# How To Use A Dethatcher

- **Published:** 18 May 2023
- **Type:** DIY Guide
- **Format:** step by step
- **Tags:** Lawn & garden

In New Zealand, our lawns can be riddled with a tough top layer. This layer that sits around the base of grass is called thatch. Thatch can be bad news for any lawn. But more on that soon. The good news is that you can make light work of this backyard annoyance with a handy landscaping tool called a lawn dethatcher.

At Hirepool, we have a range of [top of the line dethatchers](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-scarifiers-dethatchers-aerators/414b-lawn-scarifier-dethatcher.md) that not only get the job done but are super easy to operate. This blog will look at these [landscaping tools](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping.md), how to best dethatch your lawn, and why it makes sense to hire this equipment.

## Why it’s important to dethatch your lawn

So, why should you even bother to dethatch your lawn? Out of [all the tips we give DIYers for a great looking lawn](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/lawn-care-101-everything-you-need-to-know-for-a-great-looking-lawn.md), one of the top pieces of advice is always to use a lawn scarifier. Thatch can prevent air, water and other nutrients from reaching your lawn. This can prevent it from growing and being healthy.

To preface, a healthy amount of thatch is a good thing, as it acts as a blanket on the surface to keep soil cool and limit the number of weeds from germinating. But, if it gets over 2cm, you’ll notice your lawn is tough to mow, goes brown quickly during dry months and shows significant wear. Benefits of dethatching your lawn to remove thatch include:

- Your grass gets more nutrients
- You’ll prevent water from pooling after heavy rain
- Prevent diseases

Top tip: To identify whether your lawn has a thatch problem, use a garden trowel or spade to dig up a small wedge of lawn. From this, you’ll see whether you have a sizeable layer of thatch (anything from 3.5cm and above).

## Safety tips when using a dethatcher

As with any advice to create and maintain your lawn, you must always keep safety at the forefront. That way, you’ll avoid injuring yourself or anyone around you. Here is some safety guidance to remember when using a lawn dethatcher.

### Clean the area

Make sure the area where you are using the dethatcher is clear of all obstacles. That means toys, tools and people. While you are dethatching, you need to keep an eye out for things below the ground as well as things sticking out of the ground. These are hazards like water cover, tree stumps, rocks and roots.

It is also a good idea to [aerate your lawn](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/lawn-core-aerator.md) before dethatching. Read our guide that weighs up the differences between a dethatcher and aerator. Otherwise, our [ultimate spring yard clean up checklist](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/ultimate-spring-yard-clean-up-checklist.md) has some handy yard cleaning tips.

### Stay well clear when the dethatcher is on

When using the lawn dethatcher, make sure to stay behind the dethatcher at all times while it’s running. Ensure the motor is turned off and the tines are lifted off the ground when carrying out any machine checks.

### Wear appropriate protective gear

Be sure to wear sturdy, protected footwear. This means no jandals, and ideally, steel-capped boots will protect your feet.

Protect your ears from damage with [earmuffs or earplugs](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-ear-wear.md). A dethatcher is similar to a lawnmower and can produce more than 100 decibels.

[Safety glasses or sunglasses](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-glasses.md) are essential when using a dethatcher. Rocks, sticks, and other objects found around your yard can become a projectile once the tines are engaged.

[Gloves](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves.md) are recommended when using a lawn dethatcher, as maintaining a good grip on the machine while the handle vibrates allows you to operate it safely. Especially in warmer weather, dexterity and grip are very important, as sweat becomes a factor when operating machinery.

### Read the appropriate instructions for us

Each piece of hire equipment will come with instructions for use. As well as a paper version, you’ll also be able to scan and read these instructions on your smartphone. No matter the hire equipment, it’s essential to read these instructions. Not only to get yourself safe but so that the gear works as intended and you get the desired result.

## Equipment you'll need

- [Lawn Scarifier/Dethatcher](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-scarifiers-dethatchers-aerators/414b-lawn-scarifier-dethatcher.md)
- [Lawn Mower](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-mowers/422a-lawn-mower.md)

## Tools explained

## What is a dethatcher?

If your goal is to level up your lawn game, make it easier to mow and safely do it all, using a lawn dethatcher is the way to go. As the name suggests, a lawn dethatcher is a specialist landscaping tool that removes the layer of thatch from beneath grass.

