Last time, a friend asked me about a dethatcher, and I found he was completely ignorant about it. Generally, a dethatcher is an essential lawn care tool that people use to remove excessive thatch from the lawn ground. If you don’t have one at your home, it’s time you should spend on the dethatchers for the lawn.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your lawn is; you just need a dethatcher to keep it healthy and green. You must know that the thatch layer on the ground can be harmful to your lawn, and it can cause great disaster as well. So, having a dethatcher is essential, and don’t worry; it’s doesn’t take long to use a dethatcher on the lawn.
However, just buying one cannot be your goal to have a nice lawn. First, you should learn about what a dethatcher is and why it is essential for your lawn. You’ll learn the using method automatically once you buy one. But it is equally essential to buy the right one. And the entire content will tell you everything about it. So, stay with us till the end.
What is a Lawn Dethatcher?
A dethatcher is one of the most popular lawn care tools most lawn owners need. It is a matching that removes extra thatch on the lawn over the soil. Thatch is the layer of dead grass that makes a thick surface on the ground. So, if your lawn builds a thick layer of thatch, the grass won’t get sufficient nutrients and water.
Generally, a dethatcher looks like a mini lawnmower. But instead of having a blade, it has a spinning roll with spikes. So, when you move it on the lawn, the spikes take off the Thatch layer from the ground. Like most lawnmowers, it also comes with a collection bag too. And all the thatches will be stored in the bag as soon as the machine cuts them.
Using a lawn dethatcher is easy, and it has a lot of benefits. Most dethatchers are driven by electric power. Some are corded, while an electric battery powers others. However, most lawn mower manufacturers have their branded dethatchers. So, having a dethatcher is quite a must-have for your lawn.
Differences Between a Dethacher and an Aerator
Before we learn about the benefits of using a dethatcher, it is necessary to have a clear idea about it. Many people, especially beginners, mix two facts, dethatcher and aerator. Generally, they are two completely different lawn facts. Though these two have a close connection, they have almost no similarities.
By aerating the lawn, we generally mean making small wholes all of the lawn. People can use different aerating machines to aerate the lawn. The wholes on the soil ensure three essential things, which are essential for the growth of the grass. Those are pointed out below.
- Sufficient air circulation
- Flawless water circulation, and
- Essential nutrients spreading
On the other side, a dethatcher doesn’t actually make any whole on the lawn. Instead, it uses a roller that spins and has a lot of spikes like a comb. It mainly works to remove excessive thatch from the lawn. Thatch is the layer of dead grass that builds over a long time.
So, a dethatcher and an aerator are not the same things. Both of them ensure better air, water, and nutrient circulation. But they have different processes and systems. Some dethatchers come with an extra aerating system too.
Benefits of Dethatching Your Lawn
There are numerous benefits of using a dethatcher on your lawn. Most people don’t even know about the existence of the thatch layer on their lawn, so they are not very much concerned about it. But the thatch level is very harmful, especially when it gets thicker. If people are well aware of the benefits of using a dethatcher, they won’t bother investing in it.
- A lawn improves a better air circulation after you will dethatch it.
- Dethatching the lawn lets the fertilizer reaches the root very easily.
- Because removing the thatch gives the root more light and natural air.
- It also improves the growth of root and grass length.
- Detaching the lawn helps the lawn to penetrate the ground.
- It also encourages new roots to grow.
- The germination rate will grow simultaneously if you dethatch your lawn before spreading new seeds.
So, if you use the dethatchers for your lawn timely, it will have numerous benefits. We suggest people dethatch the lawn at specific times.
- A week before spreading seeds on a dead lawn.
- A week before overseeding the lawn.
- A few days before fertilizing it.
- A few days after the growing season ends.
- Anytime when the thatch layer is thicker.
Hopefully, you have understood why and how you should dethatch your lawn. People often use their regular garden fork to dethatch the lawn. It works, but it is time-consuming and cannot work so smoothly. For that, you should buy the dethatchers for your lawn. The next section will tell you how to choose the right one.
How to Choose the Right Lawn Dethatcher?
Many people fail to choose the right dethatcher, especially when they are new to using this machine. Thousands of dethatchers are available in the shop, but they are not suitable for you. A wise person always checks the following factors while choosing their dethatchers for the lawn.
1. Types of the Dethatchers
Always remember that a dethatcher is not a very simple machine and has many types. From the types, you need to choose the one that is suitable for your lawn. You can choose any of the following types.
- Tow-behind dethatchers are the biggest one that has to be driven on a seat. This kind of machine has wheels, and they are good for large-size lawns. As usual, they are very much expensive.
- Motorized dethatcher is the most popular type that people use on their small size lawns and yards. The machine is very convenient and easy to use. Most of them are driven by an electric motor.
- Manual dethatcher is also very popular among American lawn owners. This kind of machine doesn’t need any power source as a reel mower does. They are also very easy to assemble and use.
- Dethatchers with attachments are another category that offers flexibility to choose the size of the spike roll. Using this kind of dethatcher is complicated, and most of the time, farmers use them on their farms.
Among the following types, you can choose the right dethatcher types based on the size of your lawn. Motorized and manual dethatchers are mostly suggested for personal use.
