First Time Dethatching

[lkool]

I am dethatching my lawn for the first time. I have a front mount dethatcher on my tractor. How much should it dig into the grass? I set it up so that on a level service in the garage so the tine's are 1/2 - 3/4 quarters of an inch off the ground. When I used it (on a small area) there seemed to be more pressure on the tines then I expected, and it left 'streaks' in the lawn where it dug up everything including the grass and left bare dirt. Is this normal?

 

[exotion]

I am dethatching my lawn for the first time. I have a front mount dethatcher on my tractor. How much should it dig into the grass? I set it up so that on a level service in the garage so the tine's are 1/2 - 3/4 quarters of an inch off the ground. When I used it (on a small area) there seemed to be more pressure on the tines then I expected, and it left 'streaks' in the lawn where it dug up everything including the grass and left bare dirt. Is this normal?

It'll grow back. I usually set them as low as they go. If you tear grass it'll grow back its good to get that thatch out

 

[lkool]

It'll grow back. I usually set them as low as they go. If you tear grass it'll grow back its good to get that thatch out

Ok, Thanks for the response. I think I will go for it this year and see what happens. I'm going to overseed anyways so it should be fine.

Also, how much pressure can tines typically take. They seem to bend a bit, is that normal?

 

[chobbs1957]

I am dethatching my lawn for the first time. I have a front mount dethatcher on my tractor. How much should it dig into the grass? I set it up so that on a level service in the garage so the tine's are 1/2 - 3/4 quarters of an inch off the ground. When I used it (on a small area) there seemed to be more pressure on the tines then I expected, and it left 'streaks' in the lawn where it dug up everything including the grass and left bare dirt. Is this normal?

If your thatch problem is really bad, a September trip may be a good idea. If you are going to overseed for the winter it's a good idea.

However, the more typical time would be a trip over in mid-spring, immediately preceding summer green-up. De-thatch and then fertilize and lime as needed. Water in. This allows the roots to receive an optimum dose of fertilizer, water, and to warm up a little sooner. Recovery will be swifter, possibly more complete as well.

DISCLAIMER: I work as an agronomist with row crops, and am not equally verse on turf maintenance! Your results will vary, depending on climate, soil type, and species of grass.

 

[lkool]

If your thatch problem is really bad, a September trip may be a good idea. If you are going to overseed for the winter it's a good idea.

However, the more typical time would be a trip over in mid-spring, immediately preceding summer green-up. De-thatch and then fertilize and lime as needed. Water in. This allows the roots to receive an optimum dose of fertilizer, water, and to warm up a little sooner. Recovery will be swifter, possibly more complete as well.

DISCLAIMER: I work as an agronomist with row crops, and am not equally verse on turf maintenance! Your results will vary, depending on climate, soil type, and species of grass.

Thanks for the information. I am planning on overseeding for winter.