The benefits of dethatching your yard

Dethatching your lawn has numerous benefits. But if you’re not sure what dethatching is or how to do it, you may be wondering if it’s really worth all the effort.

To shed light on dethatching, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is thatch?

Thatch is a compacted layer of grass and plant stems, leaves, roots and other organic debris that builds up faster than it can decompose. It accumulates right below the surface of your lawn and right on top of the soil, at the base of your grasses’ blades. Overly thick thatch blocks water and fertilizer from reaching the grasses’ roots, causing them to be trapped and vulnerable to heat, drought and stress — further stunting your lawn’s health and growth. However, thatch isn’t always a bad thing — a layer that’s less than a quarter- inch thick is normal and isn’t cause for alarm. It actually helps reduce soil compaction and water loss through evaporation, and it increases tolerance for cold and heat by protecting the growing blades.

When should you dethatch your lawn?

For warm-season grasses, it’s best to dethatch in the late spring or early summer, and for cool-season grasses it’s best to do it in early spring or fall. But before you start dethatching, mow your lawn to half its normal height to avoid tearing up any live grass in the process. Then, take out your rake or dethatcher and remove the thatch.

How do you dethatch?

The process of dethatching is simple. You can purchase a specialized rake, but in a pinch, a regular rake will do. You can also rent a dethatcher to make the job even easier. Your lawn might look a bit ragged afterwards, so you’ll need to go over it again — this time just barely skimming the top of your lawn to remove all the loose debris that you just dug up. But before you start, call your local utility company and have them mark any buried lines to avoid unwanted surprises.

What are the benefits of dethatching your lawn?

The time and effort it takes to remove thatch pays huge dividends. Primarily, it exposes your soil to warmth and sunlight, helping carbon dioxide and key nutrients reach your grasses’ roots, resulting in deeper growth. It also encourages the effectiveness of fertilizers and reduces water pooling on the surface of your yard by facilitating drainage. And, it helps fight back against invasive weeds that thrive in conditions created by a heavy thatch layer. Best of all, it promotes an overall healthier, greener lawn.

For more insights, watch “The Benefits of Dethatching,” an episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from a major lawn care equipment manufacturer. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. You can also download additional tips and view other videos.

Now that you have the lowdown on dethatching, it’s time to get outside and free up your soil. Your lawn will thank you later.