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8 Best Lawn Dethatchers in 2023 [Buyers Guide & Reviews]

Lawn dethatcher is a tool used to remove dead grass and debris from the surface of the lawn. It is an essential tool for keeping your lawn healthy, as it helps to aerate and loosen the soil, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. Lawn dethatchers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for different types of lawns. They are also relatively easy to use, making them a great choice for homeowners who want to maintain their own lawns.

The thatch is the light-brown layer that accumulates over time between the soil and the grasses in your lawn. The majority of it is composed of decomposing organic matter, such as compressed and dead grass, leaves, branches, runners, and roots.

It’s acceptable in moderation, but as it accumulates over a number of years without being addressed, it tends to block the air and essential nutrients that your turf needs to develop healthily.

Even worse, it harbors insects and other pests, which further stunts the growth of your lawn. To get rid of it, you have to use a lawn dethatcher.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Dethatching

Lawn dethatching shouldn’t be done as frequently as lawn mowing, but if your grass starts exhibiting the following signs, there may be too much thatch and it has to be removed.

  • If it stops expanding and begins to develop brown patches. Because it blocks water and essential nutrients from reaching the roots, thatch buildup hinders grass development. In turn, this will prevent the grass from developing and potentially result in their dying.
  • If fertilizer and watering do not have the desired effect. Unless the thatch is eliminated, a browning lawn caused by thatch build-up will not respond well to watering, fertilizer treatment, or even reseeding.
  • If your grass is soft. Make careful to cut deeply enough to view the soil while taking a sample of the turf with a trowel. The thatch layer may then be measured. You should probably get the lawn dethatcher out if it is thicker than 3/4 inch.
  • If you see any of the aforementioned symptoms, you must get rid of the thick thatch layer that is impeding the growth of your lawn.

Types Of Dethatching Rakes

Learning about the numerous varieties, such as manual, power, and tow behind rakes, is the first step in selecting the best dethatching rake for one’s lawn.

Manual

A manual rake, the most cheap form of dethatcher, resembles a regular rake used to collect leaves in the yard quite closely. Dethatching rakes are different from regular rakes in that they feature shorter tines that are intended to rip up dead grass from the ground.

This form of dethatcher needs the operator to apply all of the necessary pulling effort, unlike a power dethatcher or a tow-behind dethatcher. They are not only more affordable, but they also take up a lot less space than motorized or tow-behind dethatchers.

Power Rake

A power rake resembles a miniature lawnmower, except that it has a cylinder that is coated in dethatcher tines rather of a rotating blade for cutting grass. The cylinder is spun through the lawn by a motor, picking up dead grass as it goes.

Power dethatchers may be connected into a regular outlet and have an electric motor. They are appropriate for small yards because they have a restricted range due to the power cable they require.

Tow Behind

A tow-behind dethatcher is made out of a metal frame that extends underneath it and multiple rows of tines. The detatcher is towed by the frame, which includes two wheels and a hitch that hooks into the rear of a riding lawnmower or an ATV.

A tow-behind dethatcher can cover a large area with each pass because it is typically 4 feet wide. The operator of certain tow-behind dethatchers may change the tine height using handles. This style of dethatcher is appropriate for big yards owing to its wide breadth, but because of its bulky size, it might be more difficult to operate.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Dethatching Rake

The head of a dethatching rake has metal tines that are used to pick off loose thatch, and the handle is attached to the head. Continue reading to discover more about a dethatching rake’s basic components.

Tines

The metal prongs that protrude from the dethatching rake are known as tines. A dethatching rake’s tines are narrower with a pointed tip than a leaf rake’s large tines, which allow it to pick out dead grass without seriously damaging the soil or healthy grass. Additionally bent for thatch-biting action are the tines of the rake.

Dethatching rakes are made of steel because this material is strong enough to draw up thick layers of dead grass without bending, whereas raking leaves only takes a little amount of power. In order to prepare the soil for reseeding once the thatch has been removed, certain dethatching rakes contain tines on the head’s opposing side.

Head

Dethatcher tines and a frame holding them make up the dethatching rake’s head. The breadth of a dethatcher rake head ranges from 13 to 15 inches. The more thatch the rake can remove in one pass, the broader the head should be.

Remember that a rake with a smaller head will take less power to drag through the thatch than a dethatcher with a larger head and more tines. For greater accuracy during dethatching, certain dethatching rakes come equipped with adjustable heads that the user may adjust in respect to the handle.

Handle

Rakes used for dethatching have thicker handles than leaf rakes. These handles, which are normally constructed of hardwood, are capable of withstanding the power required to drag the rake head through thick thatch without breaking.

