It’s that time of year again—the time when you have to start preparing your lawn for winter. And one of the most important steps is lawn dethatching.
Never heard of it? You aren’t alone. Luckily, we are here to help. In this guide, we’ll go over what it is and why you should do it, as well as how to get started today.
What Is Lawn Dethatching?
It’s a funny word, but it describes a simple thing. Dethatching is the process of removing dead grass and thatch from your lawn. When should you dethatch your lawn? It’s important to do this at least once a year, but more often if you have an especially thick layer of thatch or heavy foot traffic on your lawn. Fall is a good time to choose.
Why Should I Dethatch My Lawn?
The primary reason for dethatching is because too much thatch can suffocate your root system, which prevents water absorption as well as reduces oxygen flow into the soil. This causes two problems—firstly, it makes it harder for plants in your garden to grow since they can’t get enough nutrients out of the ground; secondly, when combined with standing water caused by poor drainage, it creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed leading to unsightly and very itchy bites.
How Do I Dethatch My Lawn?
There are a few different methods you can use, but the best is to rent or buy an electric dethatcher from your local hardware store. It’s important that you choose one with rotating blades so as not to damage the grass while removing dead material on top of your lawn. You’ll also want a model that comes with replaceable blades since they will wear down over time—always read reviews before making this purchase!
Now just attach the machine to a mower and go for it! Make sure to do small sections at a time (no more than 50 square feet), ideally in multiple passes across each section of land until all signs of excess thatch are gone.
Now that you know what dethatching is and why it’s important, along with how to do it yourself, let us help you get started! Call Absolute Lawn Pros today for high-quality lawn care in Cumming and Suwanee.
Need some environmentally friendly lawn care tips? Read: Maintaining an Eco-Friendly Lawn.