best time to thatch in NorthEast

[antcap51]

My lawn needs a good thatching.

When is the best time to do it? After I cut it and the weather is warmer so the grass is growing?

Should you cut then thatch then fertilize?

Thanks for your help

[Smallaxe]

When you thatch you are cutting up the surface roots and stem and allowing water, air and fert into the actual soil.

Should have been done before last fall so the roots spend some time growing down. They will also grow down in the spring, but not with water soluable fert sitting right on top of the turf.

If you are in it for the money fertilize anytime. If it is your lawn - I would consider braodcasting sugar or even better, spreading molasses for the first few months of the season.