Some rakes include fiberglass handles, which are substantially lighter and have strength characteristics comparable to those of hardwood. They are usually more pricey as well. Dethatching rake handles also include a rubber coating, enabling the user to maintain a secure grasp on the rake while operating it.

To help you find the best lawn dethatcher for the task, we’ve examined a number of them and have listed the top 8 (both walk-behind and tow-behind) below.

Our Top Picks

The manual dethatching rakes with excellent thatch removal designs and materials are listed below. This list also contains motorized and pull-behind dethatchers in addition to manual rakes. The finest dethatching rake for you can be one of these top options.

1. Greenworks 27022 Lawn Dethatcher

Greenworks 27022 Lawn Dethatcher

The company GreenWorks sells a variety of equipment and accessories for gardening at very reasonable prices. Check out the lawn dethatcher they have.

Our top recommendation for the best lawn dethatcher right now is the Greenworks 27022. Given that it is currently the most reasonably priced and trustworthy alternative on the market, it has earned the top rank on our list. This ergonomic device is powered by a strong built-in motor that draws 10 amps. The machine’s top has adjustable handles with cushioned grips that make it easy and comfortable for the user to use.

With a 14-inch operating width that speeds up construction and makes it easy to access tight spaces, the Greenworks 27022 is ideal for tiny backyards and lawns. Additionally, you may modify the depth in two stages in accordance with the typical length of your lawn. To prevent them from losing their edge over time, the thatch-removing tines are constructed of stainless steel. The Greenworks 27022 lawn dethatcher comes with a 4 year guarantee from GreenWorks.

Best Features

Most cost-effective lawn mower
Greatest lawn dethatcher
Operating width of 14 inches
18 tines on a corded electric lawn dethatcher with a four-year warranty

Pros

There is a lengthy warranty term.
Really comfy and ergonomic design
Tined stainless steel blades

Cons

Large backyards could require a wider working space.

 

2. Sun Joe AJ801E Lawn Dethatcher

Sun Joe AJ801E Lawn Dethatcher

We all recognize the name Sun Joe since it is a well-known brand when it comes to gardening tools. Thousands of people are already receiving excellent service from Sun Joe’s 2-in-1 lawn dethatcher.

We are placing the Sun Joe AJ801E grass dethatcher in position two. You may acquire a two-in-one tool that is both a lawn dethatcher and an electric scarifier for a reasonable price, which is quite useful for your maintenance requirements. Given that it has an 18-tine working surface that is 12.6 inches wide, it is perfect for cultivating small to medium-sized lawns. This machine has a minimum cutting height of 0.12 inches, which enables upkeep of even the finest lawns.

It contains a strong 13 amp motor that completes the task more quickly and makes grass maintenance simple. Cut the grass roots using the Sun Joe AJ801E’s scarifier feature to encourage thicker, healthier grass growth on your lawn. It has superior air boost technology that allows the stainless steel tine to pull up more grass with each pass. It is ETL-approved and comes with a 2-year Sun Joe guarantee.

Best Features

6 inch operating width, two-in-one grass edging device
18 tine corded electric lawn dethatcher
2 years of guarantee with a minimum grass cutting height of 12 inches

Pros

It comes with a warranty period
Simple to use
Fine maintenance is possible

Cons

The cutting width is too short

3. Goplus 2-in-1 Lawn Dethatcher

Goplus 2-in-1 Lawn Dethatcher

Goplus is a well-known producer of tools for maintaining gardens and lawns. The gardening equipment from this manufacturer is available in small sizes and is very effective and user-friendly.

This two-in-one tool enables you to scarify and dethatch your grass. It has a strong 12 amp motor, a 13 inch operating width, and can dethatch a lot of grass in a single walk. In addition, the lawn dethatcher includes three depth positions from which you may select based on how much grass you want to remove. For automated garbage collection, there is a 40-litre grass collection bag.

For great durability and temperature resistance, the grass dethatcher from Goplus has a robust metal frame with a wear-resistant cover. For greater security, it has a dual security switch. To start the machine, you must first push the safety button and then pull the lever.

When it comes to comfort, the ergonomic grip keeps you from growing weary even after lengthy periods of use. The front wheels’ big diameter also makes it simple to relocate the grass dethatcher.

