How to Dethatch and Overseed with Sun Joe!

[@mikec.7364]

Perfect timing, I will be using my Sun Joe for the 1st time tomorrow and reseeding. Thanks!

[@LawnJourneys]

Mike hope you like it as much as I do. If you get a chance let me know how it goes. Be good!

[@mikec.7364]

@@LawnJourneys So far I’ve done two passes with the tines 1 legnth & 1 width, 12 bags of dead grass. If it doesn’t rain tomorrow I will do 1 more pass with the scarifier before I reseed. I like the Sun Joe it does a really good job, the lawn looks pretty beat up right now but that was expected. I’ll get back to you when I am finished. Thanks again!

[@LawnJourneys]

@@mikec.7364 Yes mine looked torched when I was done. I’m almost three weeks post and I was just saying today that it’s starting to dominate. The starter Fert is two weeks in and I did a heavy bio stim app on Sunday. Not to mention cooler weather. Time to shine.

[@PrincessCutLawnCare]

Lol at the electrical zap, smoooth one rus 😂

[@LawnJourneys]

Yeah lots of fun. Editing can be rewarding if you can find enough time.

[@lawndingo7656]

Looking good!!!

[@LawnJourneys]

Thanks. I’m 2 weeks out now and see germination. Trying not to cut for a few more days. Thanks for watching!

[@JasonSeiberlich]

This is a great video and the scarify cartridge is the GOAT for overseeding. Literally have a checkerboard of new grass on my green where I ran that over and the seed found a home in the grooves.

[@LawnJourneys]

Jason thanks for your support and comment. The scarifier is no joke. Tears through the canopy making room for good seed dispersal.

[@channelqu]

Perfect timing and good job.

[@LawnJourneys]

Yes its time to get it done if anyone has plans to overseed. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I'm just starting my tttf over seeding for this year. I do very similar to you in prep., Cut low, I cut at 2-2 1/2" . This is the only time of year I cut that low. I water my yard before starting. Then run the Sun Joe, go over with a Groundskeeper rake, sow my tttf seed, cover with peat moss lightly, then water. Depending on the temperature, sunny or cloudy, you may have to water 4 times a day or more. I only water enough to keep the seed damp. Good video info. Thanks

[@LawnJourneys]

Thanks John. Agree that peat moss helps tremendously. I also do multiple short waters to keep the seed and later seedlings, from drying out. Good luck with your project. Lots of work but results are always worth it.

[@Striperman]

Great job on the video Russ. A lot of work but it will pay off. Closing in on 1K buddy. Won't be long now. Very exciting and well deserved.

[@LawnJourneys]

Thanks Keith. Thatching and seeding is a bear but it feels great when its done! 2.5 weeks out I have seedlings rising. Not sure if I'll hit the 1k this year, its so elusive for me. Keep in touch and I'm watching that pro vista!

[@nrnoble]

I have a corded Sun Joe dethatcher. Works great. No complaints about its ability to effectively dethatch my lawn. What I absolutely hate about using it is that I spent just as much time dealing with issues related to the power cord as I did dethatching. No joke, it took me about 1 hour total to dethatch the lawn, and 30 minutes of it was dealing with problems related to the power cord. The cord is constantly getting hooked on rocks, sprinkler heads, shrubs, trees, and anything else that sticks up more than 1/4inch off the ground. Then when reversing direction, need to make sure the cord is laid out properly so it will not cause problems during the next pass. I will never buy another corded lawn tool that needs to be moved back-and-forth over the lawn. If this were a corded lawn mower, I would have returned it, but since I will only need to dethatch 1-2 times a year, I can deal with that limited amount of cord frustration until a decent battery powered dethatcher can be purchased for a reasonable price

[@LawnJourneys]

Neal: Great comments! I agree I had some concerns myself using this and other corded lawn tools. Definitely have to pay attention to cord management at all times. Sounds like you have more obstacles as I don't recall the cord getting caught too many times. Definitely have to reposition it with every change of direction to make sure you don't run it over 😆 I thought about one of the battery powered options but from what I read the run-time would cause me to have to recharge and that's not something I want to do. If by chance you had other products in the family you may have extra batteries but that was not my case, I have Ego lawn tools. I also look forward to seeing if someone puts out a battery version with adequate run time, then your truly free and still have the convenience of easy access to the tool, not having to go rent a gas powered machine etc... Let me know if you ever do purchase something cordless. Until then, I agree with you in that the SunJoe works great, just watch the cord! Be well.

