How to choose power rake, scarifier, dethatcher, verticutter or power broom for your lawn.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for watching today's video. Check out the description to see the products I used today. If you're looking for the best treatments for your lawn, check out my favorite products: Fertilizer 🛒 Propeat Fertilizer (Home Depot): tinyurl.com/vfmrs480 Yard Equipment 🛒 Sun Joe Scarifier and dethatcher (REQUIRES 12Gaugae Extension Cord) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MPTHQG 🛒 12gauge 100ft extension cord Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MQ7hn3 🛒 Thatch Rake Amazon (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/rimz6luc 🛒 Spyker hand held spreader Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3jAMP6V 🛒 Levelawn Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/31Ry6e9 🛒 Rain Gauge 10 pack Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3dWEoQU 🛒 Thermometer (Taylor digital thermometer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/30fvZ7v 🛒 FlowZone Typhoon 2V Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3rH6ncR DoMyOwn (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/423najqv 🛒 FlowZone Storm Backpack Sprayer Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3aTOeSt DoMyOwn (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/53g8qmog 🛒 Solo Handheld Sprayer 2 Gallon w/ fan nozzle Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2O2ApHy Herbicides for Cool Season Grass 🛒 Speedzone (For hard to kill weeds) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2UkBVpC Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y3emhy5a 🛒 T-Zone Herbicide (For hard to do weeds) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ZWLy3L Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y4tqhy3o 🛒 Tenacity (Crabgrass and annual grass control) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2L9xzP0 Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y2go983a 🛒 Non-ionic Surfactant (to be purchased with Tenacity) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2LduNIk Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y653upkf 🛒 Methylated Seed Oil Duo Stick (Purchase with quinclorac products like drive xlr8) Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/yxt5q2zo 🛒 Drive XLR8 Quinclorac (annual grass killer / crabgrass killer) Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/48b8jssy Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ZWZI4N 🛒 Quinclorac 1.5L (annual grass killer / crabgrass killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/31ywx53 Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/m48nud7m Herbicides Warm Season grass types (READ LABEL FOR GRASS TYPE / WEED TARGET) 🛒 Weed Free Zone (general weed killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3aPRdeB Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/4tlraqeq 🛒 Dismiss NXT (annual grass killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3qbtBaB Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/10xoaovn 🛒 Certainty (annual grass killer/crabgrass killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3d0Lt4c Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/14o52u3i Bug Sprays 🛒 Demand CS (Great to control most pests inside and out) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2muP9Ue Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/v133017a 🛒 Transport mikron (Great for ant control and general pest) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ntfDW8 Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/2de4vs6f As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked as “PAID LINK” are affiliated.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

excellent job on comparing and explaining the tools -

[@mexluthor7227]

Very informative, I’ve been doing landscaping professionally for 20+ years, and I’ve learned a ton from your video. Thank you! Proof that you can never stop learning.

[@joelthoenen3733]

I got the sun Joe after seeing your review. It was awesome. Loved it so much. I've only used the scarifier option so far. But it helped a lot and I overseeded afterwards and then did a light top dress. Grass is already better only 2 weeks later

[@pestandlawnginja]

Joel!!!! You are the man! Way to get out there and slay that lawn!

[@BenjaminT.Minkler]

man, out of all the KZbin lawn channels, no one but the Ginja gives near the info; they all just do kinda guess work that only applies to just their own yard ... the Ginja really spells out the knowledge, and at first(sometimes still) it goes alittle over my head, but since subscribing and watching regularly, every time I seem to learn and catch up a bit more - the Ginja rocks! and should have 400k subs, not just 40k

[@pestandlawnginja]

Benjamin! knocking the compliments outta the park! Really appreciate the support. I'm doing my best to simplify all the information. I take everyone's feedback seriously so hopefully it's helping! Thanks again for the support and watching and commenting.

[@joshuaguiles7576]

I NEVER leave comments on videos, but I had to for this. This was full of helpful info and answered questions I didn't even know I had lol. Thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

🙌🤩 awesome!

[@joelhoellein9666]

Just spent 6 hours verticutting my lawn both directions, cleaning up the mess, over seeding, and finally back rolling with my greens mower. Great video and totally motivating even after the body beating I just received.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I feel your pain hahahaha been there several times. It's just so rewarding in the end. 6 weeks better homes and garden by Ginja!

[@joelhoellein9666]

@@pestandlawnginja Who in Utah Rents a walk behind Top Dresser? I am wondering if you know of any....

[@pestandlawnginja]

ooooo, you know what. I haven't found one yet. I've found a few places that sell them but they don't have permission to demo them hahaha.

[@DIYDad1]

Those verti cutters/ slit seeders look like they will work very similar to the scarifier on my sunjoe. That sunjoe was one of the best investments I made this year. I wasn’t even planning on buying one but got a good deal on it amazon prime day. No regrets. Core aerated and scarified right before I seeded. I think those deep grooves really helped open up the soil for maximum seed to soil contact. I had kbg germinate in only 8 days, so I think I did something right hopefully! This video was just full of great information. And your delivery of the content is top notch!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks DIY Dad!!!! Glad your loving the sun joe. I completely agree. For the price and ROI nothing beats it.

