Why Dethatching Your Lawn Might Be the Boost It Needs This Spring

When spring hits mid-Michigan, we start seeing all the signs of life coming back—budding trees, chirping birds, and lawns waking up from their winter nap. But if your yard isn't greening up the way you'd expect, it might be time to take a closer look under the surface. Literally.

One of the most common hidden culprits of a struggling lawn is thatch—a layer of dead grass, roots, and organic material that sits between your soil and the living grass. A little thatch is normal, even helpful. But when it builds up more than half an inch thick, it acts like a barrier, preventing water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots.

That’s where dethatching comes in.

What Is Dethatching?

Dethatching is the process of removing that thick mat of dead material so your lawn can breathe again. It allows your grass to grow thicker, absorb more moisture, and take in the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and green all season long.

The process can be done with a simple dethatching rake for small areas, or with a mechanical dethatcher (also called a power rake) for larger or heavily compacted lawns. Timing matters, too—here in Michigan, early spring or early fall are the best times to dethatch, depending on your grass type.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Dethatching

• Spongy feeling when you walk on it
• Grass appears weak, thin, or patchy
• Water runs off instead of soaking in
• More insect or disease activity than usual

If any of this sounds familiar, don’t worry—your lawn might just need a little breathing room.

Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting

At Push Mower Heroes, we love helping Mid-Michigan lawns look their best. Whether it’s regular maintenance or a one-time dethatching service, we treat your lawn like it’s our own. If you’re unsure whether your lawn needs dethatching—or you just want a second opinion—we’re happy to take a look.

This post was inspired by this helpful article from HGTV, which breaks down the science and methods behind dethatching.

Want to see what your yard could look like after a proper spring cleanup? Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s make your lawn the envy of the block.