A lush, healthy lawn is the pride of any homeowner, but achieving that perfect carpet of green requires more than just regular mowing. Thatch—a dense layer of dead grass and organic matter—can build up over time, preventing water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil. This is where a lawn mower with a dethatching function becomes an invaluable tool, combining the convenience of cutting grass with the power to revitalize your turf.
Whether you prefer the freedom of cordless electric, the consistent power of a corded model, or the robust performance of gas, there is a machine designed to meet your lawn’s specific needs. From compact options for smaller yards to heavy-duty models for larger properties, the right mower can simplify your lawn care routine and promote a thicker, healthier lawn. Our roundup highlights the best options available to help you make an informed decision.
The Best Lawn Mowers with Dethatcher for a Healthier Yard
- Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
- Toolsempire Electric Lawn Mower, 13″ Corded Lawnmower
- YARDCARE 16‑Inch 2‑in‑1 Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier
- Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
- Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier
- Earthwise 15-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Dethatcher
- Honda HRX217VKA 21-in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Toro 21381 Recycler 22-Inch SmartStow Gas Mower
Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
For those seeking a lightweight and user-friendly solution, the Greenworks 24V cordless mower is an excellent choice. Its brushless motor provides efficient power with up to 30 minutes of runtime from the included 4.0Ah battery, allowing you to maintain smaller lawns without the hassle of cords or gas. The easy push-button start gets you going instantly.
This mower features a 13-inch cutting deck that is easy to maneuver around tight corners and garden beds. A single lever controls five different cutting height positions, letting you adapt to various grass conditions. The 2-in-1 function gives you the option to either mulch clippings for nutrients or bag them for a clean finish.
Toolsempire Electric Lawn Mower, 13″ Corded Lawnmower
The Toolsempire corded electric mower offers consistent power for medium-sized yards, eliminating concerns about battery life. Its robust 10 Amp copper motor spins the blade at up to 3450 rpm, delivering a clean cut every time. As an electric model, it operates without gas, oil, or emissions, making it an environmentally conscious option.
This mower provides three adjustable cutting heights to maintain your grass at the perfect length. A sizable 6.6-gallon grass collection box means you can cover more ground without frequent stops to empty the clippings. This feature is particularly useful when dethatching, as it efficiently collects a large amount of debris.
YARDCARE 16‑Inch 2‑in‑1 Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier
If your primary focus is serious lawn rehabilitation, the YARDCARE 2-in-1 dethatcher and scarifier is a specialized powerhouse. It is important to note that this device is designed for collecting debris and loosening soil, not for cutting grass. Its powerful 15-amp motor and 16-inch working width make quick work of removing thatch and aerating compacted soil.
The standout feature is the quick-release blade system that allows you to effortlessly switch between dethatching and scarifying modes. With five precise depth adjustments for each function, you can customize the treatment for your lawn’s specific needs, promoting deeper root growth and improved turf density throughout the seasons.
Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
For larger lawns where cordless convenience is a priority, the Greenworks 80V model delivers substantial power and a wider cutting path. Part of a robust ecosystem of tools, this mower uses a high-voltage battery system that provides ample runtime and power comparable to some gas mowers, but without the noise, fumes, or maintenance.
The 21-inch steel deck allows you to cover more area with each pass, significantly reducing your mowing time. This model includes a dethatching function to help keep your lawn healthy while you cut. It is an ideal solution for homeowners who want the freedom of cordless operation without compromising on performance for a larger property.
Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier
The Sun Joe AJ801E is a popular and dedicated dethatcher known for its effectiveness and value. Its 12-amp motor generates plenty of power to aggressively pull thatch and moss from your lawn, while the scarifying function helps prepare the soil for overseeding. This tool is designed specifically for lawn renovation, not for mowing grass.
It features an easy-to-adist depth control and a generous collection bag to keep your lawn tidy after dethatching. The Sun Joe is a fantastic tool for performing annual or semi-annual lawn maintenance to prevent thatch buildup and encourage a lush, dense turf.
Earthwise 15-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Dethatcher
The Earthwise corded dethatcher offers a balance of power and maneuverability for regular lawn care. Its 12-amp motor provides reliable performance for breaking up matted thatch and loosening the soil surface. The 15-inch working width is manageable for most users and efficient for covering average-sized lawns.
As a corded electric model, it provides unlimited runtime as long as you have access to an outlet, making it a dependable choice for a thorough lawn treatment. This tool is purpose-built for dethatching, helping to improve the overall health and appearance of your grass by allowing water and nutrients to penetrate the root zone more effectively.
Honda HRX217VKA 21-in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
For the ultimate in gas-powered performance and versatility, the Honda HRX217VKA is a top-tier choice. It features Honda’s renowned engine reliability and the innovative Versamow System, which gives you unparalleled control over grass clippings. This system allows you to mulch, bag, discharge, or layer clippings in one pass.