[@imadish5356]

Hey DIY Dad, do you think your SunJoe is sturdy enough to work in a flat veggie garden? I'm getting one this winter ($ave!) and thinking about using it to work in soil amendments. Cultivators are too much hp for my little patch. Thanks!

[@DIYDad1]

Ima Dish I don’t think the sun joe will dig deep enough to do what you want in a garden. Unless you are just top dressing some compost in, you are only going to get down into the top 1/4 inch of soil with this. So if you need to get deeper you could look into getting a cultivator attachment for a string trimmer. Ryobi makes one that attaches to their 40v cordless electric trimmers and those would be perfect for a small garden. Heck, I’d even maybe look into a hand tool like the Garden Weasel. They just have tines that you roll manually. Might work decent enough. Fiskars 40 to 60-Inch Telescoping Rotary Cultivator www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQBELE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bSgBDbQ3ZT79F

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for the great reply diy dad.

[@MyJetta18]

Great tool worked great right out of box. Saved my back saved my lawn

[@pestandlawnginja]

Great to hear!

[@waynesworld-thedirtdiary5510]

Bought a Sunjoe and I love it!! Dethached, 2 days later scarified, overseeded and hand watered. It's the next day and I am going to pick up some peat and do the same thing. Waiting for my levellawn rake to get here or I would be using that. Cheers

[@pestandlawnginja]

That is awesome! Sounds like you'll slay that lawn in no time!

[@useazebra]

Wow. Your opening shot is down the street from where I used to live in Lindon. Small world, lol

[@pestandlawnginja]

Crazy!

[@steviem5279]

As always, a great job!! I have roughly 5000 square feet of lawn and over a four day period I used my dethatch rake to get at the debris, I did a little each day but, I ended up filling 6 of those 40 gallon contractor garbage bags full of the debris. Its amazing how much of it a lawn has. I just ordered the Sun Joe scarifier/detatcher and looking forward to seeing how that machine works and when I do get it, I will scarify and then overseed the lawn and see where it takes me.

[@pestandlawnginja]

You'll love it Stevie. It's the gift that keeps on giving

[@lisanelson6661]

Stevie M - those debris make a great compost ingredient! If you're anywhere near Bountiful, I'll come get them if you aren't going to use them.

[@steviem5279]

@@lisanelson6661 I'm in New York so, I think I'm a bit far away. I usually compost leaves, grass, and other things but, my grass had fungus issues this year and I don't know if the fungus is bad for the compost or not.

[@Greg29]

Picked up the Sun Joe a few weeks ago and will finally be using it this weekend before I overseed, can't wait to see how much debris and thatch it kicks up.

[@pestandlawnginja]

You'll love it Greg!!!

[@rickrogers2649]

Just started overseed project today about 2.5K . Used my greenworks and a garden weasel to break up the surface a bit, also bought a peat moss roller for top dressing. Saves a lot of peat moss and pays for itself quickly.Hoping for good results with my cheap tools. Thanks for teaching us DIY ers so much. Congrats on 40k subs !! I said a while back that you would have 100K subs soon. I stand by that prediction.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Really appreciate all the support Rick!!!! Sounds like your project is going well! Hitting 100k would be awesome. For some reason I want that stupid youtube plaque

[@theoalex474]

I bought a Sun Joe a few weeks ago. I finally got to use it yesterday when I top dressed and over seeded my lawn. My lawn was thin and the dirt was very visible. I had no clue that I was going to pull the amount of debri/thatch that I pulled out. I used the sweeper attachment first going both vertically and horizontally with hand raking in between. I then used the scarifier in the same manor. I put down peat moss, top soil, black beauty tall fescue and starter fertilizer. The lawn looks a bit beaten up now, but I know that over the next few weeks there will be a major transformation. Thanks for all of your lawn tips!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I call it the 6 weeks better homes and garden plan. It'll turn out great. Great job putting the work in.

[@Dpixtion]

I did this too a few moths ago, looked so bad thought I did it wrong, but looked so good after about 5 weeks, then some moles moved in to the yard.. Now i'm doing it all again.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Now you have a chance to excel in another area!!!!

[@Rogerschemdry]

@@Dpixtion Now buy the Sun Joe Shotgun. Dosen't work real good on the moles, but it sure is fun

[@losttheplot26]

Thanks Ginger. Just got a MTD VE 40 electric power rake verticutter. Powerful and light weight. Fair deck 40cm. I've thrown the belt couple of times going a bit to deep I thought then I realized that there was dried up soil hindering the machine.

[@pestandlawnginja]

awesome! Glad its working out well for you

[@ianblair9752]

Every day is a learning day 😀 your content is such a help 👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

awesome ian! Glad I could help. you maybe interested in my lawnmasteracademy.com we are going to launch next month.

