Dethatching Cool Season Grasses

In the fall, you can do some preparation for the cold days of winter that may help prevent or minimize winter kill. To determine if your turfgrass requires dethatching, simply use a small shovel to pull up a section of turf, then take a look at that section. If there is more than ½ inch of thatch, it is a good time to take care of it.

To dethatch, first mow the grass at half your usual height. Wait for the soil to be moist (not too wet and not too dried and hard), and make sure to protect the remaining turfgrass. This process is a great way to keep your turf healthy and resilient for the coming cold months.

Be sure to do this and other fall maintenance and prevention measures to get your lawn or other area in shape for the winter.