DeThatching?

[DannyD]

I know this has been thru the ringer and I did a search for dethatcher on the forum search and got some good ideas and information. I have an acre, I need to dethatch it badly. I used my garden rake on a bit of it and got out more than I would have believed.

Will the ones at TSC do this also, does anyone have expereince with them or know any other units available. I dont mind spending a few extra bucks for a good one, and dont care it is pull or 3 pt, I just need to get this done.


Thanks in advance.

 

[RickNC]

Danny,

Don't know if you can find one in your area, but I use a pine straw rake to dethatch my pastures every couple of years. A pine straw rake has 1/4-inch spring steel tines set about 2 inches apart. It is not nearly as aggressive as a landscape rake.

I think that I paid about $150 for my 5-foot, 3-point hitch rake at the Leinbach factory outlet in Winston-Salem. It is really easy to mount - probably weighs only 60-70 pounds.

Good Luck.

 

[DannyD]

I will look into one, dont suppose you have some photos of one.

Found the website, but they dont list this item on it, mostly heavier stuff. I will email them about this

thanks

 

[Buck]

Core Aerators can actually be better for your yard. You are mixing the thatch with the dirt to produce an organically rich environment. Won't look good for a week or two, but is well worth it it terms of labor and long term lawn health.

 

[tomnky]

Take a look at this Danny.

They have a 4 foot dethatcher that looks like a mini- wheeled hayrake. Smaller attachments

Look at this one as well: Gandy

 

[hwp]

Another option is a rotary broom - does a great job of dethatching.

 

[DannyD]

I have thought of this also. Right now would be good, since without rain in a month of Sundays, it looks bad anyway. Not sure what to do right now, $$$ will be a consideration. We also looked at this place tonite..........

2 acres, mostly front yard, but LARGE real fine garage......house is nice too!

 

[Buck]

Danny,

I use a 200 some dollar CA that I bought when I had a lawn tractor. I have to put bricks on it (by design) to sink it. It works fine and I lend it out what seems like all the time to friends who have discovered this simple alternative to thatching.

Best of luck,

Buck

 

[DannyD]

Glad to find out that it worked for you. My only concern with them is this rock hard clay we have here. It is like bricks right now, I doubt that I could get it to cut. I do have some heavy blocks to put on it though.

 

[Buck]

Wish I had advice about your rock hard clay situation. Any one out there with an opinion?

 

[Buck]

I'll atempt an opinion. Earthworms eat thatch in good soil. You need earthworms.

How can you get earthworms? IMHO, by making your soil organically rich.

I'll shut up for a while...

 

[DannyD]

Here is the front yard.........goes down the line to the cedar on the left side and the last pole on the right. Since I would be doubling the size of the yard, should I not be able to double the tractor size, or at least implements.

The 'drive" is well over 300' and was installed by the county (it is what is left of a trail), but they do NOT do the snow removal. Guess one of those blades for the front of the bota would be needed.......... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DannyD]

Now that would be good. I know that we have lots of birds eating something. What would make a core aerator perfect is about 3 days of rain, nice slow and constant. Then it would be perfect, and probably would be done as soon as the tractor could get on the ground.

 

[Buck]

My view is that you might be suprised. Those spikes can penetrate!

I would talk to a nurseryman in your area about your clay situation. Not a lawn maintenence guy 'cause I am sure he'll have you dependent on chemicals.

There are a lot of very good books on agronomy that I would be glad to recommend if you send me a private message.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Another option is a rotary broom - does a great job of dethatching

I agree, but they are super expensive. I looked at a Sweepster, but it was more than $3,000. Of course, you can always rent one...

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I got a John Deere core aerator. It looks like little dog turds all over your yard after you run over it. Agri-Fab has a couple of less expensive aerators too. I just prefer the fit and finish of the JD.

 

[bigpete]

Attached is a pic of my "custom" front dethatcher. Simply bolted to the frame of my 54" front blade. The blade frame "quick-tatches" to the front hydraulics:

 

[bigpete]

A little more detail in case you are interested in the attachment hitch setup:

 

[bigpete]

My Turfco TM42 Aerator:

 

[DannyD]

You werent the lucky lotto winner where you? I know where you can put that aerator to work for a day or two..........hey free seat time, cant beat that!