[@ianblair9752]

@@pestandlawnginja I need all the help I can get. Moving to the Philippines from the UK growing grass is a different ball game 🤣

[@CourtRoss]

Helpful video as always. Hey, I saw you at Chipotle in Saturday! Didn't recognize you at first. I just saw a guy with an awesome beard. Then I saw the toe shoes. Then the hat with the tucked in in ears. This is when I was starting to realize something. Finally you got into a blue Prius. Then it clicked... Hey, that's the pest and lawn Ginja!

[@pestandlawnginja]

LOL my man! You should have come and said hello!

[@johnherman3261]

Ginja! Your on top of your game as always. To thatch or not to thatch that is the question? I have grass that dies off every year therefore it looks bad until I get a weed and feed on. I believe thatch and aeration is important every year and like you said if you don’t you have a great breeding area for bugs. Great job as always, stay safe

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks John! Best of luck in 2020

[@paulleck]

First? Appreciate all the videos. Doing a small renovation on the side yard. Videos have been great. Went in with a neighbor on the greenworks machine on KSL. For $75 was a good deal.

[@pestandlawnginja]

That's a great deal!

[@Jasonoid]

@@pestandlawnginja Wish I saw that deal first! haha Nice Find!

[@pestandlawnginja]

don't we all hahaha

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

First Aussie 😁 I like using my probe, my wife says I use it with authority, she has had a go ,but doesn’t grip it right, I told her to grab it with two hands and drive it in deep and hard, now she knows how to use a soil probe.😁

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

HD a great Father’s Day, how is your Sunday panning out?

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

A lazy Sunday is a good day in anyone’s language 😎

[@pestandlawnginja]

as she should trevor you maniac

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

😁

[@businessnik]

The SunJoes have been out of stock this year, and mine finally came in! I used a dethatching rake on 5000 sqft, I'll never do it again!

[@pestandlawnginja]

great feedback. its not for the faint of heart

[@mikekosar6135]

Lol..lots of clean up 🧹

[@edwarddouglaspierce]

Speak the truth! I spent hours with my son removing bag after bag of debris. We tried using our thatch rate but soon bought a Mantis power rake (marketed as a de thatcher). Have run it multiple times this season but cannot believe how much stuff comes up.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Nothing but the best for you Edward!!! Its the worst job ever. But super rewarding

[@kerrywanner6340]

Fabulous informed instructions. Excellent job!

[@MrMooseMovies]

Dethatched my back lawn with my Craftsman cultivator. Yep. Didn’t even use a special attachment. Just set the wheels so the blades were set high enough and voila! Going top seed with some creeping fescue!

[@pestandlawnginja]

awesome! Love the idea

[@MrMooseMovies]

@@pestandlawnginja had to do a few passes and also ended up using an iron rake on some spots. Just seeded it this afternoon with tall fescue and top dressed it. Looking forward to the results. 👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

@@MrMooseMovies perfect!

[@troutman1951]

Just bought the Sunjoe and it worked perfect!

[@pestandlawnginja]

They're pretty awesome!

[@jjm6187]

This was super helpful with familiarizing with dethatching and scarifying. Thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're so welcome!

[@bssmith3333]

I have the Sunjoe Scarifier, and for me it works best to cut the grass as low as possible before using the scarifier. Not a huge deal for most warm season grasses, since they do better when kept short. I cut a section of my lawn that is well established Zoysia down to about a half inch with my reel mower, then ran my scarifier over it, at the -10mm depth, then did the same to a section I cut down to about an inch and a half, also at -10mm depth, and the difference was striking on the amount of thatch removed. My lesson from that: always cut short before scarifying.

[@pestandlawnginja]

great feedback! thank you!

[@andrea.rivers]

I used the dethatch rake on my tiny section of front yard. Got a work out. So much debris for such a small section. Added some good top soil and fert and now lawn now looks freaking amazing. I've been learning so much the last couple of seasons. I think next year it's all going to come together.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Nice!!!! You'll do awesome! Next year is yours to slay

[@jay-dee-em1000]

Great advice!! Now I know which tools and method to use this season.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Obi-Tod-Kenobi]

So I went down to the co-op and bought some chicken feed to fertilize my yard (100lbs, two bags $17 a bag) It had crushed oyster shells probiotics and many different grains that were grinded up. All I can say is wow, when you can see patches of the dirt all you can see is beautiful mold! It is definitely starting to break down all the organic dead matter. I highly recommend going this route if you can afford to put down a few bags. You really can't overdo organic fertilization. Just remember you feed your soil, not your grass and your yard(soil) Will continuously improve. Chemical fertilizers hurt your soil but just keeping your grass on life support and causes lots of dead matter to build up, thatch.

[@pestandlawnginja]

quickest way to turn a lawn around is to use organic matter.

