We all want our lawns to look neat, with well-cut and healthy grass. I know you want a neat yard; that's why you're here, right? So, in this article, we will discuss some of the best lawn dethatchers, their features, the pros and cons, and all things to consider when you want to buy the best lawn dethatcher.
If your lawn is not looking healthy even if you are taking care of it, then probably it's suffocated. Thick thatch and compacted soil can suffocate and starve your grass. But how is this happening? If the thatch is too thick and the soil is dense, there is no freedom of movement of air, water, and nutrients. You will need to dethatch your lawn with the best lawn dethatcher for the best results, and your yard will be healthy and even more beautiful. Let's see the best lawn dethatchers to get that healthy-looking yard well and fast.
Best Lawn Dethatchers
Here are our best lawn dethatchers, selected and reviewed so that all you have to do is choose.
1. WEN 20V Max Cordless 15-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Electric Dethatcher
If lawn care is something you take seriously, then there is only one tool that restores your yard to its natural beauty – WEN 20V Max Cordless 15-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Electric Dethatcher. It’s cordless which means no more getting tangled with wires which are tight and uneasy or dealing with the smell of gas from a gas powered machine. It is run by a 20V battery that is rather potent considering the dimensions of the lawnmower – it boasts a 15-inch path for cutting dead grass and debris.
Since it is a brushless motor, you are going to get a higher efficiency with a longer life span, and little consideration for maintenance. It’s a compact model that allows you to either alternate between dethatching and scarifying, great for maintaining a healthy lawn. It works as long as you just plug and charge!
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2. Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier, DT13B00
The Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier (DT13B00) is a great if you want to wake up your lawn without having to spend a fortune. It is light weighed and easy to operate with 13-amp motor, adequate to pull the thatch and dead grass. The wheel size of 14 inches ensure the fast work of small and mid-sized lawns, while the depth control helps to adjust the cut intensity.
It has a cable, which means you won’t have to worry about batteries – just plug the device in and use it. There is also ample cushioning to the handle which makes it comfortable, albeit still a little heavy for lengthy tasks. If your lawn is looking a little dreary, this little gadget is more than capable of giving it the lift it needs.
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3. LawnMaster GV1212B Scarifier and Dethatcher 13-Inch 12AMP
All in all, the LawnMaster GV1212B is a good choice for those who want to have a perfect lawn. This is a 13-inch scarifier and dethatcher that uses 12-amp motor for adequate capability to work in small to medium lawns. It is small enough to be easily transported around the lawn, and the depth control allows for decisions regarding the extent of the thatch removal or lawn scaring.
It is portable, easy to operate, and has a foldable design for ease of storage. Ideal for any person who needs to revive a worn out lawn but does not have the inclination or the cash to invest heavily.
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4. Best Tow-Behind Dethatcher: Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow-Behind Dethatcher 45-0294
- Tine de-thatcher uproots dead, matted grass and dislodges...
- Twenty Durable spring tines for easy thatch removal; Penetrates...
- Rust-proof and replaceable spring-loaded tines are heat-treated...
- Transport handle for easy raising and lowering of the tines
- Made in USA
This Agri-Fab Tine Tow Dethatcher is made in the USA. We were impressed by the fact that this dethatcher can uproot dead matted grass, dislodge hard-packed dirt, and carry up to 70 lbs.
It has twenty rust-proof and heat-treated spring tines that effectively remove thatch without damaging the lawn. It also comes with a three-year consumer warranty. Agri-Fab dethatcher penetrates and turns grass, soil, and weeds with 40-inch wide swathes.
The width ensures that we dethatch a large area faster, which saves us time and energy. The dethatcher has a simple-to-use cantilever transport handle that makes raising and lowering the tines easier.
It is easy to move around due to the two seven-inch wheels, and the hitch is universal and can easily and quickly attach to any tractor. Assembling the parts is a walk in the park, very easy, and the product is very sturdy. This dethatcher, however, has short hitch pins that make it a little hard to connect it to your tractor.
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5. Best Value Dethatcher: Agri-Fab 45-0295 48-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher
- Tine de-thatcher uproots dead, matted grass and dislodges...
- Twenty-Four Durable spring tines for easy thatch removal;...
- Rust-proof and replaceable spring-loaded tines are heat-treated...
- Transport handle for easy raising and lowering of the tines
- (2) 7-inch diameter semi-pneumatic wheels with a width of 1-1/2...
