11 Best Lawn Dethatchers (Review) In 2021
Adrienne started her professional life as a gardener at her local parks department and went on to train at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh where she was the first female student on the prestigious and world-renowned horticultural course run by the Botanic garden. An experienced and award-winning garden writer and past editor of some of Britain’s favourite gardening magazines, Adrienne has for over 30 years, inspired gardeners with a breadth of gardening know-how plus creative and decorative ideas. One of her main aims is to make gardening accessible, even to the smallest green fingers, with her clear advice and straightforward step-by-step instructions. Adrienne loves to travel and has visited, given talks and met ordinary home gardeners in far flung places like China, South Africa, Philippines and Caribbean as well as the UK.
1. Sun Joe 13″ 12 Amp Electric Scarifier & Lawn Dethatcher
Key Features
12-amp motor
13″ wide dethatching path
Adjustable raking depth
Air boost technology
Stainless steel tines
8-gallon detachable collection bag
2-year guarantee
This Sun Joe model is our best dethatcher choice. Sun Joe 13″ 12 Amp Electric Scarifier & Lawn Dethatcher is an electric dethatcher, ideal for small to medium lawns and is equipped with an adjustable depth function to tackle thatch of various thicknesses. You can go as deep as 0.4 inches below the soil and as high as 0.4 inches above the soil. This means you can achieve light scraping of the thatch, or dig more deeply into the soil if necessary.
This product has a 12 amp motor, making it one of the most powerful motors for a lawn dethatcher, so clearing small to medium gardens can be done in no time at all. The main reason it is not suitable for large lawns is due to the size of the collection bag. While it is a very useful feature to collect the debris, this bag needs emptying very regularly. If you are dethatching a large area, it could be a huge frustration for you.
Pros
Collection bag
Adjustable 5 position depth control settings
Collapsible handle
Spring steel tines
High power
Cons
Not suitable for large lawns
Small collection bag
Extension cord not included
2. Greenworks 14″ 10 Amp Corded Lawn Dethatcher
Key Features
14-Inch Dethatching Path
10 Amp Motor
Corded
3-Position Depth Adjustment
Stainless Steel Tines
Foldable Handles
Easy start
4-Year Tool Warranty
Our best value choice is the 14-inch, corded, electric dethatcher from Greenworks. Greenworks are a reputable brand when it comes to garden tools and they offer a four-year warranty on all their equipment, which gives you a lot of reassurance.
As Greenworks 14″ 10 Amp Corded Lawn Dethatcher is a lower-priced model, it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of some higher-priced options or the Snow Joe and Sun Joe choice. For example, there is no long cord, collection bag, or ultra-powerful motor. It does, however, have three different settings to tackle your thatch, spare stainless steel tines and it folds down easily to make it great for storage. It is also worth noting that this product has some of the best-designed wheels for an electric dethatcher, so it is very smooth to maneuver.
Pros
Long warranty
Light
Easy to handle
Adjustable depth setting
Folding handles
Integrated cord lock
Cons
No collection bag
Extension cord needed
High vibration
3. Agri-Fab 40″ Tine Tow Dethatcher
Key Features
Twenty durable spring tines
40-inch wide swathes
Rust-proof
Spring-loaded tines heat-treated
Transport handle for easy raising of the tines
Tow behind – attaches to the back of a tractor
If you have a large area of ground to dethatch then this model is worth considering. The Agri-Fab 40″ Tine Tow Dethatcher is a large lawn dethatcher (40-inch swath) designed to attach to the back of a tractor or ride-on mower. Despite its size, the Agri-Fab is easy to assemble and comes with a video for further, clear instructions. It is designed for durability, with heat-treated spring tines and a rust-proof coating to withstand heavy-duty use and damp conditions. There is also a cantilever transport to make raising and lowering the platform simple and 7-inch wheels for smooth transportation.
Using this dethatcher without any added weight will scrape lightly accumulated thatch, but it will bounce around quite a lot, giving you inconsistent lawn care results. If you add weight, not only does this stop the bouncing but it will allow the tines to get further into the soil and pick up deeper thatch. There is a weight capability of 70lbs.