[@mikekosar6135]

Lol 😀..and these CHICKS 🐣 keep popping up!!!🤣.. sounds great though 👍

[@TurfTeq]

Thanks for showing our broom dethatching! You make some great quality videos!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome! such a cool device

[@grass-patch]

Great presentation Ginja. You are the go to lawn bible of information and that's not to slight other channels as I enjoy them too. All I can say is continue doing what you do best. Thanks and have a great Labor Day. ~ Mike

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Mike!!!! Really appreciate the support. We have a great community, it's been a blast.

[@starpartyguy5605]

A couple years ago my lawn was hit by grubs, destroying half of my 10k foot lawn. In order to get seed down to the soil to restore it, I had to remove enough of the debris to get down to the dirt. I used a tow behind rake. Only cost $100 new at Lowe's. Does a fair bit of damage to existing grass but my goodness it pulled out a lot of dead debris. I got 16 lawn bags of debris out of it and could have gotten more. Lawn looks great now.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Great way to do it! well done!

[@skyworlka]

@Ginja I’ve got shattered fluorescent light tubes in my lawn. Would that powerbroom be the best thing to get it out? Thanks for your insight.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Probably would! It would be worth a try. This may sound dumb but use a shop vacuum as well.

[@skyworlka]

I was able to vacuum up a lot but I can’t see where it all is & I’ve noticed bits also buried. Thanks for replying.

[@pestandlawnginja]

@@skyworlka I can only imagine how frustrating that must be. I think the powerbroom will be your best bet.

[@disappointedfan4452]

Slice seeder is by far my favorite tool. It performs two jobs at the same time: de thatches and seeds. I have gotten my BEST results seeding with that equipment

[@pestandlawnginja]

That's awesome to hear. The one I rented was super slow and it was a pain to calibrate. I'm sure there's some awesome equipment out there I haven't tried.

[@Jayj93pgt]

was about to buy a greenworks dethatcher to use on the heavy thatch layer that i have but after watching this im looking at the sun joe for this purpose. appreciate the information regarding the difference between a power rake and a dethatching tool. thanks

[@pestandlawnginja]

Wise choice!

[@sweetpapa]

Awesome video. I’m In the process of buying a power tool to help with lawn debris because I only have a rake. It is back breaking! I learned a lot.

[@pestandlawnginja]

such a difficult job! The sun joe is my number 1 favorite tool for a homeowner to have. such a great device.

[@JamesDean53333]

The most informative video I’ve seen so far! 👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timbarton5316]

Awesome descriptions of the tools of the trade, yes I also like the word debris instead of thatch ,as always awesome videos and great info

[@pestandlawnginja]

You the man Tim! Takes a wise man to know the difference

[@timbarton5316]

Pest and Lawn Ginja you’re wisest I was taught by your awesome knowledge of lawn health

[@timbarton5316]

Pest and Lawn Ginja you should reinvent the wheel and re-market a DEBRIS RAKE 👍👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

Good call tim!!! No more misnamed items hahaha

[@jmax5105]

Thanks for putting these out here for all of us! Great info!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome jason!

[@virginia7125]

I have a low lying lawn that looked great this spring. All was fertilized last year. We had a heavy rain one night this summer. I cut it the next day in the morning. Later it got up to almost 95⁰. The next day dry patches were everywhere. Banks looked good. In areas of the yard where clover is, the yard looks great. I don't think you supposed to fertilize in summer. Except for sprinkling, what can be done to bring it back? I have an aerator to pull behind my rider. That was done a year ago.

[@pestandlawnginja]

without being there its hard to say. checkout my playlist "what's wrong with my lawn" for how to steps on diagnosing a lawn.

[@Mikebike68]

I removed pretty much all of my thatch with the Green works power rake two directions after what appeared as a scalping to 2.5” (lawn usually lives between 3.5 /4 to 5.5/6.5 depending on where in the lawn ”) went back with the manual rake getting even more while piling it up for removal. Lawn looks like crap now. Looked great before 😬 About to overseed though. If I can get good germination it should be worth it but the weather heated back up in KC so now I’m baulking at putting it down 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Mikebike68]

Lawn looks destroyed lol It was so green before There is a lot of brown now

[@pestandlawnginja]

if you're worried send me some pics on facebook. be sure to water well and put some quick release fertilizer down to force some growth. It'll look like a bad hair day for a few weeks. Pretty normal.

[@35057]

Channel is growing! Congrats on the hard work! 😎

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks! Really appreciate the support

[@andrewwilken9725]

Been subscribed to you for a while now and I always learn something from your videos. I’ve got the sun joe dethatcher and had no clue there was a scarifier attachment for it. Thanks for more great content.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Love it! learn something new everyday.

[@mikekosar6135]

😳 “where did I put that 📦 “

[@churchkids-tcac3984]

Thanks for finally explaining, simply and clearly! 👏🏾

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're so welcome!

[@jonathanheacker1970]

Enjoyed watching your video. I learned a lot from it.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Tavycho1]

Will the scarifier also help eliminate all the bumps that I have all over the lawn? Im sold that it will help with all the thatch and debris.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I does help a tiny bit. It won't be a miracle worker.

