When thatch (a layer of dead grass and other debris) builds up, especially after a long winter with a heavy snowpack, this can impede turf growth. Removing thatch through the process of dethatching (also called power raking) is the best method to “open up” your lawn in the spring.
The ideal time to dethatch your lawn is early spring, often combined with a spring clean up. To maximize the effectiveness of your spring clean up and lawn dethatching, many clients will follow up with the first fertilizing application of the year shortly after the clean up and dethatching is complete.