Pros
High durability
40-inch path
Universal hitch
Spring tines
Cons
Need to add weight to prevent bouncing
No collection mechanism or bag
4. Agri-Fab 45″ Tine Tow Dethatcher
Key Features
48 inches wide
Durable heavy-gauge steel deck
Cantilever transport handle
Universal hitch
Spring loaded tines
Rustproof
3 Year Limited Warranty
Another Agri-fab model, this lawn dethatcher is much the same as the 40-inch version, except it has a larger swath area. The Agri-Fab 45″ Tine Tow Dethatcher can tackle grass swathes of 48 inches and comes with 24 heat-treated spring tines, instead of the 20 tines in the smaller model.
Again it is versatile enough to fit onto any tractor, regardless of the brand, and has a simple cantilever handle to raise and lower the dethatcher without having to leave the tractor seat. You will still need to collect the deposited thatch once it has been scraped from the lawn, and additional weight is recommended to minimize bounce and maximize the effectiveness of this dethatcher. If you have a vast area of lawn to treat, then this product could be the best option as it is one of the largest detachers available.
Pros
High durability
40-inch path
Universal hitch
Spring tines
Cons
Need to add weight to prevent bouncing
No collection mechanism
5. Mantis 5222 Power Tiller Dethatcher Attachment
Key Features
Dethatcher/Turf Rake Attachment for Mantis Tiller/Cultivators
Attaches to any Mantis Tiller/Cultivator
60 flexible spring-steel picks
Dethatches a 15-inch swath in one pass
Includes fender extensions
This particular lawn dethatcher connects to a Mantis Tiller, most of which are gas-powered but you can find one or two electric versions. If you already have a Mantis tiller, you will need to verify which model you have before buying this dethatcher as it doesn’t fit all products. Equipped with 60 steel spring tines, the Mantis 5222 Power Tiller Dethatcher Attachment will allow you to dethatch a 15-inch swath in just one go, making it a highly effective product. Thanks to the gas-powered motor on the tiller, it is also a pretty powerful option.
There is, however, no option of altering the depth of the tines, and there is no collection bag for the thatch so you will need to allow extra time to sweep or rake up the debris you have loosened. Many reviewers have also said that they find it difficult to maneuver around, not because of the weight of the machine, but because you have to pull it back to operate, so you can’t see where you are going.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Reliable
Efficient
Best suited for small areas
Cons
Only works with specific Mantis products, not universal
High price point for an attachment
Not the easiest to maneuver – have to pull it backwards
6. Craftsman 40″ Universal Tow Lawn Dethatcher
Key Features
Weight tray holds up to 70 lb
Automatic raking action
Universal hitch
Cantilever transport handle
40-inch path
20 heat-treated tines for added durability
The Craftsman 40″ Universal Tow Lawn Dethatcher is almost identical to the Agri-Fab 40″ we reviewed, and that is because Agri-Fab manufactures Craftsman branded products. It comes with 20 spring tines, all heat-treated, and is again built for durability with a heavy-duty steel deck. The universal stainless steel hitch means it will attach to all tractors and can be easily lowered and raised from the tractor seat. The weight capability of this tow behind is 70 lbs, so you will be able to lift most deeply embedded thatch.
This particular Craftsman seems to be harder to assemble than other dethatchers due to the complexity of the instructions. It isn’t too difficult to put together, but the instructions are a little confusing and misleading at times. As with the agri-fab model, you will need to collect the thatch separately.
Pros
Universal hitch – no compatibility issues
Easy raising and lowering
40-inch swath
Heat-treated tines
Ideal for large areas
Cons
Instructions are not clear
Need to collect thatch separately
7. Agri-Fab Tine Dethatcher for All Tow Lawn Sweepers
Key Features
Gently and effectively lifts thatch
Attaches to Agri-Fab lawn sweeper
Tow dethatcher
14 heat-treated spring tines
Fits Agri-Fab sweepers: 45-0337, 45-0331, 45-0320 and 45-0326
3 Year Limited Consumer Warranty
Another tow option for a dethatcher, this Agri-fab version is designed to attach to Agri-fab lawn sweepers, although it is also compatible with many other leading brands of sweepers.
