What is a Vertical Mower?
A vertical mower, sometimes called a power rake, can be used to remove thatch when a lawn has an excessive amount. A vertical mower has blades or tines that slice into the turf perpendicular to the soil surface.

How much lawn thatch should I remove?
The amount of thatch removed by vertical mowing depends on the depth to which the blades penetrate into the turf and soil, the weight of the machine, and the size of the power unit.

Depending on the vertical mower used and the amount of thatch to be removed, it may be necessary to go over the lawn several times for adequate thatch reduction. The large quantity of organic material brought to the surface during vertical mowing should be removed from the lawn.

When should I dethatch my lawn?
Since vertical mowing damages and thins many of the living plants, it is important to space vertical mowing so that there are at least 30 days of favorable temperature and moisture following the operation.

In the Upper Midwest, a late summer or early fall vertical mowing is preferable to minimize weed invasion. For quick recovery, the lawn should be fertilized shortly before and watered soon after vertical mowing.

What if I don’t have any thatch control equipment?
Vertical mowers, as well as aerifiers, can frequently be rented from hardware stores, garden centers, or rental outlets.