[@rjmiller2553]

m wondering if these de thatch machines could be useful against creeping charlie runners, left over after triclopyr applications in the fall. The leaves are dead, but deeper on the base and within the soil and thatch are the rhizomes, runners and roots that are part of the system of creeping charlie and often the triclopyr or other weed killer doesn't reach the entire system because these can be a hundred feet long in the lawn and not visible at all from above the grass. Spray and after 2nd application when the creeping charlie has dead leaves and looks dead from the surface use a de thatch to rip out the runners, rhizomes (the stuff that makes it creep to new places, even under a paved driveway

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hi Rj. It helps a bit for sure. it stirs up the top of the soil and somewhat acts as a pre emergent by disrupting rooting for new seeds that are trying to set in durinng the germination process. If you get a sun joe you can use this machine weekly, bi-weekly, monthly etc. the tines are non invasive to the grass.

[@tycox8704]

Useful information as always. Personally, I bag our clippings as I mow. The debris that remains is insignificant until the grass browns from high summer temps. At that point, I'll use a "tatch" rake to remove the dead blades (manually on a 7,000 sqft. front lawn!) Meanwhile, neighbors who use commercial mowing services never bag their clippings and never rake debris or dead blades. Yet their lawns recover by fall and look better than ours most of the year despite the attention I give ours. I'm cursed. I wish I hadn't insulted that gypsy...

[@pestandlawnginja]

That would be frustrating. I would spot water the rough spots with the hose. It'll help relieve some of the stress. You may want to consider a soil top dressing as well.

[@tycox8704]

Pest and Lawn Ginja Funny you should mention topdressing. I have several large compost piles with leafs and grass clippings. Hoping they'll be adequately degraded by next Spring so I can scatter them on the lawn. Our clay soil needs more organic matter but I hesitate to simply mulch when I mow because the debris doesn't composte quick enough and invites other issues. However, there's a local KZbin farmer who turns barren clay land into pasture fields by letting the grass clippings build a thick thatch layer.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hey Ty! Yes its possible. With a lot of patience and perseverance you can use organic matter at a carbon source.

[@stephenwilliamson2410]

A great instructional video. Top work fella 👍🏼

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thank you!!!!

[@tonymeredith4404]

Best video I've seen. I'm a novice

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thank you soo much. appreciate the feedback!

[@WittyOneMN]

Pest and Lawn Ginga, thanks for all the awesome videos! I'm up in Northern Minnesota and a lawn freak...which is a bit of a oxymoron. Lol. Shrew moles are my nemesis every winter. Come spring my time spent on the lawn is to attempt to undo their damage. Last fall I spread a mole deterrent on 1/2 my lawn. It helped quite a bit but still had some tunnels and a couple of "nests" on the treated areas. The non-treated areas? They built a freaking corn maze from hell. Lol. Anywho, rented a Ryan Dethatcher and hit up part of the treated lawn that had mole damage. I can put up 225lbs 3x bench press (female, before you give me any crapiola) and that Ryan rental was a BEEEEAST! I'd rather run an aerator anyday and those are no joy ride. Only got 1/8 of my yard done. I'm down to dirt in the mole areas. Argh!! Returned the rental and based upon your rec, I ordered a Sun Joe. It gets here on Tues...feels like my birthday, Christmas and Mother's Day! 😁 In the meantime, I've been just raking all the dead grass, snow mold etc and have loaded up 5/33 gal bags. Can't wait to see what the Sun Joe brings up. My lawn is THICK at the end of the summer. I fertilize 3x (Memorial Day, 4th July and shortly after Labor Day). I usually overseed in the Fall. I bag every other mow. I've watched your other videos on when to fertilize and/or seed. I plan on putting down about 1" of black dirt in the area that is dirt bc of the moles and seeding. But for my situation ,do you recommend seeding the entire lawn (I'm considering using the scarifier)? Or should I just fertilize the rest of the lawn and pray for the best? Also, do you recommend hand raking to "fluff up" the lawn (grass is squished down from all the snow etc) prior to using the Sun Joe? Or can I just head on in without "fluffing"? Sorry for the hellaciously long comment. But I wanted to give you props for answering the same question multiple times in the comment section. I guess not everyone reads the comments to see if their question has already been answered. 😊 But I would lose my "stuff" if I were answering the same question over and over and you don't. You're a patient Ginga! Good on you! ( but whew) 😁 Thanks again!!

[@pestandlawnginja]

for moles I recommend talparid shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantid=43235&userid=2147196&productid=500756552&afftrack= The sun joe dethatcher is so non invasive you should be fine jumping right in to help remove the debris and get the lawn in proper order. however if the lawn is long I would hand rake those areas first then mow then use the sun joe. Hope that helps! sounds like you're doing an awesome job! Keep slaying that lawn!

