When is the best time to de-thatch my lawn?

• The best time to de-thatch a lawn is in spring and autumn. If doing it in autumn make sure there is enough warmth in the soil for lawn regrowth.
• 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, it is usually older lawns which build up thatch.
• If the thatch builds up too much it can prevent water and nutrients getting down into the soil. 
• Before de-thatching mow the lawn several times on a low setting. 
• Use a lawn scarifier (these can be hired) to loosen the thatch and then rake up dead grass. 
• A rake can be used to dethatch smaller lawns but for large areas hire a scarifier. Some lawn mowers have scarifier attachments.
• Once the thatch has been removed and raked up, fertilise the lawn with Tui LawnForce New Lawns fertiliser this is a low nitrogen formulation to stimulate new growth slowly through soil microbial activity rather than a sudden burst of growth from a nitrogen rich fertiliser.
• Lawns need de-thatching every 3-4 years.