Dethatching Lawn ?

**ISUFAN80** · 04-11-2009, 10:07 PM

We bought our house two years ago. The lawn did not look too bad but need some work. My question is what is the best way to dethatch a1/2 acre lawn without raking it.

I have seen these things with springs on them that you put weight on top of it. I have heard that these do not do that well of a job doing it. I have also heard that renting a dethatcher from your local rental shop is the best route. These are gas powered ones that really get the thatch up.

What is your thoughts and what have you used in the past.
I have a Ariens 1740 Zoom Zero turn riding mower. 17 hp Kohler motor.

**kingcy** · 04-11-2009, 10:11 PM

Aerate it instead.

**Bobber** · 04-11-2009, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by kingcy

Aerate it instead.

I agree. Fall is the best time to do that, but I think you could still do some good if you do it soon.

**ISUFAN80** · 04-11-2009, 10:15 PM

Plug or just the regular one that pokes hole in ground ?

**kingcy** · 04-11-2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bobber

I agree. Fall is the best time to do that, but I think you could still do some good if you do it soon.

Forgot to add after aeration spread some grass seed over your yard to take care of bad spots and get new better varaties of grass growing. Also spread some pel lime or similar product on it.

**kingcy** · 04-11-2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by ISUFAN80

Plug or just the regular one that pokes hole in ground ?

Plugs.

**superdorf** · 04-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Why not power thatch?

**Cyclonesrule91** · 04-11-2009, 10:41 PM

You aeriate in the Fall and dethatch in the spring. If you get a power rake to dethatch you 1/2 acre lawn, then get about 10-15 lawn bags to put the stuff you rake up.

**jumbopackage** · 04-11-2009, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by superdorf

Why not power thatch?

It's destructive and unnecessary.

A properly fertilized and healthy lawn will de-thatch itself.

**ketelmeister** · 04-11-2009, 10:48 PM

I like to dethatch...seems to absorb moisture better for me. Power mower with rake on front and bag on back

**superdorf** · 04-11-2009, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by jumbopackage

It's destructive and unnecessary.

A properly fertilized and healthy lawn will de-thatch itself.

Okay... Well... what if it isn't healthy to begin with.

I spent quite a bit of time on my lawn last fall... I thatched, aerated and overseeded.

However, thus far I only have what looks like a lawn that NEEDS to be dethacthed...

**ISU3000** · 04-11-2009, 11:15 PM

JMO - Core aeration is the way to go. That should serve to both loosen soil compaction and break up some of the thatch. That will allow your lawn to develop a better root system and absorb moisture and fertilizer better. My guess is that the compaction is affecting your lawn more than the thatch. Aerate, fertilize, then get ready to mow twice a week.

**jumbopackage** · 04-11-2009, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by superdorf

Okay... Well... what if it isn't healthy to begin with.

I spent quite a bit of time on my lawn last fall... I thatched, aerated and overseeded.

However, thus far I only have what looks like a lawn that NEEDS to be dethacthed...

I agree with ISU3000 on this.

De-thatching a lawn is treating a symptom instead of fixing the problem. Keep aerating and keep an eye on how much fertilizer you are using especially if you don't bag.