Lawn Dethatching
Power raking a lawn, also called dethatching, is a great way to remove the build-up of excess dead plant material, improve water and nutrient flow to the roots and to stimulate new grass growth. Heavy thatch can choke grass plants, protect weeds and insects from the chemicals that fight them, and increase runoff from rain and watering.
The Basics of Thatch
"Thatch" is the accumulation of dead and decomposing grass plants. Thatch is similar to many aspects of turf production, you can have too much of a good thing. Small amounts of thatch, in the range of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, can improve wear tolerance and surface resiliency, and reduce water loss and soil temperature fluctuations.
Thicker layers, particularly beyond an inch, often cause serious problems. Excessive thatch reduces the effectiveness of fertilizers, watering and pest controls and provides a good habitat for disease and insects.
Main Benefits of Thatch
When To Power Rake a Lawn
Power raking untangles dead grass from the living plants around it, a process that can bruise and even kill the live plants. Power raking should be done either in the spring or fall, when grass is growing vigorously but heat stress is not a problem. This will give plants a chance to recover before they become dormant in winter or mid-summer.
Power rake when the soil is dry but the grass is not brittle. Wet soil will not hold live grass plants well, and more will get pulled out or torn during the raking than when the soil is drier.
How We Power Rake Your Lawn
We go over your lawn with a machine rake removing the thatch underneath allowing your lawn to breath and for water to get down to the soil and to not just be absorbed by the thatch layer. Next we hand rake the lawn, picking up and taking away all the debris and thatch.
Summary
Please note that power raking is a great practice for your lawn when needed but can certainly be harmful if not done properly or excessively. Talk to an expert before doing it yourself which can actually save you money as its often done when it’s not needed. Pristine Property Maintenance services offers free lawn consultations and are always happy to offer any suggestions or advice for free as well.
Power raking a lawn, also called dethatching, is a great way to remove the build-up of excess dead plant material, improve water and nutrient flow to the roots and to stimulate new grass growth. Heavy thatch can choke grass plants, protect weeds and insects from the chemicals that fight them, and increase runoff from rain and watering.
The Basics of Thatch
"Thatch" is the accumulation of dead and decomposing grass plants. Thatch is similar to many aspects of turf production, you can have too much of a good thing. Small amounts of thatch, in the range of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, can improve wear tolerance and surface resiliency, and reduce water loss and soil temperature fluctuations.
Thicker layers, particularly beyond an inch, often cause serious problems. Excessive thatch reduces the effectiveness of fertilizers, watering and pest controls and provides a good habitat for disease and insects.
Main Benefits of Thatch
- Removes the buildup of excess dead plant material
- Promotes a thicker, healthier lawn by improving water and nutrient flow to the root system
- Increases the effectiveness of fertilizing, watering and pest controls
When To Power Rake a Lawn
Power raking untangles dead grass from the living plants around it, a process that can bruise and even kill the live plants. Power raking should be done either in the spring or fall, when grass is growing vigorously but heat stress is not a problem. This will give plants a chance to recover before they become dormant in winter or mid-summer.
Power rake when the soil is dry but the grass is not brittle. Wet soil will not hold live grass plants well, and more will get pulled out or torn during the raking than when the soil is drier.
How We Power Rake Your Lawn
We go over your lawn with a machine rake removing the thatch underneath allowing your lawn to breath and for water to get down to the soil and to not just be absorbed by the thatch layer. Next we hand rake the lawn, picking up and taking away all the debris and thatch.
Summary
Please note that power raking is a great practice for your lawn when needed but can certainly be harmful if not done properly or excessively. Talk to an expert before doing it yourself which can actually save you money as its often done when it’s not needed. Pristine Property Maintenance services offers free lawn consultations and are always happy to offer any suggestions or advice for free as well.