Best Features

Two-in-one grass dethatcher
A robust 12 amp motor
Operating width of 13 inches
3-position depth adjustments
40-liter bag for collecting grass
Construction of a solid metal frame and a cover with wear resistance
Adaptive grip
Dual security switch for safety

Pros

Durable and long lasting
Prevents fatigue while operating
Safe to use

Cons

Can not make tight turns

4. Agri-Fab 45-0295 Lawn Dethatcher

Agri-Fab 45-0295 Lawn Dethatcher

Due to the fact that it exclusively serves specialized farmers and other high-end applications, Agri Fab has experienced significant growth in popularity in recent years. The grass dethatcher and other gardening equipment are its most potent products.

If you have a big farm that needs frequent upkeep, the grass dethatcher from Agri Fab will be the perfect solution for you. The 48-inch operating breadth of the Agri Fab 45-0295 is excellent, and the tool has 24 rust-resistant tines. Every time you use it, you’ll get a new patch of lawn ground thanks to these tines’ ability to efficiently remove the roots of dead grass. These tines have all been heat treated to prevent them from losing their edge over time.

The grass dethatcher’s front wheels are 7 inches wide so they may be readily moved without encountering any resistance. The task is made more simpler by the cantilever handle at the top, which makes it simple to lower and elevate the tines as needed. The tines themselves are made of heavy gauge steel with a welded drawbar and are very durable. A universal hitch is also available, easily fitting all supported cars.

Best Features

48-inch operating width heavy-gauge steel tines for a heavy-duty lawn dethatcher
Lawn dethatcher with 24 tines and 7-inch wheels tow behind

Pros

Best working width in this list
Adaptable to all climates
Convenient to raise or lower

Cons

There is no warranty period

5. Brinly DT-48BH Lawn Dethatcher

Brinly DT-48BH Lawn Dethatcher

If you haven’t yet discovered the perfect tow-behind dethatcher for your needs, check out Brinly’s lawn dethatcher. It will grab your attention because it is the final dethatcher of this kind in our choices.

Thatch removal is a laborious job, especially if you have a sizable backyard that is entirely covered with grass. For these kinds of lands, only lawn dethatchers like the Brinly DT-48BH are an option since it has a wide operating width of 48 inches and two rows of separate tines. These tines are perfect for gaining more ground quickly, especially if you attach them to a quick tractor.

The Brinly DT-48BH’s tines are made of sturdy spring steel while its body is composed of steel. This device’s 8-inch broad transport wheels provide excellent portability and less obstacles when in use. However, the wheels are positioned on the dethatcher’s back half and are parallel to the tray, giving the device a generally small dimension. These 3/16-inch-diameter spring steel tines are all entirely flexible for guaranteed performance.

Best Features

Most effective heavy-duty lawn dethatcher
Compared to other comparable choices, inexpensive
48-inch working width universal hookup pin
Tow behind lawn dethatcher with 60 tines of 8 inches

Pros

Very large wheels are installed
Overall form factor and footprint is small
Covers a lot of area in less time

Cons

There is no warranty period

6. Earthwise DT71613 Corded Electric Lawn Dethatcher

Earthwise DT71613 Corded Electric Lawn Dethatcher

Since 1895, one of the most well-known brands has been creating lawn mowers, tillers, gardening cultivators, and other garden equipment. This brand is called Earthwise. The company is dedicated to producing environmentally friendly outdoor goods.

The lawn dethatcher from Earthwise uses a strong 13 amp engine to dethatch your lawn. Additionally, it has a working breadth of a generous 16 inches, which will make quick work of any dethatching jobs. You receive a 10 gallon catcher bag that is attached to the dethatcher for gathering the waste.

The grass dethatcher has a working depth of -0.4 to 0.4 inches so you may dethatch completely by either scratching the surface or getting to the roots. The tangled layers of grass and detritus may be broken apart with the 45 spring pins. For better dethatching results, the spring pins are constructed of piano wires that have had their zinc coating applied. With this grass dethatcher, upkeep is essentially nonexistent.

This grass dethatcher is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee from the original purchase date by Earthwise.

Best Features

Motor of 13 amps
Operating width of 16 inches
10 litres of waste catcher bag, operating depth of 0.4 to 0.4 inches, and 45 piano wires with zinc plating used as spring pins
Manufacturer’s guarantee of two years

Pros

Low maintenance
Outstanding performance
Extended warranty duration

Cons

Collection bag capacity is low

7. VonHaus Lawn Dethatcher

VonHaus Lawn Dethatcher

Comparatively speaking to the other options on our list right now, VonHaus is a premium brand. It is renowned for creating incredibly useful and adaptable goods, like the lawn dethatcher shown below.

Another 2-in-1 lawn from the upscale VonHaus brand is presented here. A separate aerator feature is also included with the VonHaus dethatcher. You won’t have any trouble maneuvering it on even the worst lawns because it has a strong 12.5 amp motor. The motor may remove damaged soil elements, allowing for a healthy soil turnover and improved grass growth. It has a working width of 15 inches and a depth that can be adjusted from -0.47 inches to +0.24 inches.

