Power Rake - Using a power rake is something that you need to consider if you want to have a beautiful lawn. Power raking your lawn is extremely beneficial and healthy for the grass. It helps to remove all the thatch that has accumulated at the roots of the grass. Thatch is the dead plant material that builds up in your lawn. Many times it accumulates from grass clippings, using a mulching lawn mower, or just from the natural life cycle of the grass. No matter how it got there, it is essential to remove it about once a year to help your lawn remain healthy.
Using either a power rake or a raking attachment on your lawn mower, you will be able to pull the dead material up off the ground and remove it from around the roots of the grass. As a result, your lawn will be able to absorb more moisture and receive more air and sunlight. So by using a power rake you will increase the health of your lawn immensely!
You can use a manual rake that is specifically made for de-thatching, but it is very time consuming and tough work. You will get a good workout if you choose to remove that thatch in this manner. Using power de-thatching equipment such as a power rake you can get the job done quickly and efficiently, leaving yourself time to accomplish other tasks.
Mulching Lawn Mowers and Thatch
Now since we indicated that thatch can build up from using a mulching lawn mower, a lot of people will wonder if a mulching mower shouldn't be used because it can create thatch. This is not true. A mulching mower is very beneficial for your lawn because the small bits of grass that drop down to the roots help to cool the soil and retain moisture during the summer months. In addition, as the clippings break down they will provide beneficial nutrients to the soil which is vital to good lawn growths.
However, as the growing season begins to slow down it is time to stop using the mulching option on your mower and bag the clippings. This is because the clippings will not fully break down and as a result they will build up and create a mat of thatch that will need to be removed with a power rake. So use your mulching mower during the spring and summer months but bag when you mow in the fall.
Power Rake in the Spring
Generally, you will want to power rake your grass in the spring when you are doing your spring yard clean up. This will give your lawn a wonderful fresh start and allow moisture and air to reach the roots of the grass. If you have never used a power rake or had your lawn professionally raked before, beware of how it will look right after the job is done. You will have a lot of dead grass on the top of your lawn, even after you attempt to clean it up!
Mowing with a bagging mower to help clean up the stray grass will help with the appearance. But even then it is best to wait a week or two before you expect great things from your lawn. So don't schedule any garden parties around the time you plan to power rake! But even though your lawn may look rough for a while, it will come back looking lush and healthy.
Think of power raking like pruning roses or fruit trees. They will look bare and sparse for a while but the beautiful flowers or fruit that they bear is well worth the little bit of time that they looked less than stellar!
Do it Yourself or Hire it Out
Using a power rake is one of the jobs you must do if you want to have a gorgeous lawn all season long. But it isn't necessarily one of the jobs you need to break your back over. Many lawn care services will power rake your yard for a reasonable cost so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal on power raking.
If you want to do it yourself, you can rent a power rake from a rental center for an afternoon or a weekend. If you opt for renting on a weekend, split the cost with some neighbors and take care of all the yards at the same time. Some people may choose to purchase their own power rake or raking attachment for their lawn mower. This type of tool is kind of like a garden tiller, either you will use it a lot or just once a year. If you will be using it often then it is worth the investment.
Buy a Power Rake:
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Sno Brum Original Snow Removal Tool with Telescoping Handle |
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Toro 51592 Super 12 amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum |
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Greenworks 27022 14-Inch 10 Amp Electric Dethatcher |
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WORX WG430 13 amp Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder |
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