[Thatch is a build up of organic matter](https://www.kiwicare.co.nz/advice/garden/lawn-thatch/). This layer is predominantly interwoven, accumulated dead and living grass shoots, stems and roots. While some people may use a rake to remove thatch, a specialised lawn dethatcher is the smarter and faster way to get at it.

## The difference between a dethatcher and a scarifier

The short answer is that there is no difference between a dethatcher and a lawn scarifier. They are two names for the same thing. A lawn dethatcher or scarifier uses tines or blades to rip or pull out thatch. No matter which [type of New Zealand grass you have](https://duwell.co.nz/resources/42/common-new-zealand-grasses-and-broadleaf-plants/), your lawn can benefit from a dethatcher or lawn scarifier.

## The benefits of the Hirepool dethatcher

Depending on the type of lawn or soil you have, you’ll probably want to dethatch your lawn once or twice a year. Because of this, hiring instead of buying a lawn scarifier often makes sense. That way, you save money on the upfront cost, maintenance and storage.

When you hire a scarifier over buying new, you also know that your gear from Hirepool will be efficient and easy to use. Benefits of our Hirepool lawn dethatcher also include:

- It’s lightweight
- Ergonomic handle
- Foldable handle for easy transport
- Easy to change the height of blades
- Transport mode for wheeling over concrete
- Four sets of flail blades

This unit can easily fit in the back of any [utility vehicle](https://vehicles.hirepool.co.nz/). Or, it can be transported on a [Hirepool trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers.md). For advice on transporting any hire equipment, read our guide on [how to load a trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-load-a-trailer.md).

## Instructions

### Step 1: Get the right fuel air mix

Especially if you’re starting the scarifier cold, you’ll need to ensure the gear gets the proper air mix fuel. To do this, close off the choke at the back right of the machine. Then, you’ll want to open the fuel valve. If you don’t do this first step, you may struggle to start the lawn scarifier.

### Step 2: Prep the engine for ignition

Next up, you’ll need to get the lawn dethatchers prepped and ready to start. To do this, turn the front ignition switch to on. This switch can be found at the front right of the machine.

### Step 3: Start the dethatcher

Now, you’ll want to pull the scarifier cord towards your body. Similar to if you were starting a lawn mower, continue doing this until the machine starts. You’ll know when it starts, as the engine will start making noise.

### Step 4:  Let the dethatcher warm up

Like any landscaping tools with an engine, you’ll need to give your lawn dethatcher time to warm up. To do this, first open the choke and then leave the machine to idle for about a minute or two.

### Step 5: Get into position

As mentioned, you always need to keep safety top of mind when using a scarifier. As part of this, you need to get into a safe working position to operate this gear. When you’re ready to dethatch your lawn, push the transport lift handle and lower the blade. Be sure to hold the machine firmly.

### Step 6: Adjust the desired height

Every lawn is different. After starting to scarify, you may notice that you need to change the height of your blades. To do this, use the height control located at the front of the machine. It may be a good idea to turn the machine off to do this safely.

### Step 7: Scarify your lawn

The act of dethatching your lawn is relatively simple. As you would when mowing your lawn, go over your grass in runs or lines. Depending on how thick your thatch is, you may want to start with an initial pass to loosen the thatch and then lower the blades for a second pass.

### Step 8: Shut down the machine

Once you’re finished dethatching, you’ll want to stop the machine. To do this, ensure the blade is above the ground. Then, simply turn the switch to the off position.

### Step 9: Clean Up

After dethatching your lawn, you’ll want to do a bit of a clean up job. To do this, you may want to use a rake to remove what you’ve pulled up. Another good option is to mow your lawns. At Hirepool, we have [great lawnmowers for hire.](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-mowers/422a-lawn-mower.md) For lawn moving tips, read our helpful blogs on the [six most common mistakes you’ll make mowing your lawn](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/the-6-most-common-mistakes-you-ll-make-mowing-your-lawn.md) and [the best way to cut lawns and edges](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/best-way-to-cut-lawns-and-edges.md).

## Hire a lawn dethatcher at Hirepool

Could your lawn use some love? Hire the [lawn dethatcher](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/lawn-scarifiers-dethatchers-aerators/414b-lawn-scarifier-dethatcher.md) by booking online or checking the availability at [your local Hirepool branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md). Check out our other [lawn and garden guides](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/jobs/lawn-garden.md) for more handy how-tos and inspiration.

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-use-a-dethatcher