Question about dethatching?

Question

I have so much thatch in my grass, my lawn is turning brown. I haven't thatched in over 3 years. We have a short summer here.

Should I wait until next spring to dethatch (allowing the thatch to act as a sort of insulation for the cold winter months) or should I dethatch now (before winter)? Thanks.

Answer 1

The best time to dethatch is the middle of summer, after the grass has fully emerged from dormancy,

Answer 2

I'm  impressed that you've done it 3 years ago!  Such an exhausting job.

I don't think the thatch would really be much insulation.  I don't know where you live, but grass survives winter just fine.  Though as I think about it, if you thatch before winter, you could encourage new growth that might die back over winter.  Probably not a big deal.  

One thing I do know is that you're not supposed to dethatch when the grass is in a transitional state, i.e. spring & fall.  Rather, do it in summer or winter (climate permitting, of course.)  My understanding is that doing it when the grass is just entering or coming out of dormancy is harmful to it.  Now, we know grass isn't *that* delicate, but if you have one of those "perfect" putting green type yards, it might frustrate you...

hth