How Do I Dethatch My Lawn? | Neighbourhood Heroes Lawn Care

A healthy lawn needs more than just watering and mowing — it needs to breathe. Over time, your lawn can develop a thick layer of thatch, which blocks nutrients, air, and water from reaching the soil. If you’re noticing spongy grass or brown spots despite proper care, it may be time to dethatch. Here’s how to do it right in Edmonton’s climate.

What Is Thatch?

Thatch is a layer of dead and living organic matter (like roots, stems, and lawn clippings) that builds up between the grass blades and the soil. A little thatch is natural and healthy, but more than ½ inch can suffocate your lawn and attract pests and disease.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Dethatching

You may need to dethatch if:

• Water runs off instead of soaking in
• The lawn feels spongy when you walk on it
• Grass appears weak or patchy despite fertilization
• You see a visible mat of brown material when you dig down

When to Dethatch in Edmonton

In Edmonton, the best time to dethatch is late spring or early fall when the lawn is actively growing. Avoid dethatching during hot summer months or winter dormancy, as it can stress the grass.

How to Dethatch Your Lawn

1. Check the Thatch Layer

Use a spade or soil probe to remove a small wedge of your lawn. Measure the thatch layer—if it’s more than ½ inch thick, it’s time to dethatch.

2. Choose a Dethatching Tool

• Manual Rake: Best for small areas or light thatch buildup.
• Power Dethatcher (Vertical Mower): Ideal for larger lawns or thick thatch.
• Tow-Behind Dethatcher: Good for those with ride-on mowers.

Tip: For tougher lawns, reciprocating machines like those used in our Deep-Core Aeration service can also assist in improving soil contact after dethatching.

3. Mow Your Lawn Short

Cut your grass to about 2 inches before dethatching. This makes the process easier and reduces stress on the grass.

4. Dethatch in Multiple Directions

Run the dethatcher over your lawn in one direction, then again at a perpendicular angle to loosen the thatch evenly.

5. Rake and Remove Debris

After dethatching, rake up and dispose of the loosened material. This is critical to give your grass room to recover.

6. Overseed and Fertilize

Your lawn will be stressed after dethatching. Overseed any thin areas (read our overseeding guide), and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage quick recovery.

7. Water Lightly

Water the lawn lightly over the next several days to help the grass recover. See our watering guide for Edmonton for more details.

Or Leave It to the Pros

Dethatching can be physically demanding and requires the right equipment. At Neighbourhood Heroes, we focus on healthy, green, and eco-friendly lawns — and we’re happy to do the heavy lifting for you.

👉 Contact us to request dethatching or combine it with other seasonal lawn services.