THATCH is a squishy and spongy layer of debris that builds up under lawns. It can accumulate in Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia lawns because they grow and spread by runners called stolons and rhizomes. This thatch can spell a significant disaster for Bermuda lawns as it chokes out the grass. If you’re wondering how to dethatch Bermuda grass, read this article to learn more about dethatching.

To dethatch Bermuda grass, use a dethatching machine, vertical mower, power rake, or leaf rake. Using any of these tools, move over your lawn twice in each direction to loosen up the excess thatch layer. For instance, you can move from east to west, then north to south.

Choose the best dethatching tool depending on the size of your lawn. Other dethatching methods are topdressing the Bermuda lawn with compost and aerating. 

Dethatching Bermuda Grass 101 Guide

When your yard accumulates excess thatch, dethatching becomes crucial. This is the process of getting rid of thatch or the dead debris layer by mechanical means. Carry out the Bermuda grass dethatching process using the following mechanical methods;

1. Use a dethatching machine, vertical mower, or power rake

Use a dethatching machine, vertical mower, or power rake to go over the yard in a crosshatch pattern. This is where you move back and forth in one direction, then back and forth perpendicularly. For instance, you can move north to south, then east to west. The thatch layer will loosen up, and you can use a leaf blower to blow it off the yard.

2. Use a rake

Use a collapsible rake to rake out the thick layer of thatch by hand for a small lawn. The process will help move the plant debris to the top. You can then remove it from the lawn using a leaf blower.

3. Top dress with compost or aerate

Aerating the lawn and adding compost topdress with soil³ decreases the need to dethatch. These are the best ways to help your lawn thrive if it has thatch and soil compaction problems. Just like soil³, aeration stimulates the growth of beneficial microbes, which helps decompose the thatch over time.

When to Dethatch Bermuda

The right time to dethatch Bermuda grass is the onset of the spring, the growing season. This helps the lawn recover quickly from the dethatching stress and gets greener and thicker.

Dethatching Bermuda grass late in the year may damage the rhizomes, which store the energy Bermuda requires to survive during winter. If you dethatch in winter or fall, you may kill your grass. Therefore, dethatch only in spring.

It’s worth noting;

• The best time to dethatch is in March or April.
• Dethatch Bermuda grass after spring green-up.
• Avoid dethatching when the grass is dormant.
• Refrain from dethatching in winter or fall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it better to aerate or dethatch?

A: Aeration is needed for your lawn if it fails to thrive due to soil compaction. However, if the lawn is suffering due to thick thatch, dethatching is the best practice to solve your lawn’s problem.

Q: Does dethatching damage grass?

A: You may damage your healthy lawn if you dethatch too often, especially when the thatch layer is thin. This is because the grass will thin out over time as you keep pulling out more thatch from turf roots. Similarly, you’ll damage the lawn if you don’t use dethatchers correctly.

Conclusion

Too much thatch build-up in your Bermuda lawn can harm your grass. In this case, dethatching becomes necessary.

To dethatch Bermuda grass, use a dethatching machine, vertical mower, power rake, or leaf rake to move over your lawn. Move over it twice in each direction to loosen up the excess thatch layer. Do this in the spring to help the lawn recover quickly.

You can also use other dethatching methods like topdressing the Bermuda lawn with compost and aerating. Your lawn benefits greatly from this process, and you’ll have great satisfaction from it.