[@TheLawnShark]

Nice video Russ! The lawn is going to look great! Peat Moss is in short supply. Had to drive over 30 miles to get my hands on some.

[@LawnJourneys]

No kidding a shortage of peat moss. Who knew! I wasn't able to find it still! Thanks again Dino for your support. Watching your reno too!

[@TheLawnShark]

@@LawnJourneys Thanks Russ!

[@FaithfulDetailing]

You can use tenicity pre emergent with overseeding doesnt stop the gemenation. ive used it plenty of times now and works amazing with very little needed to use.

[@LawnJourneys]

Very true. Thanks for mentioning it 👍

[@sethi100]

Thanks needed this. I know my settings may vary - but your last pass on the detach & the scarifier! How low did you go? Did you rake in the seeds after using the spreader? And how hot was it and then the next 2 weeks?

[@LawnJourneys]

I think I was second from bottom with the scarifier. If you go too low it will start ripping grass out. It was still warm after which is why you have to keep it all moist. I have irrigation so did a few short waterings per day to keep the seed from drying out. What the grass germinated I continued. As it established I started with twice per day watering but longer. Lots of folks don't see till October, which is not a bad idea if you can't easily irrigate.

[@SuperTA329]

Nice work. Nothing easy about it but very rewarding once the baby grass starts to grow. Looking forward to seeing your results.

[@LawnJourneys]

Thanks as always. I did see some sprouts earlier today, two weeks post seeding. Love seeing your turf posts too!

[@I_O_2004]

So, no aerate needed , and which is the detacher. Is it with the blades or the little springs 😢

[@LawnJourneys]

The SunJoe dethatcher is the spring like module. The blades are the scarifier, which scratches up the ground for better seed contact. I chose not to rent an aerator because I’m tired of hauling machines home from rental stores. Aeration is useful if you have very hard soils, I’ve done it in years past but have gotten away from the rental game and my lawn is still thriving.

[@nbobinger]

How low would you say the final height of your grass was before you put down your seed?

[@LawnJourneys]

It was probably around 1.5” but also opened up from the detaching and scarifying.

[@DaddingAllDay]

Really well done! If there was only a way to drop seed as you use the scarifier attachment.

[@LawnJourneys]

You never know someone could steal your idea! I think a drone spreader would be fun too, sit on the deck and over fly the turf. Appreciate you taking time to comment too 😀

[@dmitrishvartsman1056]

It's called slice seeding, check it out. Though not for DIYyers afaik.

[@DaddingAllDay]

@@dmitrishvartsman1056 I can rent a slice seeder... I honestly don't know why I forgot about it. LOL

[@SonnyPruitt-q1s]

What month did you do this?

[@LawnJourneys]

I thatch in September, scarify, seed, Pete moss close to end of September. Have to keep the seed moist once it’s down, i wet it 3x day. This gives me two good months of grow time in NJ (Oct/Nov).

[@sethi100]

Thanks for this video. My plan is to do this in Sept. Question - why not use a rake instead of mowing after the dethatch and scarifier process? My yard (front and back combined is 1400 sq ft - so guessing the mowing is more of a time saver).

[@LawnJourneys]

Hi Seth! Yes in my case the mower was strictly a time saver. If you can manage raking it would probably be even better. Definitely get started in September, especially if in north east, as cool season grass (especially KBG) takes some time to establish. Keep the seed moist throughout as noted. Good luck and have fun with it. The result is so rewarding! 👍

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

A leaf blower works better for me. Blow it all to the driveway or road and sweep it up.

[@LawnJourneys]

@@aguyandhiscomputer Good idea, I should do that in areas near road and drive. Always looking for a simpler "mouse trap"! Thanks.

[@raylegend808]

You don’t have to use starter fertilizer with the overseeding?

