The dethatch thins and pulls out all of the dead and matted grass that obstructs the healthy turf that has overwintered well. You can use power equipment for this, but if you either don't have a dethatcher, don't want to rent one, or like a good work out (this is what we do at our home even though we have a machine) just run a metal spring rake over the lawn with moderate pressure. You will begin to create small piles of yellow grass that you can compost. Proper composting should remove any fungi or pests through natural processes that take place as the herbaceous material breaks down (but that's another topic).
Followed by a good core aeration, which will increase the macropores (which hold water in the soil aggregate) and micropores (which hold nutrients) you'll have a great base prep for your established lawn this spring. The aeration also redistributes nutrient-rich topsoil by pulling many small soil plugs out of the ground and tossing them around. If you do nothing else to your lawn all year be sure to AERATE this spring and autumn. Jeeze, it even helps improve soil compaction from foot traffic over the previous year.
I also like to take the time to over seed at this juncture. I usually mix up the seed blend as it helps to introduce and encourage the most ideal grass for your soil and sunlight conditions. Don't use Scotts every time! All that Darwinian survival-of-the-fittest stuff applies to your lawn, too! Be sure to follow the application rates on the bag of seed for your spreader, and, if you're not sure CALL ME! Lots of seed can be too much of a good thing.
Lastly, I like to apply a light topdressing of well-screened compost. 1/4 of an inch should be enough. Introducing compost to your grass is a great and sustainable way to give it the healthy slow-release nutrients it needs, and you don't have to worry about burn as you may with a synthetic fertilizer, which often requires more and more each year.
If I don't feel like spreading compost, or it's just too time consuming, I like to use a pasteurized chicken manure as a fertilizer. The pasteurization removes the odor, and the product comes in easy to spread pellets.
Most of all enjoy the fresh air and have fun.
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Location:Netherton Ave,Beverly,United States