This unit’s 45-liter total collecting capacity is excellent since it means you won’t need to empty it as frequently as you would with a smaller alternative. The soft-grip handles of the dethatcher are simple to fold after use, and you can also take the grass box out to store it in a small area. Given its high price range, the guarantee period is 3 years, which is fantastic.

Best Features

High-quality lawn dethatcher
A two-in-one gardening tool
Five adjustable height adjustments
Fifteen-inch working width
3-year warranty on a corded electric lawn dethatcher
Handle folding

Pros

The handles include a soft region for grasping for comfort.
May be conveniently housed in small spaces
High capacity collection box

Cons

Quite expensive for the available performance

8. Mantis 5222 Lawn Dethatcher

Mantis 5222 Lawn Dethatcher

Mantis is another another really pricey brand that has made it into today’s choices. The grass dethatcher seen here, along with every other MAntis product, is sold at a high price point.

A full gardening tool is not what the Mantis 5222 Power Tiller is. It serves as a high-end addition to your current Mantis 700 series lawn thatcher. It is simply linked to all Mantis 7000 series goods, which are well-liked in the marketplace. However, before buying the attachment, you should still enter your model number and verify compatibility. It is the only item on our list with 60 sturdy and flexible spring steel tines and is powered by an electric source.

The tough steel tines can readily remove the leftover thatch and weeds from your garden that may otherwise hinder the lawn grass’s ability to develop and maintain its health. Given the huge number of tines, it can cover a breadth of 15 inches in a single pass, and as a result, it performs better than any electrical device to date. Two additional fender extensions are included and slot into the sides of the fender to give additional protection.

Best Features

Excellent replacement for a damaged dethatcher with a working width of 15 inches
60 tine corded electric lawn dethatcher
Compatible with goods from the mantis 7000 series
Available are two fender extensions.

Pros

Tine number and strength are really high.
Extremely high-quality lawn dethatcher attachment
Fueled by a strong motor

Cons

No warranty period despite the price tag

How We Chose The Best Dethatching Rakes

A dethatcher rake that is well suited for the task at hand is the finest option for the user. In light of this, we selected a wide variety of dethatching rakes to accommodate yards with varying demands and sizes. We added manual dethatching rakes with tine configurations that enable them to bite into deep thatch without seriously harming good grass for small- to medium-sized yards. These hand rakes have steel heads and robust hardwood or fiberglass handles.

In addition to manual dethatching rakes, we have included corded electric ones that are appropriate for smaller yards and don’t have the same physical demands as a manual rake. We also selected the top tow-behind dethatcher for ride-on mowers for bigger yards.

FAQs

Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked concerns concerning dethatching rakes if you’re unsure how to measure the amount of thatch in your lawn or if a normal rake would suffice.

Q. How Can I Tell If My Lawn Has Too Much Thatch?

By removing a 2-inch-deep section of your lawn, you can determine how much thatch is there. Measure the quantity of spongy material between the soil and the lush grass after taking the sample. Your grass has too much thatch if it is thicker than 0.75 inches.

Q. What Is The Best Way To Dethatch A Lawn?

Using a dethatcher tool, such as a hand rake, motorized rake, or tow-behind dethatcher, is the finest way to dethatch a lawn. You may also try to hasten the breakdown of the thatch by fertilizing and frequently watering the grass.

Q. Is A Dethatching Rake Worth It?

The state of your grass will determine whether or not a dethatching rake is worthwhile. A dethatching rake could be a wise purchase if your lawn suffers from too much thatch on a regular basis.

Q. Can I Use A Regular Rake To Dethatch?

A conventional leaf rake should not be used to clear thatch from a lawn. When trying to use the rake to dethatch the lawn, it won’t work very well and might harm good grass. Having said that, lawns with mild thatch difficulties may be raked using a metal rake.

Q. Can I Use A Dethatching Rake In The Summer To Prepare My Lawn For Fall?

The ideal times to dethatch a lawn are in late spring and early fall, however this depends on whether the grass grows better in warm or chilly climates. Dethatching warm-season grasses in the early spring can harm new growth, thus it should be avoided.

Q. How Do I Get Rid Of Thatch Naturally?

By taking a few simple actions, you may naturally remove thatch without the use of a dethatching equipment. Make sure to maintain constant moisture in the soil beneath the thatch. As soon as the thatch issue is under control, collect all grass clippings in the lawnmower bag and apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer to hasten the breakdown of the dead grass.