POWER RAKING AND DETHATCHING
Power Raking is a Spring Time staple in our part of the country. We break out the power rakes early in the spring and put them away before active growth. The purpose of power raking is lifting and removing the dead grass, embedded leaves and debris in the lawn from the previous fall and winter. Power Raking can break up and remove some thatch if the lawn was previously cut at a low enough level. If a lawn is 2 inches or longer when it is power raked the machine will not be able to penetrate the thatch layer. Just like most landscape and lawn care companies, Power Raking is part of our Spring Clean Up Package, along with Aeration, Edging, and the First Cut and Trim.
Dethatching, also known as scarification, is not recommended unless it is actually necessary. It’s purpose is to repair an unhealthy lawn that is being choked out by a thick thatch layer, usually 2 inches of thatch or more. It is a very extensive and labour intensive process which usually involves adding material such as topdressing or compost after. If we do need to dethatch a lawn would will only perform the service in the early fall as part of a lawn renovation.
Often times you will hear the two terms “Power Raking” and “Dethatching” used interchangeably. While there are some similarities, the purpose and the techniques are are very different. Below we point out the main differences between the two to clear up some of the common questions and confusions people have about the two.
POWER RAKING
- Is an ENHANCEMENT to aid in nutrient, water and air absorption and is good almost any lawn.
- We only power rake in the EARLY SPRING before active growth and to remove debris that will suffocate a lawn.
- Is accomplished with ONE PASS of the power rake followed by hand raking and removing the debris from the lawn.
- Requires a low mowing (1-1.5″) AFTER to completely remove the left over debris and leave a clean finish.
- Will typically remove 1-2 CUBIC YARDS of debris.
- It is less aggressive than dethatching, but it is still stressful and the lawn will still take some time to bounce back.
- You can rent a power rake and go hard, or you can hire pros like The Lawn Caddies to do all the hard work for you.
DETHATCHING
- Is a REPAIR to fix an unhealthy lawn and is good for only those lawns diagnosed with a thatch problem.
- We only dethatch in the EARLY FALL when thatch is causing problems and is excessively thick.
- Is accomplished with TWO PASSES perpendicular to each other followed by hand raking and removing the debris each time.
- Requires a low mowing (1-1.5″) PRIOR to allow the power rake to penetrate through the thatch and into the soil.
- Is accomplished with TWO PASSES of the power rake followed by hand raking the debris each time.
- Will typically remove 1-2 TRUCK BEDS full of yard waste.
- Is a very aggressive process which will leave a lawn looking cultivated and damaged. It will need to be nursed back to health.
- True Dethatching should only be performed by pros.