Dethatching Vs Aeration; What Is The Difference?

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Dethatching Vs Aeration

Dethatching Vs Aeration; what is the difference? Maintaining a healthy lawn requires regular lawn maintenance practices such as mowing, fertilizing and watering. But there are instances where one does all these and still end up with a fading lawn. This condition is mostly attributed to the lack of dethatching and aeration practices which is often neglected by many gardeners.

Dethatching and aeration are two distinct lawn care practices and they are performed to achieve different results. Many gardeners do not know the difference between dethatching vs aeration.

In this article, we are going to examine each practice and demonstrate why it is important to carry out both dethatching and aeration practices in order to achieve a vibrant and healthy lawn.

Dethatching Vs Aeration Comparison Table

Lawn DethatchingLawn Aeration
1Refers to the process of thatch removal that has accumulatedRefers to the process of making holes into the soil to reduce soil compaction
2It helps water and nutrients reach the soil surface and root systemsIt helps improve drainage by allowing water, nutrients and air flow to deeper root systems
3It’s more intensive and should be done during the right season so that grass can recoverIt’s less intensive

What is Dethatching?

The term dethatching refers to the process of removing thatch which is a thick layer of dead turf grass, leaves and other debris that accumulates beneath the grass and surface soil. A layer of thatch is beneficial to the lawn because it regulates the temperatures and moisture content.

Dethatching vs Aeration
Mantis Lawn Dethatcher

However, a thicker layer of thatch is problematic as it inhibits water and nutrients from seeping down to the grass roots levels. When the grassroots have little or no access to water and nutrients, they start to fade and drying up.

That’s why dethatching is important as it helps in removal of the excessive thick thatch layer that inhibits proper supply of water and nutrients to grass roots.

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Related; Best Lawn Dethatchers

There are various tools that are used to dethatch a lawn. If you have a small lawn, a dethatching rake will do the work.

On the other hand, if your lawn size is large to be dethatched by a rake, going for a lawn dethatcher machine is what you should consider.

You can also contract lawn care professionals in your area to help you bring your fading lawn back to life. Lawn dethatching must be done at the right time so as to give your lawn time to recover.

What is Lawn Aeration?

Lawn aeration is the practice of perforating holes in the compacted lawn soil to help improve drainage. Once soil compaction is eliminated, water, air, and nutrients are able to penetrate deeper into the soil and grassroots zones. As a result, the roots are able to grow stronger which translates to a green and healthier lawn.

There are two types of aeration which are Spike aeration and Plug aeration.

Dethatching Vs Aeration
Lawn Aeration

Spike aeration involves using tines to poke holes which are not too deep just about 2-3 inches and 0.7 inches in diameter.

Plug aeration digs deeper and wider holes. It also involves the removal of core grass area and soil from the lawn. However, aeration is not intensive compared to dethatching.

Both spikes and plug aerators are available in the market and you can choose the one that suits your lawn requirements and budget.

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Conclusion;- Dethatching Vs Aeration

Both dethatching and aeration are important lawn maintenance practices that should not be underestimated because they play a great role in realization of a healthier lawn. Dethatching and aerating your lawn once every year can go a long way in helping your grass flourish and remain vibrant.

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