Hi, can I dethatch my lawn now?

Hi Deanna

The best time to dethatch a lawn is in autumn and spring, so wait another month or so. Thatch is a layer of organic matter that occurs between the soil and the grass and is caused by a number of issues including poor drainage, too much water, nitrogen rich fertilisers and rapidly growing lawns. If the thatch builds up it can prevent water getting down into the soil. It is usually older lawns which build up thatch.

Use a lawn scarifier (these can be hired) to loosen the thatch and then rake up the thatch. A rake can be used to dethatch if the lawn is small but for large areas hire a scarifier. Once the thatch has been removed, fertilise the lawn with Tui LawnForce New Lawns fertiliser. This will stimulate new growth slowly through soil microbial activity rather than a sudden burst of nitrogen rich fertiliser. It also contains seaweed meal to help stimulate root growth.

Thanks, Tui Team.