I used to think dethatching and aerating were pretty much the same thing. When I first started taking lawn care seriously, I assumed I could just pick one and be done with it. But after a few seasons of trial and error, I quickly realized that both have their place—and more importantly, the order in which you do them matters.
Understanding Dethatching vs. Aerating
Before we get into the order, let’s break down what each process actually does.
- Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris (thatch) that builds up between the soil and the grass blades. Too much thatch blocks water, nutrients, and air from reaching the roots, leading to a weak lawn.
- Aeration involves punching holes in the soil to reduce compaction and improve airflow, water absorption, and root growth. This helps the lawn grow deeper, stronger roots.
Both processes help create a healthier lawn, but they tackle different problems.
Should You Dethatch or Aerate First?
From my experience, dethatching should always come first if your lawn has excessive thatch. Here’s why:
- Clearing the Surface – Dethatching removes the thick layer of organic buildup that can prevent aeration from being as effective. If you aerate first, the plugs of soil pulled up may get caught in the thatch rather than improving the soil structure.
- Better Seed and Nutrient Penetration – If you’re overseeding or fertilizing afterward (which I highly recommend), dethatching first allows the seeds and nutrients to reach the soil more easily.
- Avoiding Extra Stress on Your Lawn – If your lawn is already struggling with a thick thatch layer, aerating first can add extra stress without addressing the root of the problem.
My Experience: What Works Best
One year, I aerated first because I thought loosening the soil would help break down the thatch naturally. Big mistake. The thatch was still thick, and the aeration holes didn’t make much of a difference. My lawn still looked patchy and unhealthy.
The next season, I dethatched first, then aerated a week later. The difference was night and day. After aeration, water and nutrients soaked in more effectively, and when I overseeded, the grass came in thick and lush. Since then, I always dethatch first, then aerate for the best results.
When You Might Skip Dethatching
If your thatch layer is minimal (less than half an inch), you might not need to dethatch at all. In that case, you can go straight to aeration, especially if your soil is compacted. I’ve had years where my lawn was in good shape and I only needed to aerate, and it still helped significantly.
Best Time to Dethatch and Aerate
- Cool-Season Grasses (Fescue, Bluegrass, Ryegrass): Early fall or early spring is best.
- Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine): Late spring to early summer when the grass is actively growing.
If your lawn has a thick thatch layer, dethatch first, then aerate for the best results. This allows water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the soil properly, leading to a healthier lawn. However, if your thatch isn’t an issue, you can go straight to aeration.
Trust me—getting the order right makes all the difference. After years of trial and error, dethatching before aerating has given me the best results, and my lawn has never looked better!
