What is the best season to de-thatch a lawn?

Dethatch a lawn in early spring or fall so it repairs itself more quickly. Removing debris can be harsh, so dethatch at a time when new grass is not growing.

A healthy lawn should have a half-inch layer of thatch. Thatch is made of decaying plant material like grass clippings and keeps the soil moist. When thatch becomes too thick it can prevent oxygen and moisture from getting to the roots.

Visual clues determine when a lawn needs dethatching. The grass is brown on the bottom even though it is green on top. Mowing this top part makes the lawn look dead and brown. Decayed plant materials are visible in between grass clumps instead of soil.