years and may be doing it this summer
I have that Sun Joe. It is a BEAST!
In New Zealand we have grass catchers. The cut grass blows into a catcher. The cut grass is then composted
Excellent video. 🎉
Two years ago I used the scarifier in the fall. I should have put down a preemergent because that spring I had the weed invasion from hell. I must have activated a lot of dormant seeds. I blame the bird feeder for some of it. I’ll try again this fall but I’ll overseed with some tenacity.