The self-propelled drive system with four speed settings makes mowing large or hilly lawns much less strenuous. While its primary strength is cutting, its ability to finely mulch and manage clippings helps prevent thatch buildup. This mower is an investment for those who demand professional-grade results and a perfectly manicured lawn.
Toro 21381 Recycler 22-Inch SmartStow Gas Mower
The Toro Recycler is a smart and efficient gas mower known for its personal pace self-propulsion and easy storage. The SmartStow feature allows you to store the mower vertically in your garage or shed, saving a significant amount of space. Its powerful engine ensures consistent performance even in challenging grass conditions.
This mower excels with its ability to recycle grass clippings so finely that they disappear back into the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer. This process helps reduce the need for bagging and can contribute to a healthier lawn that is more resistant to thatch buildup. It’s a practical and reliable workhorse for the average homeowner.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Lawn Mower with Thatcher
So, you’re in the market for one of the best lawn mowers with thatcher for your lawn. That’s a smart move for keeping your grass healthy, but with so many options, the choice can feel overwhelming. I’ve been through this process, and I want to share what I look for to make the right pick. It really boils down to your lawn’s specific needs and how you like to work.
First, consider the power source. Gas-powered mowers are the traditional workhorses. They offer immense power and total freedom from cords, which is perfect for large or hilly properties. The downside is the maintenance; you have to deal with oil changes, spark plugs, and of course, buying gas. They’re also louder and produce emissions. On the other side, you have electric mowers, which split into corded and cordless (battery-powered) models. Corded mowers are lightweight, quiet, and virtually maintenance-free, but you are limited by the length of your extension cord. Cordless models give you more freedom, and the battery technology has improved dramatically. They’re quiet, eco-friendly, and great for small to medium-sized lawns, as long as you have a battery that can last the whole job.
Next, think about the mower’s configuration. A dedicated dethatcher is a separate machine that only does that one job. If you have a very large lawn with a serious thatch problem, this might be your best bet for a deep, thorough clean. However, for most of us, a mower with a dethatching attachment is the more practical and space-saving choice. Many modern mowers have a setting that lowers steel tines or blades to pull up thatch as you mow. This is super convenient because you’re doing two jobs at once. When looking at these, check how easy it is to engage the dethatcher—it should be a simple lever or dial, not a tool-requiring chore.
Don’t forget about the practical stuff. What is the cutting width? A wider deck means you’ll finish mowing faster. How easy is it to adjust the height of the cut? A single lever that adjusts all wheels at once is a huge time-saver. Also, consider the collection system. If you’re dethatching, you’re going to be pulling up a lot of material. A large-capacity bag is essential, or a robust mulching system if you prefer to return the fine thatch clippings to the lawn as nutrients. Finally, assess your own physical strength and storage space. A heavy, bulky mower can be a pain to maneuver and store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a dethatcher do on a lawn mower?
A dethatcher on a lawn mower is a set of sturdy tines or blades that operate at a lower level than the mowing blade. As you push the mower, these tines aggressively rake through the soil and grass, pulling up the layer of dead grass, moss, and debris (known as thatch) that sits at the base of your lawn. This process helps water, air, and nutrients reach the soil more effectively, promoting healthier root growth. It’s like giving your lawn a deep, invigorating scrub.
How often should I use the dethatching function?
You don’t need to dethatch every time you mow. In fact, doing it too often can stress your grass. For most lawns, a thorough dethatching once or twice a year is plenty. The best times are during your lawn’s peak growing seasons, typically in the early spring or early fall. This timing gives the grass a chance to recover and fill in any bare spots quickly. If you notice water pooling on your lawn instead of soaking in, or if the turf feels spongy, it’s probably time to dethatch.
Can I dethatch with a regular mower?
No, a standard mower is not designed to dethatch. The mowing blade is set to cut the tops of the grass blades, while dethatching requires specialized tines to dig into the turf and pull material up from the root zone. Using a regular mower for this will not be effective and could damage the mower. You need a machine specifically built for dethatching, which is why finding one of the versatile best lawn mowers with thatcher for your lawn is such a great solution—it combines both tools into one.
Is it better to bag or mulch the debris after dethatching?
This is a great question because dethatching creates a lot of debris. I strongly recommend bagging it. The material you pull up is primarily dead, dry matter that won’t break down easily if you leave it on the lawn. Leaving it there can actually smother the grass and contribute to a new thatch layer, defeating the whole purpose. Use the mower’s bagging attachment to collect all the thatch and dead moss. Afterward, your lawn will look a bit ragged, but it will breathe much easier and be ready for overseeding or fertilizing.
Are lawn mowers with dethatchers good for all grass types?
Most common cool-season and warm-season grasses benefit from dethatching. However, you should be a bit cautious with certain grass types that have sensitive root systems, like Centipede grass or St. Augustine. For these types, a very aggressive dethatching might do more harm than good. It’s always a good idea to research your specific grass type or talk to a local gardening expert. Often, for these sensitive lawns, a lighter form of dethatching, called verticutting, might be a better option.