If you love tow-behind dethatchers, then I would recommend you to go for the Agri-Fab 45-0295 48-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher. Behind the dethatcher, it has a tow that can be easily attached to a lawn tractor. It topped my list of dethatchers that can be easily used on large lawns. The 7-inch wide wheels made moving it around the lawn a breeze; there was no resistance at all.
It has 24 heated treated spring steel tines that are designed to tenderly but effectively remove thatch from the surface of the lawn. The machine is designed for lawn care and maintenance.
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Types of Dethatchers
It is critical to be informed of the different types of dethatchers available in the market. A little research will go a long way in informing your decision when buying the best dethatcher. Each has its characteristics; therefore, knowing how they work will help you decide which is more suitable for your needs.
1. Motorized Dethatchers
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Motorized dethatchers look like small lawnmowers and are great for small yards. These dethatchers have motors that spin smaller dethatching tines, digging and loosening the thatch.
Most motorized dethatchers require an outdoor power supply because of their corded electric feature. One major advantage that this electric dethatcher has is that they are relatively easy to maintain.
2. Tow-Behind Lawn Dethatchers
If, on the other hand, you have a large yard, a tow-behind dethatcher would work great for you. These types of dethatchers are attached to the hitch on the back of a lawn mower, a four-wheeler, or a tractor. As the dethatcher is pulled across the lawn, it loosens the thatch faster.
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Tow-behind dethatchers are very convenient to use, needing minimum effort to use when properly attached. And for added advantage, you can attach a tow-behind to a riding lawn mower and complete two jobs effortlessly. The only downside to this type of dethatcher is the size, with models being as large as 4 feet wide.
3. Attachments Dethatchers
Attachments are great because you can use them together with your riding lawn mower. All you have to do is replace the mower blades with dethatching blades. The advantage attachments have over other dethatchers is that they save space. Most attachments for lawnmowers can easily fit 20-inch decks. For the best lawn dethatcher, ensure you go through the instructions from the manufacturer.
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After using the riding mower to dethatch the lawn, remove the dethatching blades and replace them with the original mower blades. The next step is to continue with your normal lawn maintenance until another time when you need to dethatch again. Attachments are great because not only do they save on storage space, but they are also cheaper than buying a thatching machine.
4. Manual Lawn Dethatchers
A manual lawn dethatcher is an excellent choice for those who want to save some money. Hard work is what you get with this lawn dethatcher which looks more like a yard rake. The upside to this dethatcher is that you get to focus on small areas.
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If you are short on storage space, manual lawn dethatchers are ideal for small spaces. And while they need you to put in more effort than other dethatchers, they are the best lawn dethatchers for compact and small properties.
Things To Consider When Buying the Best Lawn Dethatcher
So you may be wondering what type of lawn dethatcher to buy to eliminate the stubborn thatch in your lawn. After going through some of the best models, I understand if choosing is a little hard.
That’s why I am here to guide you. When you want a good lawn dethatcher, you will not just go online, order, or pick a specific model. You will first need to know how that product works and if it suits the work you want to be done. Therefore, if you plan to buy a lawn dethatcher and somewhat feel confused about the model to buy, here are key features to look for in good lawn dethatchers.
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A). Lawn Size
Your lawn size is one of the major things you should keep in mind when buying a lawn dethatcher. Some dethatcher models work greatly when the yard is small, but they may be wanting when subjected to a lot of work.
Therefore, keep in mind this important factor before you order that dethatcher. Ensure that you get the right model for your yard size.
For small lawns, a manual dethatcher can work perfectly. On the other hand, a larger yard will need a motorized dethatcher or a tow-behind dethatcher that attaches to a tractor.
B). Motor Power
Lawn dethatcher motors range from 10-15 amps, with 15 being the most powerful. Dethatching a large lawn will require a dethatcher with a more powerful motor; this is just to ensure that you don’t take breaks to give the engine time to cool.
A larger motor will cool the engine as it works. However, a smaller yard will need a dethatcher with a small motor as the dethatcher’s engine cannot overheat from little work.
C). Tines
When it comes to dethatching, it is the tines that do all the work. They reach into the lawn and remove all the thatch that is hidden beneath the grass. Without good times, it is not possible to remove thatch.
Therefore, you need to ensure that you buy a lawn dethatcher with very powerful and durable tines. Stainless steel tines and spring tines are the best as they do not rust (this means they will last longer) and are also strong, meaning they will handle the resistance from the thatch during dethatching.
