Is it better to power rake or dethatch?

Is it better to power rake or dethatch?

However, a dethatcher is a great choice for removing a thin layer of thatch, whereas power rakes are more effective at removing a thick layer of thatch from the top of the soil. Dethatching is a light process, and power raking is a more aggressive way to getting rid of thatch.

Does a power rake dethatch?

A power rake is a machine that uses blades similar to a roto-tiller to remove thatch and debris that can build up on a lawn. Power raking is gentler than dethatching since it only removes debris at the soil level (whereas dethatching also pulls and removes healthy root systems).

Can you rake instead of dethatching?

“Dethatching is the mechanical removal of thatch, usually with a gasoline-powered machine but it can also be done with a leaf rake or thatching rake,” says agronomist and lawn care expert Bob Mann, director of state and local government relations for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Is it bad to power rake your lawn?

Because power raking does damage some healthy grass, it is important to power rake with enough growing season left for your lawn to recover.

How much does it cost to power rake a lawn?

Power Raking Cost Power raking is $10 to $20 per 1,000 square feet. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for a typical lawn of 10,000 square feet. Power raking is a more aggressive way to remove that dead layer of grass. It’s ideal when thatch is more than a half-inch thick.

Should you dethatch before aerating?

Excess thatch blocks out air, light and water from reaching root zones. Dethatching and aeration services go hand in hand. Dethatch first, then aerate.

When should you power rake your lawn?

The best time to power rake a lawn is in the spring between March and May. Power raking does cause some damage to the grass, so completing it in the spring gives the grass time to recover before extreme weather conditions may arise.

What does a power rake do?

Power raking removes thatch, a tight mat of dead rhizomes, stems and roots, which builds up under the surface of a lawn. Some thatch is beneficial to lawns, but too much blocks water, air and nutrients from reaching the soil.

Do dethatching blades work?

These points might help you decide if a dethatching blade is a good idea for your lawn: If your lawn is flat, a dethatching blade can work well. If it’s hilly, stony, or has many slopes, a dethatching machine or power rake might be a better idea. Always use the proper mounting tools and equipment.

What is a power Raker?

Power rakes are pulled across the surface of a lawn to cut and lift portions of dead lawn thatch to the surface of the lawn. The blades are designed to reach down past the green grass blades into the thatch layer above the soil but not down into the roots.