What is better aeration or dethatching?

Author: Sheldon Walsh DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch that prevents water from reaching the soil, dethatching is the way to go. However, if the soil is compacted, making it difficult for roots to grow and absorb nutrients, aeration is more beneficial.

What are the drawbacks of aeration?

The main disadvantage of the aeration process is excessive aeration absorb too much oxygen and water becomes corrosive.

Will grass grow back after dethatching?

Will my grass grow back after I dethach it 🤔 This content isn't available. After dethatching your lawn it is a great time to aerate your lawn. After aerating, overseed and fertilize with Milorganite®. It should take about 3-4 weeks for the lawn to recover and show signs of new growth.

Will aerating get rid of thatch?

Aerating your soil

It helps establish a deeper and healthier root system and also stimulates the microbial activity involved in decomposing the thatch layer. The aerifier must have hollow tines or spoons that bring the cores of soil to the surface to be effective long term.

How do I know if my lawn needs dethatching?

Use a trowel or spade to remove a wedge-shaped layer of grass and soil about 3 inches thick, or just pry up a small section of turf. Look for the thatch layer lying directly on top of soil. Measure the thickness. A layer thicker than ½ inch signals it's time for dethatching.

Aeration vs Dethatching // Which should YOU do??

Is dethatching more important than aerating?

If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch that prevents water from reaching the soil, dethatching is the way to go. However, if the soil is compacted, making it difficult for roots to grow and absorb nutrients, aeration is more beneficial.

What is the best month to dethatch your lawn?

When to Dethatch Your Lawn. The best time to dethatch your lawn is when it's actively growing and the soil is moderately moist. For cool-season grasses, that's early spring or early fall. For warm-season grasses, dethatch in late spring through early summer (after the second mowing).

What is the best month to aerate my lawn?

The best time to aerate your lawn is in late summer or early fall, as this will allow your grass to recover completely before going dormant in the winter. While Fall is recommended, you can also aerate and overseed your lawn in the spring between March and May.

Which comes first, dethatching or aerating?

After dethatching, rake up the debris and then aerate the soil. An aerator pulls cores of soil from the surface, loosening it and allowing moisture and oxygen to penetrate.

Is it okay to dethatch and aerate at the same time?

Aeration makes holes in the soil to alleviate compacted soil, improve air flow, prevent runoff, enhance nutrient and moisture retention, and maintain healthy roots. It is possible to dethatch and aerate at the same time, and it's generally preferred.

Why is dethatching not recommended?

Dethatching in the spring is a bad procedure for several reasons. First, it tears and rips turf that is often still dormant and therefore will be unable to recover after winter injury, snow mold and ice damage. Spring dethatching hits a lawn hard when it is already in a precarious condition.

Does leaving grass clippings create thatch?

Contrary to popular belief, leaving clippings on the lawn does not contribute to increased thatch.

How many times should I go over my lawn with a dethatcher?

Remember that you should only dethatch your lawn a maximum of once per year for warm-season grass and between once and twice a year in early spring and autumn for cool-season grass. Warm-season grass should be dethatched in late spring or early summer.

Why is aeration so expensive?

Aeration Type

Aeration comes in different forms depending on the type of aerator to be used. Some aerators are more effective than others and therefore more expensive too. For instance, core aerators will cost more to rent than plug aerators.

Does aeration cause more weeds?

Aeration and overseeding will help to reduce weeds.

Opportunistic weeds germinate in areas where they can be successful.

What kind of damage is caused by aeration?

  • Aeration can cause a range of issues, from oil oxidation and thermal breakdown to oil degradation and compression issues. ...
  • ENTRAINMENT. ...
  • Foam on the oil's surface can disperse throughout the lubrication system, interfering with the oil's role in cooling and protecting critical engine parts. ...
  • DISSOLVED AIR.

Should I pick up thatch after dethatching?

Whatever option you choose, finish the job by raking up all the thatch debris and watering your dethatched lawn thoroughly.

Should I put grass seed down after dethatching?

For established turf with bare or weakened thinning areas, professionals tend to dethatch and overseed at the same time. Dethatching first to remove any matted thatch and then overseed. Doing both allows for the best possible penetration of seed and root establishment to quickly thicken up the turf.

How to tell if a lawn needs aeration?

Several warning signs indicate your lawn needs aeration, including thatch buildup, heavy foot traffic areas, clay soil, puddles on the lawn, and thinning grass.

When should you dethatch your yard?

The best time to dethatch is late summer or early fall. That's when your grass is growing most vigorously. Before dethatching, mow a little shorter than normal. Also, you'll achieve better results if you do it after a light rain or watering.

How much does aeration cost?

Liquid aeration costs $80 to $150, core aeration costs between $75 and $250, and spike aeration ranges from $40 to $250. Some aeration companies offer packages, costing $28 per 1,000 square feet on average. Learn more about lawn aeration costs and what may impact the price you pay.

Can I dethatch and aerate at the same time?

Your ailing lawn is suffering from compact soil and thick thatch, but can you dethatch and aerate at the same time? Absolutely. Performing both treatments at once benefits your lawn by improving water absorption, nutrient uptake, and air flow to the roots.

What should I do after I dethatch my yard?

Aerate, Overseed, Fertilize

After dethatching your lawn it is a great time to aerate your lawn.

Is dethatching hard on grass?

Dethatching can be a DIY project. However, if the thatch is really thick, it may be necessary to hire professionals to avoid damaging the lawn too much. No matter what you do, a lawn with thick thatch will need some significant recovery efforts after dethatching.

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