[@Dale37]

Hell yeah, Ginja! You're the man with the grass plan. Nice educational video.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Dale!!!! Appreciate you commenting and watching the videos

[@sarahclifford8000]

How timely! I just used the sun joe for the 1st time today. Surprised at how much it picked up. Aeration next!!💪🏻💪🏻

[@pestandlawnginja]

Nice! Way to get out there Sarah!!!

[@jamesturner9858]

Thanks very much, for your explanation. I was somewhat of confused between thatch and lawn debris. I’m glad I got a Sunjoe.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Sun Joe for the win! You'll love it. Really makes the job so much easier.

[@jamesturner9858]

Pest and Lawn Ginja I need a little help, yesterday while detaching and scarifying I noticed grubs. I was planning on aeration and overseeding my lawn. What should I do. I picked up a bag of grub killer from the big box store. Can I put this down along with new seeds and fertilizer and tenacity?

[@pestandlawnginja]

You should be fine. I don't see any chance of it interrupting the seed germination.

[@rxlo1062]

Excellent video 👍👍👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks!

[@patkelly7501]

Man I have so much debris. Thanks for the content!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome pat! Now get on that lawn and show that turd who's boss

[@briangallant5973]

Great video! Lots of information for me.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Awesome brian. Really appreciate you watching

[@huddy32]

I have watched tons of your videos.. I never knew you had dainty women’s ankles

[@pestandlawnginja]

Totally hahahaha

[@huddy32]

@@pestandlawnginja enjoy the videos, you have helped me tremendously on my yard.

[@Tyler-fx5ws]

Great video found your channel now I will get nothing done today lol. Gained another subscriber here!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I know the feeling 😂😂😂

[@jacobjaramillo8017]

Great informative video! If I’m killing off clover and need to get rid of the clover burrs and dead clover plants could I use a de-thatcher to get it up?

[@pestandlawnginja]

It'll help but it won't get it all. but i feel like you'd be happy with the results.

[@SLTyPete]

Hiya! Very helpful. Now to apply in our environment... about 7100 ft in Colorado :-D I *DO* have a question below... What's special here: 1) short growing season (we're almost to avg first frost; 38 degree nights expected this week!) 2) After four years I finally learned: we dont' get thatch here. We just get a long-term buildup of dried grass clippings. At our altitude, they never compost. :( This spring I got the Sun Joe after making a big mistake (bought a "dethach blade" which simply scalped a chunk of the lawn.) The lawn looked sick for a few weeks then grew wonderfully well! My QUESTION is on timing of fall scarify/dethatch (or whatever to call it here). How much time do you think it would take bluegrass to recover with cool autumn weather (lows in low 40's to upper 30's, highs in upper 60's to upper 70's)??? Thanks heaps! PS your suggestion of the power broom is awesome. A flash flood pushed all of the "breeze" gravel into our lawn. Not easily removed :(

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hey MrPete. My area and soil is very similar to yours. I've lived in your area. Everything in this video applies to your area. Put the sun joe height higher and you'll avoid scalping the lawn. Takes 2 to 4 weeks to recover in the spring and 6 weeks mid summer.

[@SLTyPete]

@@pestandlawnginja :) How about fall recovery time? I'm going to guess similar to spring? ...2 to 4 weeks? (I scalped using that horrid "dethatching blade" on a lawn mower... didn't notice for about 10 feet. Then was horrified. But a few months later all was well.)

[@pestandlawnginja]

Main thing about fall recovery is to use a fast acting nitrogen. urea / ammonium doesn't matter.

[@SLTyPete]

I got it done... just before an amazing one-day 60+ degree drop. So much for "fall color" :) Then we had a brief break, enough to do a quick fertilize. Yep: I use nitrogen + iron. We avoid P+K -- way too much already. (Too much Ca as well.)

[@kellkelley5743]

I have Bermuda now. The yard was originally fescue. I noticed some spots would explode and then die out. I thought worm or something. I dug down , no worms, but at least a 3/4 inch of thatch. So I bought a sweeper with the dethatcher. I was ripping out my Bermuda, what do you think..?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Adjust the machine a tad higher and you should be fine. Assuming it’s adjustable. It can get frustrating if you’re constantly hitting the runners.

[@rafaelmartinez2954]

Very informative video , awesome job 👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for watching Rafael!!!

[@monuts7604]

Of course the Sun Joe was sold out all over Utah so had to pay extra and get one from out of state. Worth every penny.

[@pestandlawnginja]

That's awesome! You'll love it

[@uncrunch398]

Will the lower layers of thatch just break down and no longer be a problem if you use the least expensive equipment often enough to avoid leaving anything to add to it? Or leave just enough?

[@pestandlawnginja]

The thatch itself isn’t always an issue it’s the debris and yes removing the debris helps tremendously. Once the debris is removed then you can work on the top layers of the thatch layer by using the scarifier attachment. These machines are fantastic

[@theregularguy8600]

Thanks all your videos are well done and easy to understand. Video suggestion. Selective Post emergents, and RTF. Again thanks.

