Question
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Followup To
Question -
Ken,
Thanks for the previous advice (reseeding Southern Illinois). You had mentioned using a dethatcher to prepare the ground prior to reseeding. What setting or height do you recommend? Also, will using a dethatcher tear up the existing lawn (was planted last October)?
Thanks,
Barry
Answer -
A dethatcher should not rip out existing grass (may do a bit of damage, but provided it is done in late spring or early fall, the existing lawn should recover). Just set blades to penetrate 1/4 - 1/2" deep. Just the top of the soil need to be loose allowing the seeds to sit in the soil and create good soil/seed contact.

-- Kenneth

Is a verticle mower the same as a dethatcher?

Answer
There are two types of machinery commonly referred to as dethatchers, but yes - a vertical mower (which is one of them) - is what you need to use. A vertical mower uses blades to slice in to the soil. The other types use metal arms, which is not recommended in this case.