When should I dethatch my lawn NZ?

spring
Dethatching is ideally done in late spring when there is still plenty of rainfall so the grass will recover. Thatch is a matted layer of roots, stems and debris that accumulates between the top of the soil and the grass. If gets too thick it can prevent air, sunlight and water getting through to the new grass shoots.

Should I rake the thatch from my lawn?

In the north, late summer or early fall before the grass goes dormant are good times to dethatch, and late spring in the south. For small areas, you can use a hand dethatching rake. Thatch builds up over time, so it’s not necessary to dethatch every year. Plan on doing it every five years or so if your lawn needs it.

Is it worth scarifying a lawn?

Most garden experts agree that the ideal time to scarify your lawn is when your grass is growing strongly. You could leave your lawn exposed to the cold weather making it more difficult for your grass to recover. It’s also advisable to scarify your grass when it’s had a little rain and isn’t too dry.

What month should you dethatch your lawn?

The best time to dethatch your lawn is when it’s actively growing and the soil is moderately moist. For cool-season grasses, that’s early spring or early fall. For warm-season grasses, dethatch in late spring through early summer (after the second mowing). That’s when your grass is growing most vigorously.

Is dethatching the same as raking?

Power raking is a more aggressive process of removing thatch and dead matter in the lawn while dethatching is a light process that removes just a thin layer of debris that makes fertilizer absorption poor.

Can scarifying ruin your lawn?

If you scarify at the wrong time of year when your grass isn’t growing as fast, you risk damaging your lawn severely. Dusting off the scarifier too early can ruin your lawn, so be patient and don’t jump the gun – that lawn isn’t going anywhere.

When should I stop scarifying?

The perfect time for scarification is when the grass is growing strongly. So, avoid scarification in early spring when frosts may still occur. Ideally, the soil should be moderately wet but with a touch-dry surface.