[@pestandlawnginja]

On it! Thanks for the suggestions!

[@tctulloch]

Great information. On the Sun Joe, what would the reason be for using that thatch attachment versus the scarifier? Would one be more advantageous before overseeding?

[@pestandlawnginja]

The dethatcher removes debris. The scarifier removes thatch and cuts into the ground. The scarifier is money for over seeding projects

[@tctulloch]

Cool. Would it make sense to run it with the thatch attachment to remove debris and then follow up with the scarifier prior to overseeding? Or would that be too much for the lawn?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Absolutely. That's exactly how I do it

[@sbiegs3885]

So much great info!!!!! Thanks for doing this!!

[@TEXAS_4U]

My neighbor let me use his sun dethatcher him or I have never used one before so we both did it wrong 😂😒 after watching a few of your videos we know how now thank you very much 😊😁

[@pestandlawnginja]

You gotta fail sometimes in order to succeed. At the end of the day it's only grass. Nice job getting out there and doing it!

[@chrisfossum1499]

Fantastic video. Love the content. Having all of this info in one place is great.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Chris!!!! Onward and upward

[@troutman1951]

Perfect timing! Thank you. Super relevant!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome David! Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it.

[@jaymarbs]

Any plans to do a fall/winter prep video? Something for us noobs that helps us start the spring off right?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Fantastic suggestion Jay! I'll get er done soon

[@toddy9141]

Please do 😎

[@pestandlawnginja]

I'll get right on it

[@JMS7410-]

Ginja - if I have a tow behind aerator, which I have used twice so far this year, should I also buy a tow behind dethatcher or just let the aerator do its work over a few seasons? I have a 30K square foot cool season (TTTF)lawn to maintain with limited outlet access in most areas - looking for cost effective. Thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I like the front end dethatcher better. It puts more pressure and gets into the soil better and it self cleans into the bag.

[@pargoff]

I have the sun joe and was wondering which setting you use to remove debris?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I use the zero setting and it works great. I suggest starting at the highest setting and working your way down to zero first. If you pull tons of live grass you've gone too far.

[@CP-rm7rz]

hi Ginja , great information. What is the root cause of lawn debris ? Fungus , drought stress ? What is the best way to avoid or limit the problem . If fungus is a primary factor, what preventative fungicide do you recommend and when ? What about mow height

[@pestandlawnginja]

The root cause is generally years and years of mowing and winter die out. The fungus eventually lives in this layer

[@pestandlawnginja]

The preventive measures I recommend is removing the debris then choosing a fungicide that's right for the type of fungus you have. Preventive fungicides I would choose propiconazole. I recommend mowing 3" or higher for the dinner months and 1" to 2" over winter

[@CP-rm7rz]

@@pestandlawnginja Ginja thanks again for all the info. PLG rejuvenation plan started in August. Lawn is really pushing, color is great. Propeat not available in NW IL but used similar products

[@moondrop7072]

I want to pick up pine needles and dead leaves throughout the summer. Want can you recommend besides a rake?

[@pestandlawnginja]

there are lawn sweepers you can by for that application

[@chosen1one930]

Warm season grasses grow during the summer but really when soil temperatures are above 60 and 70

[@pestandlawnginja]

so true!

[@RavensHardCore]

Congrats on 40K subscribers!!!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Mitch!!!! It's been a blast

[@RavensHardCore]

@@pestandlawnginja Happy Labor Day!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks! It was great

[@Dpixtion]

Lawn Ginja; Thank you, and Help..!! I've been following your side and been working my lawn. WAS looking good, until i had two moles move in within two weeks I had seven moles hills/spots. I got them out (RIP) but my lawn looks bad now. So my question. With all the tunnels, ond mounds, should I rototill the lawn to collapse the tunnels so nothing moves in the vacant area and start fresh, - OR - keep going with my sun joe to 1st. de-thach/power rake, then 2nd scarifier, 3rd aerate, then overseed in that progression?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hey David! Sorry to hear about the moles. If the tunnels have not collapsed I would just leave them alone. If they are collapsing your next step would be what you mentioned above.

[@ticoscoffee]

Super helpful videos...Thanks! I have a bunch of poa. You mentioned the vertical mower disrupting poa. What do you mean by this? Thanks again!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Here's a good reference www.usga.org/course-care/2013/05/the-how-and-why-of-vertical-mowing-greens-21474855829.html

[@diverdave4056]

!!! when using the ole Sun JOE ... MOW THE GRASS SHORT before running the machine ! and pick the mulch with your lawn mower ( don't even try to use the tiny catch bad that comes with it ! )

[@aaronhunt6379]

Mr Ginga! Is it too late in the year to run a Sun Joe with the dethatch attachment? Some details: I live along Wasatch Front (UT) and our secondary water probably shuts off on Tue 15th. Had freezing temps last three nights. I think I have some debris maybe caused by overwatering and melting out this year. Also, this is fresh sod as of June this year. Related question is it too late to aerate? Also, of all the lawn guru's no one beats The Ginga!

