--- title: Top 7 Benefits of Dethatching Your Yard description: A build up of thatch can kill grass, threaten soil health, and be a breeding ground for pests and lawn diseases.  image: https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Thatch.jpg --- [![GreenMeadow](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Green_Meadow_LawnCare_January2019%20Theme/Image/download.png)](http://www.greenmeadowlawncare.com/) ## Learning Center # Top 7 Benefits of Dethatching Your Yard Posted by [Nate Bahler](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/author/nate-bahler) on Oct 20, 2020 12:49:09 PM ![Nate Bahler](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Nate%20pic%201-1.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## **For starters - what is thatch?** ### Thatch is the layer of organic material between grass and soil that consists of the build up of living and dead grass and leaves.  A thatch layer of about a 1/4 inch can be beneficial to your lawn and can help soil retain moisture and maintain a steady soil temperature.  More than a 1/4 inch of thatch can be harmful to your lawn. When the thatch layer becomes TOO thick it actually prohibits moisture from getting to your soil.  A thatch layer that is too thick will hold moisture above the root system, not allowing any moisture to penetrate your soil. ![Lawn Thatch](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lawn-Thatch.jpg?width=410&name=Lawn-Thatch.jpg) This discourages your grass from searching for moisture down below it and building a deep root system. Instead, you will see tangled, shallow roots growing in every direction but downwards.  A build up of thatch can kill grass, threaten soil health, and be a breeding ground for pests and lawn diseases.  ## **Top 7 benefits of dethatching:** - ### Improves drainage. - ### Allows nutrients, water, and air to penetrate soil. - ### Improves root growth. - ### Allows fertilizer to more easily reach soil - ### Stimulates existing grass roots and encourages new root growth. - ### Help prepare a lawn for reseeding or overseeding by allowing more room for new seed to have soil contact and gives it a better chance of germinating.  - ### Promotes healthy grass which in turn helps fight weeds.  --- ## **What is the difference between Core Aeration and Dethatching?** A dethatcher is a device that's mounted on a mower and covered in metal tines that cut through a lawn's thatch layer.  ### ![Dethatching](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dethatching.jpg?width=341&name=Dethatching.jpg) ### The main difference between dethatching and Core Aeration is that a dethatcher's purpose is to remove debris and decayed matter from a lawn. Core Aeration pulls 2 inch plugs of soil from a lawn that will include both soil and thatch. Microbes in the soil will help decompose thatch as they are released and work there way down through thatch. --- ## **How often should I dethatch my lawn?** ### We recommend thatching your lawn once each year.  The best time of year for this is Spring after debris builds up over winter. Pro tip: Try to avoid dethatching in the summer - this can destroy the root zone.  --- **How do I dethatch my lawn?** 1. Manually: A short-tined rake with curved blades made to pull up thatch as you rake.  2. Power Rake: A walk behind "mower-like" machine that will pull up thatch as you walk behind it.  3. Hire a Professional. --- **Related Articles:** - [**Why Does My Lawn Need Core Aeration \[Explained\]**](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/why-does-my-lawn-need-core-aeration-explained) - [**Humic Acid - Improving Soil Quality**](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/humic-acid-improving-soil-quality) [![Learning Center Articles ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/452a537a-2187-41a1-b79f-78fd381f9058.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/452a537a-2187-41a1-b79f-78fd381f9058) [![Green Meadow Youtube Channel](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/dc40a82a-7401-4bcd-92ad-da378114f73b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/dc40a82a-7401-4bcd-92ad-da378114f73b) [![Request a Free On-Site Estimate with Green Meadow Lawn Care](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/3d9c2fe5-427a-49f8-b6cb-c480da7dd18a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/3d9c2fe5-427a-49f8-b6cb-c480da7dd18a) *Since 2007, Green Meadow Lawn Care has provided homeowners throughout the greater Tolland, Connecticut area with premium fertilization programs, tick control, mosquito management, seeding & aeration and tree & shrub care. * *Visit our *[*Learning Center*](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/)* to find out more about how our services can help you or visit our*[ *Youtube Channel*](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzJAZmz2qVfbPc1fQOf5Ig) *to view more in our Learning Center Series.* *To speak to our Customer Service Manager, please call* *Dave (view*[ *Dave's video bio*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP_5B_B-jbQ) *here) with any questions. 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