How Much Does It Cost to Dethatch a Lawn? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

The cost to dethatch a lawn ranges from $100 to $600, with an average of $180 for most homeowners. Prices depend on lawn size, dethatching method, and local labor rates. Expect to pay between $10 and $30 per 1,000 square feet if the price is based on area. Investing in dethatching can revitalize your lawn and prevent future issues.

Lawn Dethatching Cost Factors

Understanding what impacts the cost to dethatch a lawn helps you plan and budget for this important yard maintenance task. Let’s break down the main factors that determine your total outlay.

Type of Dethatching

There are several methods for dethatching, each with its own cost and suitability depending on your lawn’s condition:

• Manual dethatching uses a specialized rake and is best for small lawns with light thatch. It is labor-intensive but has the lowest material costs. 

• Power rakes use motorized equipment to remove thatch quickly and are suitable for medium to large lawns. 

• Vertical mowers (or verticutters) cut deeper into the lawn and are ideal for very thick thatch layers, but can be harsh on delicate grass. 

• Liquid dethatching involves applying biological or chemical treatments that break down thatch over time, offering a gentler but slower approach.

Choose a method based on your lawn’s size, grass type, and thatch thickness. For heavy thatch or large areas, professional equipment is often necessary. For delicate or newly established lawns, less aggressive methods are best.

Size

Lawn size is one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of dethatching a lawn. Larger lawns require more time, labor, and equipment, which increases the total price. Most professionals charge per 1,000 square feet, with service minimums for very small lawns.

For example, a small lawn under 2,000 square feet may fall at the lower end of the price range, while a half-acre or larger property will cost significantly more. If your lawn is small, expect a minimum service fee even if the square footage would suggest a lower price.

Frequency

How often you dethatch affects your overall costs and the health of your lawn. Most lawns require dethatching every one to three years, depending on grass type and local conditions. Some homeowners opt for a one-time service, while others choose recurring maintenance, which can provide cost savings.

One-time dethatching costs more per visit, but regular service contracts may provide discounts. Neglecting dethatching can lead to thick, unhealthy thatch, which is more expensive and labor-intensive to remove in the future.

Materials

Materials and equipment play a direct role in the cost of dethatching a lawn, especially for DIY enthusiasts. Renting a power rake or vertical mower is less expensive than buying one, but frequent DIYers may consider purchasing their own tools. You’ll also need materials like disposal bags, restoration products, or grass seed if you plan to overseed after dethatching.

Labor

Labor is a major expense if you hire a professional. Lawn care companies and landscaping contractors commonly offer dethatching services. Labor may be charged per hour, per 1,000 square feet, or as a flat fee. Experience, equipment quality, and local market rates all influence labor costs.

Experienced local dethatching pros with commercial-grade equipment charge more, but the results are often more thorough. Expect higher labor rates in metropolitan areas or regions with a short growing season. Complex lawns with slopes, irregular shapes, or obstacles may also increase labor charges.

Location

Where you live affects the cost of dethatching a lawn, due to differences in local labor rates, climate, and demand. Urban areas, particularly in regions with a high cost of living, tend to have higher prices. Climate zone also plays a role—areas with fast-growing grass may require more frequent dethatching, which can impact annual costs.

Lawns that are difficult to access, such as those in backyards with narrow gates or steep slopes, often cost more due to the extra effort required.

Tipping

Tipping is not required for lawn dethatching, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. If you choose to tip, $10 to $20 per worker or 10% of the total bill is customary. Alternatives to tipping include leaving a positive review or recommending the company to friends and neighbors. These gestures also help your favorite lawn care pros grow their business.

How Often Should You Dethatch a Lawn?

The frequency of dethatching depends on your grass type, climate, and how quickly thatch accumulates. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, often require dethatching every one to three years. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda or zoysia, might require more frequent attention due to faster thatch accumulation.

Watch for signs like a spongy feel underfoot, water pooling after rain, or visible layers of brown, dead material at the soil line. These indicate it’s time to dethatch.

The best time to dethatch is during periods of active growth, such as early spring or early fall. This allows your lawn to recover quickly. Dethatching during peak demand can increase costs, so scheduling in the shoulder seasons may save money. Avoid dethatching during extreme heat, drought, or dormant periods, as this can stress or damage your lawn. Dethatching too often can thin your grass, while waiting too long can lead to unhealthy turf and higher restoration costs.

Cost of Common Lawn Dethatching Add-Ons

When planning the cost to dethatch a lawn, consider popular add-on services that may improve your lawn’s health and appearance:

• Lawn aeration: $75–$200. Aeration after dethatching helps roots breathe and allows water to penetrate the soil.

• Overseeding or reseeding: $50–$150. Overseeding fills bare spots and thickens the lawn.

• Fertilization: $40–$100. Fertilizer encourages rapid recovery and lush growth.

• Topdressing: $100–$300. Adding soil or compost after dethatching helps smooth out the lawn and boost its nutrients.

• Debris removal and disposal: $20–$75. Some pros charge extra for hauling away thatch.

• Lawn repair or patching bare spots: $50–$200. Essential if dethatching reveals damaged areas.

• Soil testing: $15–$50. Helps you understand pH and nutrient needs.

• Weed control treatments: $30–$90. Useful if dethatching exposes weeds.

Add-ons are recommended if your lawn is thin, patchy, or recovering from heavy thatch buildup. Combining services may qualify you for package discounts.

Why You Should Hire a Lawn Dethatching Professional 

While it may be possible to DIY your lawn dethatching, local lawn care professionals offer additional services ​​and tools, such as specialized fertilizers, cleanup services, and automated dethatchers. The cost will be higher, but the time you save will be worth the price difference. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a lawn dethatching pro

Lawn dethatching is a long, laborious project, depending on the size of your lawn. Here are a few reasons why you should leave it to the professionals: 

• Lawn care experts work as a team to assess and dethatch your lawn, significantly reducing the time required.

• Professionals know how to thatch at the proper depth, preventing permanent damage to your lawn. 

• Experts can also inspect your lawn for other hidden issues and recommend the best future care steps. 

• Hiring a professional will save you the hassle of renting and returning the equipment required for this project. 

If you want to DIY dethatching your lawn

Here are a few things you can do to be involved in the dethatching process: 

• Help collect and remove debris from the lawn as it comes up from the dethatch. 

• Take care of the fertilization and overseeding after dethatching.

• Water your lawn a day or two before the dethatch to ensure that the soil and grass are softer and easier to work with. 

• Mow your lawn to a short grass length to expose the thatch and make the process faster and simpler.

Ways to Save on Lawn Dethatching

To keep lawn dethatching costs within budget, consider the following tips:

• Schedule dethatching during off-peak seasons for better rates.

• Combine dethatching with other lawn services for package discounts.

• Maintain regular lawn care to reduce the need for intensive dethatching.

• Rent equipment with neighbors to split costs.

• Get multiple quotes from local pros to compare pricing.

• DIY minor dethatching for small lawns or light thatch buildup.

• Avoid unnecessary add-ons unless recommended by a lawn care expert.

• Consider annual service contracts for recurring savings.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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