What is a Thatching Rake?

Rake Shape

• Thatching rakes are shaped similar to a garden rake with the tool head mounted perpendicular to a long handle. The tool head is made up long, stiff teeth that penetrate the thatch into the upper portion of the top soil. Some rakes have teeth above and below a support bar. This allows the user to flip the tool when one side accumulates a load of thatch, reducing the time spent cleaning the thatching rake head.

Raking Process

• Mow the lawn as short as possible before raking. Position the rake so the ends of the teeth penetrate the top of the soil and pull it towards you. Pull the thatch into piles for later disposal. Rake the lawn twice in perpendicular patterns. Upon completion, top soil should be visible between grass plants.

Power Thatchers

• Power equipment, known as dethatchers, look similar to a lawn mower but have rotating teeth that serve the same purpose as the teeth of the thatch rake. Using the dethatcher follows the same process as the thatching rake but reduces the physical labor involved. Dethatchers are commonly available at rental outlets.

Clean Up and Follow Up

• Add the thatch to the compost pile, if possible, and allow the materials to decompose for use in the garden. If you do not compost, bag the thatch and dispose of it with yard waste. Removing the lawn thatch is commonly followed by the application of fertilizer, which penetrates into the soil easier without the obstacle of thatch.