Lawn Dethatchers: Our Best 8 Picks
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What Is a Lawn Dethatcher?
A dethatcher is a mechanical or manual device that removes excess thatch from your lawn. Metal blades or tines comb through the grass and pull up the thatch (i.e. accumulated organic matter) from the lawn surface.
Lawn dethatchers can be as simple as a rake, or a tow-behind with tines, or a machine fitted with blades (also called a scarifier) or tines. Once the rake or scarifier pulls thatch to the surface, it can be gathered and composted.
“There are some advantages to having a limited amount of thatch in your turf grass,” says Midwest Lawn Co. owner Eric Harbit. “A layer of thatch that is a half-inch thick or less can help to make your lawn healthy and resilient. When too much thatch builds up, it inhibits nutrients and water from traveling all the way down to the roots of your grass.”
If you have a thick, dense layer of thatch stifling your lawn, you need a dethatcher to pull it up. That clears the way for your grass to receive the water and nutrients it needs to stay lush and healthy. Read on to learn the best options for your yard.
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Best Lawn Dethatcher for Large Yards
Most mechanical dethatchers work like push mowers, so a large lawn area can take a significant amount of time and physical effort. This Agri Fab Tow-Behind Lawn Dethatcher ($120) grabs top honors for large yards.
Its extra-wide 48-inch span covers more area in fewer passes, so you can dethatch hundreds of square feet without breaking a sweat. The universal hitch fits any type of rider or tractor.