2. Motor Capacity
The motor of a dethatcher generally spins the time role; for that, it doesn’t need to be very powerful. The dead grass layer is not that stubborn to pick up. So, the motor can have less AMP power. A medium size dethatcher can be from 10 to 15 amps to the maximum. Some dethatchers indeed work on battery power as well.
3. Spikes or Tins
The finger-size prongs on the roll of the machine are known as the tins or the spikes. A good dethatcher should have more tins and be placed near one another. Otherwise, it can’t collect thatch properly. You should check it before buying one.
4. Dethatcher Width
Just like the fact of the mower blade, you should choose a dethatcher with a width spike role. It will help you to complete dethatching the lawn more quickly. Initially, most motorized dethatchers come with 12 to 32 inches roll. For the tow-behind one, it can be more than 48 inches.
5. Collection Bag
As usual, a dethatcher machine should have a collection bag to store all the collected thatches. If it doesn’t have any, you will have to rake the lawn after using it to collect the thatch. You should never go for that hassle and buy a dethatcher that comes with a bag and will collect the dust by itself.
Besides, you should check its weight capacity and build quality. Don’t forget to choose it wisely, considering your lawn size. Additionally, buying one from a reliable brand with a long-term warranty is better.
Best Dethatchers for Your Lawn to Ensure Better Air Circulation
As you have learned about the things to check before buying a dethatcher, it’s time to make your purchase. Here, we have listed the best 5 dethatchers for the lawn from popular brands. They are also budget-friendly and good for small to medium size lawns.
1. Greenworks 10 Amp 14” Corded Electric Dethatcher
Greenworks corded electric dethatcher works effectively to dethatch both warm-season and cool-season grasses. It is manufactured with stainless steel; therefore, the edges remain sharp for a long time and give an excellent performance.
Assembling this dethatcher is quite easy, and you will discover that it is very user-friendly too. Additionally, it does not require any charger or batteries, so you only need to plug in and push your work on the lawn.
Pros
+ This item does its work on your lawn without making any noise
+ You will get a powerful 10A motor for the best performance on your lawn
+ There will be a 3-position tine depth and 14-inch dethatching path adjustments
+ It comes with an AC power cord that will help with unlimited runtime
+ You will receive a 7 inches wheel and folding hands for your ease of work
+ There will be a full set of replacement tines along with a safety cut-off button
Cons
– The plug does not lock very tightly, so you need to keep an eye on it.
This is a complaint made by a few users specifically. Most probably, it was happening because of the unmatched sockets and plugs. If your switchboard doesn’t have the exactly suitable socket, you should use a converter. However, the other side of this excellent dethatcher is great. You can definitely buy one.
2. Sun Joe AJ805E 15-Inch 13-Amp Electric Dethatcher
If you are looking for a dethatcher for your lawn that will revitalize both middle and small-sized lawns, then Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher is all you need. Moreover, it is maintenance-free. Thus, there is no need for oil or gas or tune-ups.
No doubt that it is very user-friendly, and assembling all the other parts is an easygoing job. The noise level is deficient, so you can dethatch your lawn at any time without being bothered.
Pros
+ This dethatcher comes with a Scarifier function, and it will help to cut grass roots for the betterment of your lawn
+ It is packed with a powerful 13-Amp motor, and it will easily rake up to 15 inches wide path
+ You will find Airboost Technology, and here, the spring steel tines ensure the maximum thatch pick-up
+ It will give you a 5-position depth controller for raking deep into the lawn
+ There will be a push button that will help to start this dethatcher instantly
+ A thatch collection bag is included, too, to collect all the dead debris around the place
Cons
– The catcher bag is relatively smaller to carry out the debris
– The plug locker often gets loose, and it has been complained about by a few users
As usual, the loose plug is the most common complaint for a dethatcher. The collection bag is around 13.2 gallons in volume, and I am sure it’s enough for a small lawn. And if you have a medium or big size one, you should empty the bag twice or more. If it’s not a problem for you, this detacher for the lawn will be the best pick.
3. WORX WG850 12 Amp 14 Inch Corded Electric Dethatcher
How about an electric dethatcher that is easy to store, and you alone can get the lawn work to be done? Well, WORX corded electric dethatcher is beyond modern efficiency standards and engineered with cutting-edge technology.
No wonder it will do its work perfectly and last a long time. Plus, it comes with handle folds, so keeping this in your trunk or store is easy. Besides, it’s budget-friendly, and it doesn’t need extra care.
Pros
+ This handy dethatcher for lawn comes with 3-depth adjustments, and you can set it to minus 9mm, minus 3mm, and even plus 3mm
+ There will be a lock-off switch, so you can ensure the power is efficient and keep things safe
+ This is packed with 3500 rpm no-load speed and a 12 Amp powerful motor
+ You will find a 0.9 Bushel Collection Bag for blowing roots, stems, and dead grass shoots on your lawn
+ It comes with a 14-inch wide dethatching steel tines
+ You will discover its handle wrapped with a padded grip which will provide additional comfort in your hands
Cons
– Sometimes, the engine overheats while running it a little longer times
Yes, the overheating issue can often bother you if you keep the switch on for a long time. We suggest you power off the machine as soon as you complete dethatching the lawn. The features and all other functions are quite satisfying to make a purchase.
