dethatch + aerate? or vice versa?

[JFGauvreau]

Simple question:

My lawns are mostly maxed 2.5k-3k sq/ft, so I'm using both wb dethatchers and aerators.

Most of my clients don't like when I leave the plugs (cores) of earth on the ground after aerating, even If I tell them they are good for your lawn and will eventually disappear, some are just really picky about it.

If I aerate first, then pass with my dethatchers, I'm thinking that the flail blades of the dethathers will brake down the plugs? What do you think?

I think if I dethatch first, then aerate, I would be pushing some thatch into the ground? Not sure if you understand.

[Smallaxe]

Sounds like you are aerating just as a matter of routine... I would plug only when necessary so as to keep the customers happy and save them some money...

[JFGauvreau]

Originally Posted by Smallaxe

Sounds like you are aerating just as a matter of routine... I would plug only when necessary so as to keep the customers happy and save them some money...

Don't worry, around here, it's always necessary to do at least 1 aeration, if not 2 per year.

[Exact Rototilling]

I have run a power rake over the plugs a few days later just to do this...just once...super dirty job. That was the last time I did that. Clean up is extra gritty. Better off mowing over them for break up.

My marketing and estimates for aerations this year has the whole plugs on the lawn are great speal. I'm also going after the habitual power raking dethatching [ I don't want aeration] crowd as well and up selling this as the cats meow cure for true thatch....as long as they are not over fertilizing and over watering and NOT mowing too short causing more fert and water to keep it green. I'm pushing a double Plugr 850 pass as the best option for anything over 1/2" of thatch. This double pass cranks out a $#it load of plugs. I absolutely dread mowing over my own lawns that I have aerated with the Plugr 850.

[Dr.NewEarth]

I like to power rake first and then leave the aeration plugs on the lawn to decompose.

If we also cut the property, I pray they can find where their dog went.

[JFGauvreau]

Originally Posted by Exact Rototilling

I have run a power rake over the plugs a few days later just to do this...just once...super dirty job. That was the last time I did that. Clean up is extra gritty. Better off mowing over them for break up.

Can you elaborate a bit more? I don't get how this can be dirty, I mean was the plugs flying everywhere?

[Dr.NewEarth]

I would think that a dry plug could turn into a dirt bomb of dust if you hit it right.

[Exact Rototilling]

Originally Posted by Dr.NewEarth

I would think that a dry plug could turn into a dirt bomb of dust if you hit it right.

Yes that is pretty much the case n dry conditions. Part of the benefit of aeraon is the soil from the plug top.dress effect. Microbes in the soil will help thatch breakdown. Even when not aerating first before a power rake I often look like coal miner. Power rake season is passing us by here...very wet.
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[JFGauvreau]

I know, I love leaving the plugs there, but most home owners see them as dog poop all over their lawn lol