Dethatching, or power raking, removes a layer of dead grass tissue or thatch. It is important to remove this dead thatch if it becomes too thick because it keeps water and nutrients from seeping down into the grass roots.​

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Dethatching is done early in the spring before the grass greens up and begins its growth cycle. This process will removed packed-in thatch, dead grass, and leaves left over from the fall. If the lawn is long, it may need to be mowed before thatching can be done.