A layer of dead organic material on your lawn, called thatch, is great in moderation. A thin layer of thatch acts as a buffer that keeps the soil moist, regulates its temperature, and adds nutrients ...

Dethatching and aerating are two distinct lawn care operations that require different tools, yet they address the same need. Both allow your lawn to breathe well enough so oxygen, water, and nutrients ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Decayed grass blades and stems—known as thatch—can prevent your lawn from absorbing the water and oxygen ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If your lawn isn’t as lush or vibrant as it should be, built-up thatch is likely the problem. This layer ...

To dethatch vs. aerate: Which does my lawn need? When it comes to lawn care, chances are you need a combination of both dethatching and aeration. Both techniques are often essential to ensuring your ...

Aeration tackles the problem of soil compaction. Dethatching removes troublesome thatch from your lawn. Both promote air flow, and both can be achieved using either manual or mechanical devices.