4. Earthwise DT71613 Corded Electric Dethatcher
Earthwise Corded Electric Dethatcher has come with a low maintenance function, which means only electricity is good enough to make things work. In addition, it is a lawn cultivator that works 16 inches in width and can easily catch up to 10 gallons of debris while dethatching your lawn.
This product weighs only 30.4 pounds and is very lightweight to work around all lawns of all sizes. Plus, assembling its parts is the easiest job that you will enjoy the most.
Pros
+ This dethatcher comes with a powerful 16-inch 13-Amp motor along with a bail wire switch for your safety
+ The grass aerator machine works -0.4 to 0.4 in depth for reaching the roots for the final dethatching
+ You will find 45 spring pins for loosening up layers of the grass soil in your lawn
+ Here, the spring pins are made of zinc-plated piano wires and are durable enough to last long
+ You can fold it partially, so storage becomes quite an easy job
+ The handle here is wrapped with a grip, and it will give your hand extra comfort while working
Cons
– It’s not a completely foldable dethatcher, so it takes more space to store
– Durability issue, according to a few users
These problems are not common to all users. A few users face these problems, and that can be manufacturing mistakes. However, This budget-friendly dethatcher for the lawn requires minimal maintenance, and the company servicing system is good enough. So, you should stop thinking about the issues and give a thought to them.
5. VonHaus 2 in 1 Electric Lawn Dethatcher Scarifier
VonHaus 2-in-1 Electric Lawn Dethatcher has an excellent function that allows you to use a dethatcher and aerator drums to work simultaneously. Moreover, it is extremely lightweight that weighs around 32.5 pounds.
Plus, this is one of the most popular dethatchers for lawns that offers a no-load speed of 3600 RPM with a thermal cut-out for excellent lawn operation. There will be a two-stage safety start for the user’s safety while working.
Pros
+ It comes with a 12.5A motor that can lift all the debris on your lawn and perforate the soil properly
+ This useful dethatcher for the lawn can dethatch 15 inches in width and works best for small to mid-sized lawns
+ There will be a manual leveler to adjust the height between -0.47, -0.35, -0.24, -0.12, and – 0.24 inches for all season
+ A 47QT capacity collection box will help to dispose of the debris quickly
+ You will find a folded soft-grip handle for the comfort in your hand along with a removal grass box
+ It is easy to assemble, and you can put this in storage after finishing your work with the dethatcher
Cons
– It cannot aerate deep on the lawn soil though the scarifying function is good
Well, this product is not an aerator though most dethatchers can aerate the lawn. But it can aerate lightly. The aeration spike is shorter, so it cannot reach deep. However, detaching the lawn can be a good deal as it can collect extra Thatch easily and store them in the bag.
We didn’t list the tow-behind lawn dethatchers here in the list because ge real people mostly never buy them. Those kinds of machines are good for professional usage only. However, we didn’t use all these machines by ourselves. But we did these reviews based on the experience of the real-time users.
FAQ
Q: Should I invest in a dethatcher?
A: If you have a lawn, you should invest in lawn dethatchers. It is a very useful tool that lets you quickly remove the thatches on your lawn. And these thatches are very hurtful for the lawn grass. So, having a dethatcher will help you ensure a better environment for the lawn grass to grow.
Q: Are a scarifier and a dethatcher the same thing?
A: Generally, scarifying and dethatching the lawn is the same thing. But there is a small different between these two-act. Scarifying the lawn means digging deeper to get the thatcher than you do for dethatching it. Otherwise, there is no difference between them.
Q: When should I dethatch the lawn?
A: You can dethatch the lawn anytime your lawn ground grows thicker. Generally, one should dethatch the lawn before fertilizing the lawn and applying new seeds.
Q: What is the best lawn dethatcher?
A: Earthwise DT71613 Corded Electric Dethatcher and Greenworks 10 Amp 14” Corded Electric Dethatcher are the best dethatchers for the lawn. These two are from popular brands, and they offer a long-term warranty. Besides, they are very much budget-friendly too.
Q: How often should I dethatch the lawn?
A: You should dethatch the lawn at least twice a year. It should be after the growing season and before winter. Summer is also a good time to dethatch the lawn. You should have a look after the thickness of the thatch layer, and when it is thicker than an inch, you should use it instantly.
Final Thought
Undoubtedly, the dethatchers for lawns are the essential lawn care tools you need for your lawn grass’s health. It makes enough space for the roots to grow and get enough nutrients. Eventually, it helps the grass to get enough air, water, and food.
So, if you don’t have a dethatcher for your lawn, buy one instantly. Then check the thatch layer and if it’s thicker, use the machine. Also, make sure to store them properly as you don’t need to use them so frequently, like a mower. After using it, you should wash and dry it properly before you store it.
Now, let us know what you think about dethatching the lawn. Did you use any dethatcher before? If not, please mention which one you are going to buy. Also, please share your experience of using it with us. It will help the viewers to make a decision. Thank you.