Power Raking

Have you wondered or heard of people power raking their lawns? Here is some information on power raking. Power raking has often been recommended to control thatch. Research shows the practice removes tremendous amounts of organic material, but reduction in the actual thatch layer is minimal. It has little value in reducing thatch on cool season grasses in our area. I do recommend power raking though if you are over-seeding an existing lawn. What is over-seeding? It is a technique for sowing grass seed over and existing lawn. It is done usually for two reasons.
1. To thicken or invigorate an existing lawn
2. Introduces desirable grasses into your problem areas.
Thin or sparse lawns can be thickened by seeding over existing turf grass. Before seeding is done you need to prep your area. This is where power raking comes in handy. Power raking should be done in fall or early spring. This will remove the thatch layer so that the new seed can lay in the soil. Water as if you were seeding a newly seeded lawn. Use only top quality seed. If your lawn is Kentucky bluegrass use a blend of straight Kentucky bluegrass varieties. Go to your local nursery or IFA they have grass seed that you can purchase. Taking a fan rake and raking over the dead and matted down grass will be sufficient enough to remove the dead grass from last season. Power raking should not have to be done if you are practicing correct lawn maintenance. Which are; aerate, do not over water lawns, mow your lawn at a correct height, do not over fertilize. I hope this post was helpful and you get going on the basics for lawn this season. Make sure you come back for more tips on lawn care. April is National Lawn Care month. I want you to be prepared to celebrate National Lawn Care Month and take the right steps for your barefoot lawn this season.