D). Dethatcher Width
Dethatchers come in different sizes, with widths ranging between 12 to 48 inches or more. This makes it easier to get smaller products for smaller yards and vice versa.
If your dethatcher is big, you will only make a few passes before you finish removing thatch. However, if you use a dethatcher with a small width to work on a large yard, you may spend more time than you want.
However, it can be very difficult to maneuver a wide dethatcher in a narrow dethatching path. Keep this into consideration before you make that purchase.
E). Collection Bag
If your lawn dethatcher does not have a grass box, you are likely to spend the better part of your day raking and removing the thatch from your lawn after dethatching. Therefore, before you decide to buy a bagless dethatcher, you need to know the available options.
However, even if you buy a bagless dethatcher with a mower with a bag, you can still get your work done faster because the mower will provide the service needed. Most dethatchers, however, come with collection bags.
How to Prevent Thatch from Building Up Too Fast?
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Thatch can easily accumulate if the lawn is not properly taken care of. After mowing, you can use a lawn sweeper to blow off the grass clippings and make gathering them a simpler task. Nonetheless, even after disposing of grass clipping, the excess clippings, if left unattended to, can accumulate and form fast thatch buildup.
However, regardless of how attentive you are about lawn care, thatch is bound to build up as the years pass by. With thatch being inevitable, you can opt to hire someone to remove it or buy a lawn dethatcher and do the job yourself. Having a dethatcher is a sure way of preventing unwanted thatch from suppressing grass growth.
FAQs About Best Lawn Dethatcher
1. Is it good to dethatch your lawn?
For your lawn to flourish and look healthy, dethatching is essential. Therefore it is important to know when to dethatch to avoid thatch accumulation. Dethatching helps your grass look healthy and beautiful.
2. What is the difference between a scarifier and a dethatcher?
The difference between a dethatcher and a scarifier tool is not very big. Nonetheless, a scarifier will dig deeper into the soil to remove moss, thatch, and other things. On the other hand, a dethatcher loosens and removes grass clippings and leaves from the lawn.
3. Are electric Dethatchers any good?
Electric dethatchers are easier to use. Their performance is better and more effective as compared to manual dethatchers. And while you may be concerned about the cable, these dethatchers are low maintenance.
4. How do you get rid of thatch naturally?
Keep the soil underneath the thatch layer moist
Collect your clippings until you have dealt with the thatch problem
Test the soil pH and add lime as required
Increase thatch degrading bioactivity
Improve soil aeration
5. How often do I need to dethatch my lawn?
Dethatching should be done twice a year: once in Spring after the snow has covered the thatch and once in fall when you are preparing for the cool season grass.
6. Should I fertilize my lawn after dethatching?
Fertilizing your lawn after dethatching can be very beneficial to the grass, especially considering how rough dethatching can be.
7. Is a lawn dethatcher worth it?
A lawn dethatcher is essential in the care of your grass. Dethatching helps you to grow a healthier lawn with lush grass.
8. What is the best month to dethatch your lawn?
The best month to dethatch your lawn will depend on the grass you are handling at the time. Late Spring is the best time to dethatch warm-season grass. And cool season grass is best dethatched in the early Spring or early Fall.
9. Is it better to use a power rake or dethatcher for your lawn?
Both tools are used to remove thatch from our lawns. However, some notable differences are worth considering:
Power Rake: A power rake is a machine with blades very similar to a roto-tiller and designed to dig deep and pull up thatch from the soil. It is a more aggressive way of removing thatch and debris from our lawns, digging up to 2 ½ – 4 times deeper into the soil than dethatching.
Dethatching: A dethatcher is a mechanical equipment used to remove thatch, except it is gentler. With a dethatcher, your lawn will recover faster, allowing your grass to flourish. Using a dethatcher is preferred by many because you can use it twice a year to maintain a healthy lawn.
10. Is it better to dethatch before or after mowing?
It is recommended to mow your lawn before dethatching. And when you plan to dethatch, ensure that you cut your grass shorter than you normally would. By cutting the grass first, dethatching will be more effective and beneficial o your lawn.
11. How do I know if my lawn needs dethatching?
The first step to knowing when it’s the right time to dethatch is to check the layer. If you measure and the thatch is 1- 2 inches or more, your lawn needs dethatching without delay. By this time, the grass will have already started to change color and look weak.