[@LawnJourneys]

It’s most often recommended due to the Phos component which is very beneficial for new root development. I always use it but it’s surely not going to defeat your success if you skip it. Thanks for watching 😀

[@t.j.schmidt9877]

I have the newer cordless Sun Joe dethatcher. I'm really liking it so far. We are getting a late start to spring in Wisconsin so I just went over the lawn once on the highest setting to remove just the loose stuff since there was still a lot of brown in the lawn yet. About a week ago I applied Scotts Turf Builder with moss control and then in 6 weeks I plan to over seed. At that time, would it be best to dethatch at a lower setting in one direction and then Scarify in the other direction before I start? Or would it be better to get the moss with the scarifier earlier in one direction and then dethatch right before I over seed? I have a lot of shade in the area where the moss is so I did open up some sunlight with my telescoping chainsaw and I plan to use a dense shade mix there. I think it's also a little compacted so last fall I did some manual aeration.

[@LawnJourneys]

T.J.: So cool you have the cordless model. How long does it run on a charge? The more seed to soil contact you can accommodate, the better your germinated seed will survive. I like the plan of dethatching and scarifying, opposite directions makes send too, I should have done that (I recall going in same direction). Seeding in the spring in the North East is not preferred but don't know much about Wisconsin climate. Shade seed sounds like a plan in the less sun lighted areas. Also moss can be a sign of low pH, have you ever run a test? Good luck, let me know how you make out and thanks for sharing your plan 😀

[@t.j.schmidt9877]

​@@LawnJourneys The two 24v batteries are stated to last about 20 minutes. I did however get through my 4,500 sq foot lawn on the highest setting without them running out. I'll probably need to pull out my extra set of batteries when I lower it. I figure I could at least do the back yard and recharge the batteries while I clean up the thatch with the mower, top dress, and over seed. Then hopefully they are charged up again when ready to do the front. I haven't tested the soil yet, I've been thinking about it though. I am hoping the compost I top dress with will help with the PH. I use things like broken down wood ash from my pellet stove as well as grass clippings, leaves and a few kitchen scraps in my compost. Thanks for the advice!

[@commanderlawn2886]

@@t.j.schmidt9877 Your welcome and thanks for commenting appreciate knowing the run time on the bats. Keep in touch.

[@t.j.schmidt9877]

@@commanderlawn2886 sure, I’m kind of new to this so I just like to get some advice. I did a PH test after you mentioned it and it seemed OK. It was 6 to 6.5. We had a warm weekend for a change and it got up to 75, but this week things are supposed to drop down to the 40s for the high and nighttime lows below freezing again so we will see.

[@commanderlawn2886]

@@t.j.schmidt9877 Your in a good range. I’m still low but will keep working it up. What part of the country are you in, just curious to know general region.

[@brodygoalie]

Have you ever used biochar? Humichar?

[@LawnJourneys]

Yes, I've used Humichar. I like the science behind it and do make applications with it every season. I did a video a year or so back, see below, maybe I'll try to do an update and provide more information. I really like anything that improves soil, I'm a believer that its the key to a great lawn. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGTUXnyIprOco8k

[@brodygoalie]

@@LawnJourneys they also have biochar DG? It's not simple to digest all of this. I have always used Jonathan green products but it seems there are definitely other products to use that they do not manufacture

[@LawnJourneys]

@@brodygoalie JG is very reputable, in my opinion. I also love Andersons (also costly), especially PGF-Complete fertilizer in the fall! From what I see, Humic DG is more so targeted to increase carbon and organics in the soil. HumiChar improves soil health, reducing the use of fertilizer. If you look at the specs on the labels they do have different ingredient concentrations. Maybe more marketing than anything? I think Humic DG is less costly than Humichar and I love putting Humic down. Maybe a future a video to dig deeper, I have to study it more.

[@brodygoalie]

Doing a Reno in late July of 2025 due to an invasion of bentgrass. About 4 k SQ ft. So between now November through July of 2025 should i be using soil amendments like bio char or humichar or others before i kill the grass with round up glysofate. I guess i could kill the grass sooner like late June if thst makes sny sence? Thank you for your guidance and help.

[@LawnJourneys]

Bentgrass is a scurge. Tenacity is a selective herbicide that will take it out. However, if your totally taken over and and you burn it all down to start over, yes you can still amend the soil from now till then with bio char type products. Soil conditioning is probably one of the best things you can do to support a healthy lawn. Further the bio char (carbon) will stay in the soil long term. Good luck!