[@pestandlawnginja]

The dethatcher attachment is pretty non invasive. If you dont go super aggressive scraping the soil surface and focus on the debris you'll be fine. Fall is a great time to do it. Just make sure the soil isn't too wet or too dry

[@jefchaplin6205]

That's some great information right there, thanks for sharing your knowledge Ginja, appreciate your work. 👍😎

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome jef!!! Thanks again for watching and commenting

[@twipplanner2472]

Hey Ginja, learned a lot, thank you. Do you recommend thatching and or scarring on St Augustine in the south?

[@pestandlawnginja]

It'll work! you have to really play with the settings. before doing anything like that use a rake and rake through some areas to see if its necessary

[@ecotangokeithfugittrkkf733]

Thanks man , Great work and clear detail. .. The back is hating my de- thatch rake perhaps in the near future I'll choose one of those products for the 10,000 ft.² LOL.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I feel your pain hahahaha. Makes me want to curl up in the fetal position thinking about it

[@zachwooton1]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome Zach! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@markcaza6083]

Where did you learn all of this about turf issues and solutions?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hey Mark. I'm one of those OCD guys that won't stop searching until I find information that works. Then I spent the last 10 years practicing on the lawn

[@markcaza6083]

I’m currently on that same journey. Any places you could me to? Would love to know where I could do more research.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I use most of the university agriculture websites, like pen state, colorado state, and usu extensions

[@markcaza6083]

Pest and Lawn Ginja awesome! Thanks a bunch. A suggestion for a video. Pricing!

[@pestandlawnginja]

you're welcome. pen state has an entire degree you can get. they also have a free certificate program.

[@7yrsbadluck]

Great video! What are your thoughts on liquid products for dethacth and aeration/soil loosener?

[@pestandlawnginja]

They are very hit or miss. They attack thatch well but they don't do much for lawn debris IMO. If you use the liquid dethatchers and apply a 21.0.0 granular they work much better. If you remove the lawn debris first they also work much better.

[@lsturbointeg]

awesome video Lawn Ginja! so I overseeded and it's starting to germinate. how long do I have to wait before I cut the grass because the existing lawn I did cut down to 2" but now it's almost 5"! how long before I can mow?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I commonly wait 3 to 5 weeks before the first mow. longer wait for KBG

[@lsturbointeg]

ugh this is going to be brutal! worst case scenario my HOA puts a letter on my door right lol!

[@pestandlawnginja]

hahaha, they might put you into time out

[@peternyc]

Is scarifying first, and then core aeration after that, a good idea?

[@pestandlawnginja]

totally fine!

[@dannynguyen76]

Ginja, is it a good time to do dethatch the Bermuda grass now? I live in Dallas, Texas, temperature still around 90. TIA.

[@pestandlawnginja]

spring time is best using a vertimower. You can still do it now but you'll need a good recovery fertilizer to make sure it bounces back.

[@coreystopperan9555]

Any recommendation of a dethatching blade attachment??

[@pestandlawnginja]

they're all mower specific. they either work perfect or they tare up the lawn hard core.

[@invinciblesummer]

Excellent ... very informative. Thanks!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You are welcome!

[@brycebrady8572]

Any reason to have the Sun Joe Scarifier/Dethatcher and the Greenworks Detatcher? Can't the Sun Joe just do both?

[@pestandlawnginja]

The sun joe alone has two attachments. the dethatcher and the scarifier. The green works only has the dethatcher. No need to buy both

[@markrob9752]

Purchase Sunjoe..had so much thatch have to do three passes

[@pestandlawnginja]

nice Mark! Sounds like you're well on your way to slaying that lawn!

[@bobbaurhyte8281]

I had a nice lawn here until it turned hot and humid in mid July. i believe I've watered too much too late in the morning and now I have brown spots which are a result of Rhizoctonia fungus. Will cut back on watering. What about power raking? This has never been gone in the 8 years my lawn has been in.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I prefer dethatching and I'm a huge advocate of it.

[@wap9137]

Great video! Thank you so much!!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome Winnie!

[@wap9137]

Pest and Lawn Ginja I overfertilized last year and ended up with lots of areas of dead grass that just would not grow, no matter how much water I threw at it...so I had a company come out and dethatch....at least they said that’s what they would do...but when they came, they just mowed and raked with a regular rake! However, the lawn looks a lot better. There are a few dead areas that have persisted...but now I know how to tell if it’s debris or thatch. Also, it was amazing to me how much debris you were able to bring up underneath a green lawn with seemingly no problems.

[@pestandlawnginja]

You'd be shocked how fast it can accumulate.

[@rohedstrom]

Well worth a like for this video too. Great one!

[@pestandlawnginja]

thanks Robin! Appreciate the support

[@DEXTVHD]

I have a Sunjoe Scarifier and was wondering if I can use it to crest seed to soil contact when overseeding instead of aerating?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Absolutely. IMO it's better than aerating then overseeding