Dethatching, which costs between $65 and $160, removes the layer of debris that accumulates between grass blades by slicing through it until the soil’s surface is clear. This restores your lawn’s access to sunlight and ensures it stays beautiful all year.
While a little bit of thatch can benefit your lawn, too much thatch buildup stops the soil from getting the air, water, and nutrients it needs. This can result in a lawn that looks less green and lush.
This guide draws data from big and small cities across the U.S., so you can get an estimate of how much dethatching your lawn will cost. We also delve into the factors that can affect cost, such as your lawn size, topography, and the amount of thatch.
Cost by location
Dethatching prices change with the local cost of living. In large metro areas, such as New York City or Greater Boston, landscapers incur higher wages, insurance, and fuel costs, which in turn translate into higher dethatching costs. By contrast, smaller towns benefit from lower labor rates.
Check the table below for a snapshot of the costs to dethatch an average-sized lawn nationwide:
| City | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $62 – $153 |
| Boston, MA | $65 – $171 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Biloxi, MS | $61 – $140 |
| Atlanta, GA | $62 – $149 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Madison, WI | $68 – $170 |
| Detroit, MI | $70 – $176 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $66 – $161 |
| Boise, ID | $67 – $167 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Phoenix, AZ | $60 – 146 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $62 – $155 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $70 – $176 |
Cost per hour
Some lawn-care companies charge by the hour, typically between $50 and $85 per hour for each person on the crew. Those rates assume the pros are using a power dethatcher, because it removes thatch quickly and evenly.
Not to worry, a one- or two-person crew can typically finish a typical ¼ acre yard in an hour or under.
Cost estimator by lawn size
The size of your lawn will certainly impact the price of your service. Companies can charge between $0.10 and $0.20 per square foot for lawn dethatching, but they’ll most likely charge a fixed rate or per hour.
Cost of dethatching DIY
Dethatching your lawn yourself is doable. Still, the price can vary significantly depending on the equipment you use. When choosing dethatching equipment, there are a few options:
- Thatch rakes are rakes with steel tines that slash through the thatch, pull it up, and cultivate the soil. This option requires the most elbow grease on your part but is also the most cost-effective. They cost around $40.
- Dethatching machines look similar to lawn mowers but have rotating tines that cut through layers of thick thatch. They cost around $150.
- Dethatching tow behinds attach to riding lawn mowers so you can dethatch your lawn as you mow. This method makes dethatching a breeze for larger lawns or lawns with bumpy terrain. They also cost around $150, but prices will get higher if you need to buy a lawn mower to attach it to.
You’ll also need a leaf rake to quickly collect the thatch once it’s pulled up, a wheelbarrow, and lawn waste bags to dispose of the debris, which will cost you around $100. For more information, check out our guide: How to Dethatch Your Lawn
Since the typical price for professional lawn dethatching is between $65 and $160, calling a pro may be more cost-effective if you don’t already own some of the necessary equipment. It will also save you time and effort.
Other factors that affect cost
Other traits of your lawn – not just its size – can affect the cost of dethatching. Each property is unique and presents its own set of challenges related to the following factors.
Topography
Topography can impact the cost of dethatching your lawn. Lawns that are uneven, steep, or have a lot of obstacles (such as trees, walkways, or landscaping) may take longer and be more challenging to dethatch. Lawns that are flatter, in better condition, and with fewer obstacles will take less time to dethatch, meaning labor will cost less.
Amount of thatch
The thickness of your lawn’s thatch layer will affect how long it takes to dethatch. While some thatch is good for a healthy lawn, it’s wise not to let it build up too much between services to keep costs low. If your lawn produces a lot of thatch, you may need to dethatch annually.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions can affect not just the price of your service but the quality. We don’t recommend dethatching your lawn during rainy seasons. Dethatching your lawn after a rainstorm will complicate the process and increase prices. Likewise, dethatching during winter or on the hottest summer day can make it harder for your lawn to bounce back.
When’s the best time to dethatch your lawn? During its peak growing season, when the soil is moist. The best time of year to dethatch cool-season grasses is late summer to early fall. For areas with warm-season grasses, late spring to early summer is the best time.
Dethatching is serious surgery for your lawn, and getting it done during these seasons ensures a healthy recovery.
FAQ
Signs include spongy or uneven turf, excessive thatch, poor water absorption, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Recovery time varies but typically ranges from a few weeks to a month. After dethatching your lawn, regular watering and proper lawn care practices are essential to support recovery and encourage new, healthy grass growth.
Yes, you can combine dethatching with services like aeration or overseeding for a comprehensive lawn care approach, potentially reducing overall service costs.
Read more about this in our article: Can You Dethatch and Aerate at the Same Time?
The Thatch Stops Here
If your lawn is developing dry spots, thinning, and looking less green, don’t hesitate to dethatch your lawn. Dethatching allows your lawn to get the nutrients it needs and return to its most lush self.
You can buy a power rake, dethatching machine, or tow-behind dethatcher from your local home improvement store and have your lawn looking fresh with just a little bit of sweat on your part.
If you’d rather leave the slicing and dicing to the experts, call a local lawn care pro and ask about their lawn dethatching services. You can sit back and relax while your lawn is revitalized.
Maria Isabela Reis and Melanie Joseph contributed to this article.
Read More:
– Lawn Care Cost Guide
– Aeration Cost Guide
– Mowing Cost Guide
– Weed Control Cost Guide
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with lawn maintenance contractors in your area.
Main Photo Credit: stenkovlad | Adobe Stock Free | License
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