[@brodygoalie]

So exactly what items please. Bio char from Andersons. Humichar also? What else? Lime? Andersons makes IV liquid spray. Simple lawn solutions makes a micro booster spray. Your thoughts on that? Much appreciated

[@jimmymacization]

Love the vids Russ. I'm doing the same procedure will Cool Blue. What are your thoughts on manual aeration by removing plugs? Haven't tried it myself. Love the SunJoe too.

[@LawnJourneys]

Thanks Sandia! Cool Blue, I've been thinking of incorporating that blend in the future, what general area are you located in (state)? I've used plug aerators before, they are awesome. I just got tired of hauling them home as rentals, they are of course heavy by design but do fantastic jobs. I incorporate a lot of liquid aerate products into my program to aid in soil decompaction. There are different opinions on effectiveness, but I think it helps. Good luck with your overseed from one Sunjoe user to another 😀

[@jimmymacization]

@@LawnJourneys in Albuquerque. I only have 1200 sq ft of lawn, was thinking of getting a tool like Yard Butler to manually aerate.

[@LawnJourneys]

@@jimmymacization great plan. You could knock it out easily while listening to some tunes. Would be a lot easier than dragging home an aerator rental. Other option is hire the job out to a local landscaper, just to aerate. Problem there is always their schedule.

[@ramierwhite01]

Looking for new video on your pH application adjustment results!!!

[@LawnJourneys]

Ramier. I just sent my soil sample in so I’m waiting too 😀. I’ll share result and opinion in upcoming vid. Thanks for checking.

[@brodygoalie]

Did you purchase the cordless unit yet???

[@LawnJourneys]

I have not purchased cordless. My electric version still runs great and I have 75' of heavy duty cord so I want to utilize that investment. If you get it I'd love to know what you think of it.

[@brodygoalie]

@@LawnJourneys I would assume the power should be as good but it would be a shame to purchase and find out the power is not as good plus a second Battery is a must and how much is that?

[@LawnJourneys]

@@brodygoalie Batteries are always costly and I would also want a spare so I could keep a larger job going. I'm going to keep running my corded unit. Not in the budget to own a second dethatcher, as much as it would be nice to have a cordless.

[@brodygoalie]

@@LawnJourneys understood but not 100% sure if the cordless is as powerful as the electric? I would have to assume so otherwise why purchase

[@robertloffredo5276]

Your backyard looks like it’s a little shady.How did the kbg do?

[@LawnJourneys]

Robert: Backyard is more shade but the seed is doing well. I have thought about trying a mix at some point. As of this moment, barring a turf disease, I may refrain from overseeding this fall, its a lot of work and I think I have things in decent shape. Thanks for checking out my video. Be well!

[@robertloffredo5276]

Ty I live in Connecticut and on the fence about prg or kbg .

[@bigswiglawns]

mesotrione based preemergents won't affect new seeds/new grass such as Tenacity and Meso 4SC select

[@bigswiglawns]

PS love your videos, just subscribed! Hope you surpass your goal of 1k!

[@LawnJourneys]

Saad: Appreciate your kind words, 1000 eludes me but appreciate your helping! 😆. Just having some fun sharing my lawn life, I enjoy talking to fellow DIY enthusiasts.

[@LawnJourneys]

Saad: yes sir great info for everyone, I should share this in future vids. Thanks for commenting. 👍

[@CTMck1]

I'm a Gardener in the UK, if you want to remove the that, don't you think it makes sense to lower the grass height to very lowest without scalping it, You will get much better results

[@LawnJourneys]

Chris: I agree and I do cut the lawn before thatching for reasons you stated. Maybe I could go lower 😀 Gotta love YT, how we can all watch fellow lawn enthusiasts around the globe. I have a few that I also follow in the UK as well as South Africa. Thanks for reaching out and be well!

[@logicwhisky7977]

What's the height of your cut when you cut low? Is 1.75 in height too low for tall fescue? Thanks in advance. Overseeding is so much work haha

[@LawnJourneys]

I cut my KBG to around 1.5”. It looks bad for a week or two. I think 1.75” is ok. Obviously want to get the seed down to soil and let sun through for seedlings. I didn’t cut for three weeks. My next vids will show some progress weeks later. It’s looking nice now and seedlings are around 1” in some spots.