The Agri-Fab Tine Dethatcher for All Tow Lawn Sweepers is easy to attach to the sweeper and works best for light raking of the thatch. If you want the tines to dig deeper, then this will require manual adjusting to lower the platform. Like most tow-behind models, this doesn’t collect any thatch, only scrapes it up, but for this version, you can at least buy a compatible bag to collect the thatch as you go. A fitted bag would speed up the whole process considerably.
Pros
Long warranty
Can be used on some non Agri-Fab sweeper brands
Compatible with a collector bag
Easy to attach
Cons
Durability
Poor quality
8. True Temper 15″ Adjustable Thatching Rake
Key Features
15-inch rake head
Curved steel teeth to cultivate the soil
Straight steel teeth to dethatch lawns
54-inch hardwood handle
Cushion end grip for comfort and control
The True Temper 15″ Adjustable Thatching Rake is a manual rake with a simple design. It is highly durable, comfortable to handle, and can be used for both dethatching and tilling by turning it over.
There is no doubt that this rake does the job, as it has enough well- positioned tines to scrape up thatch. It is an affordable option if you have a small area of lawn that doesn’t need aerating or dethatching very regularly.
Pros
Ideal for small areas
Easy to use
Affordable
Multi-purpose teeth
Cons
No automated functions so it requires considerable manual effort
Will need to sweep up after use
9. Brinly Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher
Key Features
2-in-1 sweeper and dethatcher
Tines can be raised when not in use
Transport mode option
High-velocity 6-brush design and 5: 1 brush-to-ground ratio
Large, easy-to-empty hamper
42-inch Sweep
2 Rows of 12 independently flexing steel spring rust-resistant tines
Folding storage design
Our premium pick for the best lawn dethatcher is the Brinly Tow behind 2 in 1 model. The Brinly Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper with Dethatcher has 24 spring steel tines that flex independently, and they are distributed across two rows, helping to make it more efficient at removing the thatch.
You can choose which level of depth you operate it on, without needing to add any weights. This means it can scarify the soil when fully lowered, or act as a simple dethatcher if you raise the wheels. Best results seem to come from passing over the area twice, first to dethatch and then later to scarify. There is also a transport mode that fully lifts the dethatcher, so it doesn’t come into contact with the ground when crossing pathways or hard surfaces.
Pros
Tines pre-assembled
High-quality heavy-duty materials
Large collection bag
Adjust the height of dethatcher and empty the bag without leaving the tractor seat
Cons
Assembly instructions are a little complex
10. LawnStar Natural Liquid Lawn Dethatcher Alternative
Key Features
Alternative to a machine or rake
Easy to use liquid lawn dethatcher
Digests the thatch layer
Safe, hyper-concentrated blend
Treats up to 6,000 Sq ft per bottle
If you don’t like the idea of investing in heavy lawn dethatchers or using rakes for several hours, then our budget choice of a liquid lawn dethatcher is worth considering. The LawnStar liquid is environmentally friendly, suitable for all grass surfaces, and works by encouraging the decomposition of thatch. It naturally digests the dead turf.
The LawnStar Natural Liquid Lawn Dethatcher can be added to either a pump-up spray or hose-end sprayers and simply applied to your lawn in the evening or early morning. You simply spray on to your lawn and then water 15 minutes later. Bear in mind that you won’t get immediate results from this, it will require multiple applications over several weeks before you start to see an improvement. The best results will be seen when there is only light dethatching to be completed.
Pros
Easy to use
Highly affordable
No assembly or manual labor required
Cons
Multiple applications required
May not be as effective as a machine on tough thatch
11. Brinly 48″ Tow Behind Dethatcher
Key Features
48″ Working width
Two rows of 12 independently flexing spring steel tines
All Steel construction
A safety rod is included to prevent contact with mower blades
8-inch never-flat rubber-tread transport wheels
Universal hook-up
Simple assembly – video guidance available
From the same manufacturers as our premium choice for best dethatcher, this Brinly 48 inch tow-behind model is another highly efficient tool. The Brinly 48″ Tow Behind Dethatcher is ideal for large lawns due to its 48inch width and heavy-duty frame with a weight platform to allow you to add up to 70lbs more mass should you want to tackle thatch that is deeply embedded. There is no automatic adjustment option; the level of depth is controlled by the weight you manually add.
