Compare Dethatching Quotes from Top-Rated Pros Near You

Dethatching removes the dense layer of dead grass, roots, and debris (called thatch) that builds up between the soil and your grass blades. This helps water, air, and nutrients reach the roots and promotes a thicker, healthier lawn.

The average dethatching job costs $176. Prices vary by yard size and region. You can use LawnGuru to easily compare quotes from the top landscapers working in your neighborhood.

If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it or you notice brown patches despite watering, you may have too much thatch. You can check by cutting out a small plug of turf, if the thatch layer is more than ½ inch thick, it’s time to dethatch.

Both improve lawn health but target different problems.

• Dethatching removes the thatch layer from the surface.
• Aeration pulls plugs of soil to relieve compaction below the surface.

Many homeowners schedule both services in the same season for best results.

The ideal time is during your grass’s active growing season so it can recover quickly:

• Cool-season lawns (fescue, bluegrass, rye) - early spring or early fall.
• Warm-season lawns (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine) - late spring through early summer.

For an average-sized yard, dethatching typically takes 1–2 hours. Larger lawns or heavy thatch buildup may take longer, and we’ll remove or bag debris as needed before completing the job.

No - our providers handle all cleanup. After dethatching, we’ll collect and haul away loosened thatch and debris so your yard is clean and ready for the next step, like aeration or overseeding.

When done at the right time of year, dethatching won’t harm your lawn. It may look a little rough immediately after, but the grass will recover quickly, especially if followed with watering, fertilizing, or overseeding.

Most lawns only need dethatching every 1 - 2 years, depending on grass type and soil health. Lawns with dense turf may need it more frequently.

Yes! It’s a good idea to mow your lawn on a shorter setting before dethatching.