[@logicwhisky7977]

@@LawnJourneys awesome thanks for the advice. I feel much better now haha. Look forward to your next video and progress 🙂

[@LL-tz8lo]

Where in NJ are you? I'm in NJ too and just got a house here

[@LawnJourneys]

Southern section. Congrats on the house, do you have turf to care for?

[@LL-tz8lo]

@@LawnJourneys yea, about 2k Sq ft, part fescue and part zoysiagrass. I wish I had the zoysiagrass everywhere...

[@LawnJourneys]

@@LL-tz8lo Is it in two distinct area? Could be fun learning to care for both. Decide which you lake best then renovate part some time in the future. It’s fun to get involved and witness the improvements.

[@LL-tz8lo]

@@LawnJourneys the main front lawn is zoysiagrass, the rest is fescue. I have a nutsedge problem that rages out towards the end of every summer. Do you do any professional work around NJ?

[@LawnJourneys]

I have no experience with zoysia and am just sharing my lawn experiences. I'd assume the concepts applied would be the same, from what I've learned over the years. Zoysia is interesting because you can but it low, does well in heat. I think you see more of it in NJ in the shore areas, does well in sand. Correct me if I'm wrong. What's the condition of your zoysia?

[@johnkorth4048]

When the tines wear out/ Become less effective. The cartridge an be replaced for 25 dollars or the tines can be replaced but it involves a more complicated process of disassembly

[@LawnJourneys]

John: I didn't know that a replacement cartridge could be purchased. Gotta love SunJoe! Thanks.

[@sting1111]

I think I would have cut my grass much lower that 3 1/2” before the scarification. Much easier on you and the machine.

[@LawnJourneys]

Agree. Shorter you go the better results with dethatch and scarification, plus overseeding. Thanks for contributing to the conversation 👍

[@mmats69]

Did you keep the scarifier on the lowest setting?

[@LawnJourneys]

Near low. Depends on how much grass it’s tearing out at the same time. It can get wrapped around the mechanism. My goal is to cut channels into turf/dirt for best seed/soil contact.

[@mmats69]

Thanks. I’ve been dethatching on the lowest setting but I think that’d be too low to scarify. Like you, I just want some grooves in the grass so my overseeding will work.

[@LawnJourneys]

@@mmats69 Agree. Don’t tare the grass out. Find the sweet spot/height for your turf. You’ll see some grooves in the ground 👏

[@zelinaworden111]

It's hard to believe that the Sunjoe can even dig into the ground to scarify anything, because it is not heavy enough at only 27lbs. Or I would buy one myself.

[@LawnJourneys]

I've used it for a few years and its a great value. I'm sure a professional machine would give better results but nothing beats having it in your shed to use when needed. Gotten the job done numerous times.

[@ladidadi79]

💯😉

[@LawnJourneys]

Great tool. Had it a couple of years now, so nice to pull out whenever you need it. 👍

[@richtfan]

Do you mean “dethatch” your lawn?

[@LawnJourneys]

If I said thatch somewhere, I surely intended to say dethatch.

[@mrgary6117]

That thing is a power rake

[@LawnJourneys]

Mr Gary: I suppose it’s how you interpret the definition. In either case it’s a nice machine for homeowners. Use when you want and at your own pace vs a rental. Of course hiring out the job is another option, someone with a true power rake. A dethatcher is a light-duty tool used to remove thatch that is up to 1/2-inch thick. A power rake is a heavy-duty garden tool primarily used by professional landscapers to lift and remove thatch that exceeds 1/2 inch in thickness.

[@robbwick3567]

I got 25,000 sq ft to do

[@LawnJourneys]

Whew, that's a lot of lawn! Are you dethatching with a sunjoe or using something gas powered? Nice to hear from you.

[@a1930ford]

;-) Save your hearing and use some earplugs. Just some dirty old boomer advice. Now, get off my lawn! ;-)

[@LawnJourneys]

🙌. Yea I even wear protection when edging. Wish J had done it when a kid. Have a great season on the lawn and be well!

[@tessagus2]

Repeat yourself much?

[@LawnJourneys]

I don’t know, do I? Good thing it’s not my full time job. 😂