Knowing how to clean your lawn can give you a healthier lawn all year long. Thatch is essentially a layer of dead plant matter and debris that gradually forms on the surface of the soil. It is produced faster than it can be broken down, so it will grow larger and larger over time. If not removed once it reaches ½ inch thick, this layer will eventually overgrow the surface, reducing access to the necessary water, oxygen, and nutrients your lawn needs to flourish. So if you want to keep your lawn healthy, thatch should be removed when necessary. Ignore the straw is one of many lawn care mistakes you could be doing
The problem is that the straw is quite difficult to remove. It may be thicker than you imagine and it can cover a wide area. Fortunately, we’ve put together this helpful guide to simplify the process. We’ll cover what to do and when to do it, answering any questions you might have along the way. Once you’re done, your lawn will be able to grow and flourish once again. Here’s how to weed a lawn.
How to weed a lawn
what you will need
straw rake
Electric Rake/Electric Aerator (Optional)
Vertical scarifier/mower (optional)
Before you start removing thatch, check how thick the layer of thatch is; if it is less than ½ inch, it will not be necessary to remove the straw. You can check this by digging out a small hidden section of the grass and soil with a trowel and measuring the layer. A healthy layer of thatch is really good for your lawn; retains moisture and insulates the floor. In addition, the necessary water and air can still pass through.
1. Choose the right tool: If you choose the right tool for the job, the process will be much easier. An everyday rake may work for small lawns, but for best effect, invest in a dedicated thatch rake, like the Bully Tools 24-Tooth Leaf & Thatch Rake ($59.99, Amazon (opens in a new tab)). The long, sturdy teeth on rakes like these make them ideal for removing thatch.
If it’s a larger yard, another option is to use an electric rake or electric aerator. These look a lot like lawn mowers and work in a similar way: you push them around as the machine digs its teeth into the ground to remove and deposit the thatch. An example of this would be the Sun Joe AJ801E 12-amp 13-inch Electric Scarifier and Aerator ($174.99, Amazon (opens in a new tab)). These machines are more suitable if you are removing a larger space. They can be rented from home department stores if your storage is limited.
Finally, there is the option of using a vertical mower or scarifier. These should only be used on lawns that suffer from excessive thatch buildup that cannot be removed in any other way. These devices are a last resort because they have blades that will literally rip the straw apart, damaging the roots in the process. Power aerators often double as scarifiers, as the recommendation above demonstrates.
2. Mow your lawn — You’re going to want to cut the grass down to about 2 inches high before you remove the roof. This will help your tools effectively reach the straw layer.
3. Get to work — If you’re using a rake, put on a couple of best gardening gloves (work gloves would be ideal) and get ready for some tough work. The move isn’t exactly complicated: you’re literally going to use the rake just like you would when collecting leaves. Drop the tines on the ground, making sure to go through the blades of grass to reach the thatched roof, and then pull back to drop it. This requires more effort than you think.
Our audio editor, Lee Dunkley, said: “I started removing grass from my lawn with a hand rake, thinking this should be quick and easy, however, I got to ¼ of the task and realized I needed to get the electric aerator out. This is much more demanding than you imagine.
Because of this, we recommend using an electric aerator if you want to save time and energy, or if you suffer from back pain. You literally push them back and forth, like a lawn mower, and it gives you the same finish. Some can even pick up the straw on the go, so you don’t need to pick it up from the ground afterwards. It may take up to three passes to completely remove the grass and you should work perpendicular with each pass for best results. Be sure to mark and avoid sprinkler heads or tree roots if you choose to use an electric method.
Vertical mowers or scarifiers work the same way; you go over the grass like you would with a lawnmower. However, start at the highest setting with the first pass and then lower as needed with subsequent passes. This will help loosen the thatch and give your lawn as gentle a treatment as possible. If the above seems like a lot of work, you can always call in a professional to help you too.
4. Get rid of the straw — Now you’re going to want to pick up what’s left behind. Use a standard rake to collect exposed straw. You can throw it away or add it to your compost heap. Avoid the latter if crab grass Y Lion teeth However, it haunts your garden.
5. Take care of your lawn — Now that the process is complete, your lawn might look a little worse for wear. There are likely to be exposed areas of dirt scattered around and the grass isn’t looking too happy. take the time to learn how to reseed your lawn, then feed and water it to give it what it needs to recover. However, make sure you don’t use too much water or fertilizer; by accelerating growth, you are encouraging the accumulation of more thatch. Verify how much should you water your lawn to help.
You may want to learn how to aerate a lawn as well as to give you the full treatment once the straws are removed.
When should you remove thatch from your lawn?
As a general guide, you’ll want to dethatch your lawn every two to three years. You should try to do this while your lawn is at its peak of growth, and you should only continue while it is healthy as well. Thatch removal will take a toll on your lawn, so you’ll want to make sure it’s in its best health for the best chance of recovery.
For reference, cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass are best removed in early spring or early fall. While warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass should be removed in late spring or early summer.
You also want the soil to be moist for the best conditions. If it’s too wet, it could uproot everything, while if it’s too dry, tools will have a hard time digging and reaching the mulch effectively.
Also remember to keep an eye on the thickness of the mulch layer; if it’s less than ½ inch, you can save the rake.
Your lawn should now be free of thatch. This will help your lawn grow stronger and healthier in the long run, but remember to keep an eye on it immediately after removal. This task leaves it vulnerable and it will need time to recover before it can flourish.
For more lawn tips, tricks and instructions, check out our guides on how to plant grass seeds, how to make your lawn greener, how to scratch your lawn, how to lay grass, 7 Common Lawn Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making Right Now Y 7 ways to revive dead grass.
