Dethatching plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lawn. Thatch refers to a buildup of dead grass, debris, and other plant matter that has accumulated around the soil, beneath the surface of the grass.
A thin layer of thatch can support the health of your lawn because it acts as a source of nutrients, however, a thick layer of thatch can harm the health of your lawn because it prevents the new blades from accessing sunlight and rainwater.
Because of this, it is going to struggle to grow and develop a lush green color. Dethatching your lawn slices through the thick layer of dead plant matter. As thatch builds up over time, it is generally recommended that you only dethatch your lawn once a year.
There are a few ways that you can dethatch your lawn. Although you can use a rake this is going to be more physically demanding. It is possible to dethatch your lawn using a lawnmower.
To do so, you will need to swap the regular blade for a specific dethatching blade that is compatible with your lawnmower. You must make sure that the blade is fitted and used correctly, otherwise, there is a risk of it damaging your lawn.
If you have never used a dethatching blade, you may be curious as to whether it is going to be effective in achieving the desired results for your lawn.
In our guide, we have provided you with everything that you need to know about dethatching blades. Continue reading if you would like to discover more.
What Are Dethatching Blades?
Dethatching mower blades are not the same as regular blades. There are two different types of dethatching attachments available.
Unlike regular blades that are flat and work by slicing through the grass, dethatching blades have spikes that stick out and cut into the grass. The first type of blade is designed with a metal spring and is the best option for smaller gardens.
The second type of blade features nylon trimmer attachments. It is worth noting that the nylon can sometimes be too harsh on the grass so it may be better to stick with the first option.
It is important to make sure that the material that the blade is made from is effective in penetrating the build-up of thatch on your lawn. Also, if there is not insufficient thatch build-up but you proceed to dethatch your lawn, there is a risk of the roots becoming damaged.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Dethatching Blade?
Before we determine whether a dethatching blade is effective, let’s take a look at the benefits associated with using this type of blade.
First and foremost, dethatching blades can help to repair sections of your lawn that have become inundated with a build-up of thatch. Moreover, these blades can help to aerate your lawn.
To attach a dethatching blade to your lawnmower, you simply need to remove the regular blade that is attached to it, before securing the dethatching blade in place.
Using a dethatching blade attachment is also going to be less physically exerting because your mower is essentially doing the majority of work for you.
Do Dethatching Blades Really Work?
Many people who have experienced using dethatching blades argue that they do not work very well. This is because lawn mowers are originally designed to cut grass rather than slice into it to remove the thatch.
Thatch can be tough so your lawnmower needs to have a lot of horsepower to be able to cut through it.
Not only can the thickness of the thatch be problematic but potential moisture in the grass and tough spots and rubble can provide issues. This is because there is an increased risk of your lawnmower burning out due to too much pressure.
Some people have also complained about the damage that these blades can inflict onto their lawns. Nylon in particular can cause harm to healthy growing grass as well as the dead grass.
As the blades operate, they turn in a circular motion and there is a risk of them ripping the grass blades out of their roots.
Also if you do not move fast enough with your mower and remain in one area for too long, you may end up dethatching too much of the grass and as a result, your lawn may end up with large bald patches.
Essentially, dethatching blades tend to work when used to tackle light layers of thatch in smaller gardens, however, if you are working with a larger area, you may prefer to do it manually as you will then have more control over the process and appearance of your lawn.
Are Power Rakes Better Than Dethatching Blades?
A power rake is a valuable tool for gardeners. Not only will this tool help to remove dead plant matter but it will also aerate your lawn. When using a power rake, there is less risk of your lawn becoming damaged.
Most are designed with a bag that will catch the dead plant matter so it is easier to clean up. A power rake is also a better choice for tackling thick layers of thatch and debris.
Another benefit of using a power rake is that they tend to work faster than mowers. Also, if a power rake comes into contact with any rocky patches, it is less likely to get damaged.
Deciding whether a power rake is better than a dethatching blade is going to depend on the size of your garden.
Simply put, dethatching blades are a great choice for combatting thin layers of thatch, whilst power rakes are a better choice for thick layers of thatch.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the answer to this question depends on the thickness of the layer of thatch and also whether it is used correctly.
If you decide to use a dethatching blade you must make sure that you do not use it in the same area for too long. There are also alternative tools available which you may prefer to use.
