What is dethatching?

Detaching involves removing thatch, which is dead grass stems and root, mixed with other small debris trapped above the soil which creates a barrier for nutrients. This thatch is removed to allow moisture, sunlight, and fertilizers to better reach the soil underneath it. If you have more than ½ an inch of thatch on your lawn, then its a good idea to start thinking about having it removed.

A lawn may need dethatching if it feels spongy, drains poorly, or looks thin and weak. It is different from aeration: dethatching removes buildup from the surface, while aeration pulls plugs of soil to reduce compaction.