When it comes to lawn dethatching and aerating your lawn, you need to know that both processes are important. But what is the difference between these two terms? That would be better to learn about the definition of these terms first before you understand the difference between both terms.
So, what is the definition of lawn dethatching and aerating? You can learn the definition of these terms below.
- Dethatching
Dethatching can also be called as scarification. This term is defined as a mechanical process in which you are removing any debris, dead grass, and other types of organic matter from the soil surface. This is done to make the nutrients you provide or naturally provided will be able to reach the soil. Some people say that it is like raking the lawn but done deeply. - Aerating
Just as its name, aerating means you are putting air onto the soil. The process of aeration has several benefits for the plants you are going to grow. For example, you can help increase the water uptake, reduce soil compaction, increase fertilizer uptake, enhance heat tolerance, and so many more.
So, which process should be done first? According to sources, it is better to dethatch first before aerating your lawn. While both can help to improve nutrients, air, and water uptake, dethatching is helping you to clean the soil surface before the aerating process takes place.
Now that you have found the definition of dethatching vs aerating, you will need to know about the difference of both terms.
From the definition itself you can get the difference of these two terms. Despite the difference, these two processes are used mainly to improve the quality of lawn by ‘opening the door’ for air, water, and other nutrients to come into the soil easily before overseeding. Hence, the objective is similar, yet the process is different.
How is dethatching done?
Dethatching can be done simply by using a rake or other tool of dethatchers. Dethatching means you will remove the uppermost layer for dead organic materials (mainly grass), to let the soil of your lawn to breathe. The process is also loosening the topsoil so that your lawn is prepared for seeding.
How is aerating done?
Aerating means you will need to create small holes directly into the soil. This is done in order to reduce the soil compaction. Unlike the dethatching process, you don’t need to aerate the lawn before seeding.
Typically, you can use an aerator to aerate your lawn. You can aerate your lawn even though you have a thick thatch layer, like 0.5 inches.
So, those are some details that you need to know about dethatching and aerating. Hope this explanation will help you to understand about lawn dethatching and aerating.
