Dethatching now?

[Abrams]

A few guys in the 'hood are thinking about renting a dethatcher next weekend. I was wondering if it's too late in the spring/summer. I was also wondering if it will do any good? My lawn has a thick thatch layer, should I just bag a few times?

[Powerstroke]

Its not too late as long as the ground isn't muddy. There's still plenty of time.

If you or any of your buddies have used crabgrass preventer then dethatching will disrupt the chemical layer and make it ineffective so waiting till fall might be the best idea.

[Neiko]

Is there a "liquid dethatcher"? I though I read somewhere that you could spray a liquid to break down the thatch. If so is it any good?

[Abrams]

Early this spring I put down some crabgrass killer. I might wait and dethatch this fall or plug the ground again.

[Reef Runner]

Yes I would wait until fall if you have put down Crab grass preventer.

Let me just clarify something for you. I think I know what I am talking about but maybe someone else who is a yard professional can tell you.

Crab grass Preventer is a chemical barrier that prevents ANYTHING from growing. It will not Kill crab grass if you already have it. So if you want to do some seeding as well, you should also wait to do that this fall.

[Powerstroke]

The vapor barrier created by crabgrass preventer is good for 6-8weeks. This covers the spring months and carries you into summer when the conditions for germination are less favorable.

Dethatching or core aeration (plugging) is best done in the fall. Both will disrupt crabgrass treatments.