How to dethatch your lawn

Thatch is made up of dead grass, roots, and other debris that builds up over time, especially if your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic. It's like a blanket on your lawn, and too much of it can be a problem because it stops water and air from getting to the soil where the grass roots live. This becomes a breeding ground for pests and diseases, and it looks unsightly.

Dethatching your lawn is like hitting a reset button on your turf, helping it return to its lush, green best. The best time to dethatch your lawn is usually in the early spring or late summer when the grass is growing strong. This way, you're not disrupting growth too much, and your lawn can bounce back quickly.

First, determine if your lawn is due for a dethatching. Stick a screwdriver into your lawn; if it’s difficult to sink it down, that’s a tell-tale sign the thatch is too thick and needs to be removed. If it sinks in easily, wait a couple of months and retest.

Start by mowing your lawn. Set your mower to the lowest setting to make it easier to reach the thatch. Mow your entire lawn.

If you’re using a dethatching rake, rake at a slight angle and rake over the lawn in short, overlapping strokes. This is similar to removing the undercoat from your pet’s fur with an undercoat brush. Work systematically across the entire lawn, focusing on problem areas with thicker build-up. Once you’re finished, dispose of the thatch in your green bin according to your council’s guidelines.

If you’re using a scarifier, adjust the height of the blades according to the thickness of the thatch – use lower settings for light thatch and higher settings for thicker thatch. Switch your machine on and push it across your lawn in straight lines, overlapping each pass slightly. Dispose of the thatch in your green bin according to your council’s guidelines.

Water your lawn thoroughly. Add nutrients back to your lawn by applying a balanced fertiliser or soil conditioner to help your lawn thrive.

Check out our seasonal guide to lawn care.