Knowing how to separate the lawn can give you healthier lawn all year round. Thatch is basically a layer of dead plant matter and debris that gradually forms on the soil surface. It is produced faster than it can degrade, and thus gets thicker and thicker over time. If not removed once it reaches an inch thick, this layer will eventually lead to overcrowding of the surface, reducing access to the necessary water, oxygen and nutrients that the lawn needs to grow. So if you want to keep your garden healthy, thatch should be removed as necessary. Discard straw is one of many Lawn Care Mistakes can make it.
The problem is that removing straw is very difficult. It can be thicker than you can imagine and can cover a wide area. Fortunately, we’ve put together this handy guide to simplify the process. We’ll cover what to do and when to do it, and answer any questions you might have along the way. Once finished, your lawn will be free to grow and thrive again. Here’s how to separate the grass.
How to separate the grass
What will you need
straw rake
Power rake/electric dethatcher (optional)
Vertical mower (optional)
Before you begin to separate, check how thick the layer of straw is – if it is less than an inch, separation is not necessary. You can check this by digging up a small hidden portion of the turf and soil with a shovel and measuring the layer. A healthy layer of straw is actually good for your garden; Locks in moisture and insulates the soil. In addition to the necessary water and air can still pass.
1. Choose the right tool – If you choose the right tool for the job, the process will be a lot easier. A daily rake can work in small lawns, but for the best effect, invest in a dedicated rake, such as Bully Tools 24-Tine Leaf and Thatching Rake ($59.99, Amazon (Opens in a new tab)). Long, strong teeth on rakes like these make them ideal for removing straw.
If you are dealing with a larger yard, another option is to use an electric trowel or an electric separator. These are very similar to lawnmowers and work in a similar way – you push them while the machine digs teeth into the ground to remove and deposit the straw. An example of this would be the Sungo AJ801E 12-Amp 13-inch Electric Scraper and Pulverizer ($174.99, Amazon (Opens in a new tab)). These machines are better suited if you are separating a larger area. They can be rented from major stores if you have limited storage space.
Finally, there is the option of using a vertical mower or raker. They should only be used on lawns with excessive straw that cannot be removed otherwise. These devices are a last resort because they feature blades that will tear the straw away, damaging any grass roots in the process. Electrical separators often double as scratchers, as the above recommendation explains.
2. Mow your garden – You’ll want to mow your garden to about 2 inches high before season. This will help your tools reach the straw layer effectively.
3. Go to work – If you use a shovel, wear a pair of Best gardening gloves (Work gloves would be perfect) And get ready for some hard work. The movement isn’t all that complicated – you’ll be using a rake literally just as you would when collecting leaves. Drop the forks to the ground, making sure you’re going through the blades of grass to get to the straw, then pull them back to loosen them. This takes more effort than you think.
Our sound editor, Lee Dunkley, said, “I started my garden class using a manual rake, thinking This should be quick and easyHowever, I was almost half way through the task and realized I needed to get the electrolyzer out. This is a lot more taxes than you can imagine.
For this reason, we recommend using an electric vacuum device if you want to save time and energy, or if you suffer from back pain. You literally push it back and forth, like a lawn mower, and it gives you the same finish. Some can collect straw as you go, so you don’t need to collect it from the ground after that. You may need to make up to three passes to loosen the lawn completely, and you should work perpendicular to each pass for best results. Be sure to identify and avoid any sprinkler heads or tree roots if you choose to use the electric method.
Mowers or perpendicular pads work in the same way; Pass over the lawn as you would a lawn mower. However, start at the highest setting with the first pass and work your way down as necessary with subsequent passes. This will help break up the thatch and will give your garden as gentle treatment as possible. If the above seems like a lot of work, you can always call a professional for help as well.
4. Get rid of the straw – Now you want to collect what is left behind. Use a standard rake to bundle exposed straw. You can either get rid of it or add it to your compost pile. Avoid the latter if crabgrass And the dandelion It frequents your yard though.
5. Take care of your garden – Now that the process is complete, your lawn may look a little worse when worn down. There will likely be exposed areas of soil scattered around and the lawn doesn’t look very happy. Take the time to learn how to get past your garden, then feed and water it to give it what it needs to recover. Make sure not to use too much water or fertilizer; By speeding up growth, you encourage more straw to pile up. paying off How much should you water your garden for guidance.
You may want to learn How to aerate the lawn As well as to give it a full treatment once it is loosened.
When should your garden be separated?
For general guidance, you’ll want to split your garden every two or three years. You should aim to do this while your lawn is at the peak of its growth, and you should only go ahead when it is healthy as well. Weeding will affect your lawn, so you’ll need to make sure it’s at its peak health to have the best chance of recovery.
For reference, cooler grass, such as Kentucky Blue Grass, is best separated in early spring or early fall. While warm season grass, such as Bermuda grass, should be removed in late spring or early summer.
You also want the soil to be moist for the best conditions. You can pull everything from the roots if it’s too wet, but if it’s too dry, the tools will struggle to dig and reach the mulch effectively.
Remember to keep an eye on how thick the layer of mulch is, too – if it’s less than an inch, you can put the shovel away.
Your garden should now be free of thatch. This will help the herb grow stronger and healthier in the long run, but remember to keep an eye on it immediately after you loosen it. This task makes them vulnerable and they will need time to recover before they thrive.
For more lawn tips, tricks, and how-tos, check out our guides on how to plant grass seed, how to make your lawn greener, how to strip your lawn, how to lay your lawn, 7 common lawn care mistakes you might make right now and 7 ways to revive dead lawn.
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