The power rake or thatcher brings up the thatch so it can be gathered by a vacuum or brush-type sweeper. Thatch is matted dead grass imbedded in the turf lying just atop the soil, and the material must be removed if fertilizer, air and moisture are to penetrate into the grass root system.
A tinetype reel will remove dead thatch without disturbing the soil or removing live grass. The action of a knife and flail reel is much more severe, but is required when it is necessary to depopulate or remove part of the turf with the dead thatch.
Thatch removal also eliminates a breeding place for lawn insects and fungus growth, which cause damage to a lawn.
Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.