The Brinly DT 48BH has the same flexible tines that are distributed across two roles and move independently, so works more effectively. And if, in the unlikely event that a tine breaks, this detacher has a safety rod that will catch the broken part, so it doesn’t clash with your mower blades.
Pros
Durable
Two rows of tines
Triple coil spring steel tines
Wide dethatching path – ideal for large areas
Universal hook
Cons
No collection bag
No automatic adjustments – weights are required
Features To Consider With Lawn Dethatchers
Electric/Manual
Dethatchers are available as electric or manual models. An electric dethatcher gets its power from an engine (usually a 12 amp or similar) and often comes in a walk-behind model, like a stand-up cordless lawn mower. Electric dethatchers are a little more expensive than a manual version and will require some assembly which may not be worth it if you only use it once every few years.
Manual lawn dethatchers are more affordable than electric dethatchers and are usually a tow-behind model (dragged by a lawn tractor) or operated manually. If you already have a lawn tractor and a large area of grass to tackle, then a tow behind dethatcher is a viable option for you. It saves you a lot of time.
For a small patch of grass that does not need treating very often, then a fully manual tool makes the most sense in terms of saving money and space.
Size
When looking at size, you should consider the path width or swath of a dethatcher. If you have a large area to tackle and plan to use a tow-behind tool, then the width will typically range from 36 to 48 inches. Lawn dethatchers with a greater width should be able to tackle an area more quickly. Electric dethatchers will typically have a path width of between 10 and 16 inches, making them more suitable for small to medium areas.
Universal Compatibility
If you are investing in an electric dethatcher, then you will need to check it is compatible with your power sources and extension leads. If you use it with the wrong voltage, then you will damage the internal workings of the amp motor.
For manual lawn dethatchers, you will notice that some of them are compatible with only certain brands of tractors or tillers. If you already have a lawn tractor then sourcing a tow behind dethatcher that has a universal hook, means it can be attached to all machines, regardless of the brand.
Weight Capability
The weight capability of a dethatcher only applies to tow-behind models. Tow behind models are designed with a preset, light dethatching function, which works when you drag the tines across the grass. However, if you want a more thorough, aggressive dethatching process, you will need to add some weight. This will push the tines further into the soil, allowing you to lift up more embedded thatch.
The top weight capability for most tow-behind models is 70 lbs, and this will give you a very intensive operation, ideal if you have very thick thatch to deal with. Other models may only hold up to 40lbs, so better suited to lighter dethatching.
Lawn Detatcher FAQ
Q: Should I aerate or dethatch my lawn?
'Thatch' is a layer of dead turfgrass that accumulates on your lawn. You need to remove this and prevent further build-up of thatch to ensure that nutrients and water can get to the actual grassroots, giving you a healthy lawn.
Dethatching is the process of removing thatch with a raking appliance, where you press the tines deeply into the grass, making holes in the turf and scraping up thatch. This is an appropriate method to use when there is only a minor build-up of thatch.
If your thatch is more severe, or if you have poorly compacted soil, then it is time to aerate your lawn. This is best done after you have completed the dethatching process. Aerating breaks up your soil and pulls out 'cores' of soil from the ground, leaving holes that are few inches deep, so that water and nutrients can easily flow into the grassroots.
Q: How often to dethatch your lawn?
If you need to aerate your lawn, this is best done only every few years, or at the absolute most, once a year, if you have very poorly compacted soil and continuous excessive build-up of thatch.
Experts recommend that dethatching takes place at least once a year, usually in spring as it removes any debris or organic matter that has not broken down and decomposed in the colder months.
Before you start dethatching it is best to check the type of grass you have. This will help you to determine exactly when you will get the best results.