Dethatching (Power raking)

Dethatching is an effective maintenance service that removes excessive organic buildup at the lawn surface. When thatch accumulates beyond healthy levels, it restricts airflow, moisture penetration, and nutrient movement, weakening turf and limiting root development.

What Is Thatch?

• Thatch is a layer of living and decomposing grass material located between the soil surface and green grass blades.

• A thin layer can provide insulation, moisture retention, and light cushioning.

• Excessive thatch creates a barrier that interferes with water, oxygen, and nutrient absorption.

Thatch measuring approximately ½ inch or more may negatively impact lawn performance and should be addressed.

When Dethatching Is Recommended

• Lawns with slow or uneven growth despite proper watering and fertilization

• Turf that feels spongy or springy underfoot

• Areas where soil is difficult to reach through the turf

• Lawns affected by moss accumulation

Dethatching may be recommended alone or in combination with core aeration, depending on soil and turf conditions.

Why Dethatching Matters

• Restores proper airflow and moisture movement at the soil surface

• Improves fertilizer and nutrient effectiveness

• Reduces conditions favorable to pests and disease

• Enhances drainage and overall turf resilience

Our Dethatching Process

• Professional-grade dethatching equipment is used to remove excess thatch evenly across the lawn.

• Standard service includes a single overlapping pass, designed to effectively reduce surface buildup without unnecessary turf stress.

• Removed material is raked up and placed in homeowners provided container and/or paper lawn bags.

• Following dethatching, the lawn surface is opened to allow water, air, nutrients, and seed to reach the soil more efficiently.

Overseeding, aeration and fertilization is commonly recommended after dethatching to restore density and promote healthy regrowth, particularly in thinned or bare areas.

Pricing Considerations

Dethatching pricing is based on practical service factors to ensure accurate, property-specific estimates. Standard pricing reflects one overlapping dethatching pass.

Factors that influence pricing include:

• Total lawn square footage
  Larger lawn areas require additional time and equipment operation.

• Thatch thickness and density
  Heavier thatch accumulation may require additional passes beyond the standard single pass.

• Property access and layout
  Gates, stairs, slopes, or restricted access can increase labor requirements.

• Optional service add-ons
  Aeration, overseeding, fertilization, or soil amendments may be recommended to improve results following dethatching.

Additional passes, if required due to excessive thatch buildup, are quoted separately.