Do you use a dethatching rake instead of the power thatcher?

Question

I'm considering buying a dethatching rake, but I'm not sure how much more of an effort it is to use. It is an incredible pain for me to rent a power dethatcher. I've read that it is best to dethatch every other year, so I guess I wouldn't have to do it often. I do love to garden and probably wouldn't mind that labor, but I would like to hear from those who have used a dethatching rake.

Answer 1

Powered rakes are easier to use in my opinion, but I have the muscles to manhandle one around the yard. You might consider just paying to have your yard professionally airated and thatched. Its a one time expense every couple years and wont cost more than 100 bucks.

Answer 2

First of all a power rake causes more damage to a lawn than good.  Simply aerating a lawn will help reduce thatch.  Don't buy any rake that is metal they dig up a lot of good grass with it.  Use a plastic leaf rake instead which will take up a lot more dead grass and a lot less good grass.