Hot to Dethatch and Aerate your Lawn Properly

Over time and after months of mowing lawn, little bits and pieces of grass die and gather just above the soil. This is called thatch. A little bit of thatch can be beneficial. It’s organic material that is broken down by microbes in the soil naturally fertilizes the lawn. But sometimes, thatch builds up too fast for natural processes to break it down. It forms a barrier, keeping moisture and air from going where your grass needs it. Too much thatch can weaken your lawn, creating lumps and small to medium size dead spots. You have 2 ways to remove it: dethatching and aerating lawn.

When to Dethatch

The best time to dethatch is late summer or early fall. That’s when your grass is growing most vigorously. Before dethatching, mow a little shorter than normal. Also, you’ll achieve better results if you do it after a light rain or watering.

When to Aerate

As with dethatching, you want to aerate when your grass is at its peak growing season – late summer or early fall.

DIY or to hire a professional?

Everyone with a green thumb could potentially dethatche or aerate their lawn. All you have to to is to cut your lawn shorter than usual, rent or buy the equipment necessary (dethatcher or aerator) and start to transform your lawn. But should you have doubt or not enough time, there is alway the option to hire a local property maintenance professional to do the job for you. Many professionals will offer free estimates and book the appointment according your schedule and liking.

It is a very inexpensive service, but the outcome will be a very much rewarding one.