The Best Lawn Dethatchers of 2024

An affordable pick previously reviewed by our experts, the Sun Joe AJ801E is the best dethatcher for people looking to scarify their lawn. A push-to-start, push-to-stop button gets this 27-pound, self-propelled machine going, and a cutting width of 13 inches ensures a decent amount of space to be worked on at a time.

Unlike other outdoor equipment, the Sun Joe is an electric, corded mower, so you may want to invest in a couple 50-foot power extension cords in order to give you more leeway, especially considering your access to plug-ins. Two attachments and five depth settings make it easy to rake up dead plant material, while the scarifier option will do that as well as churning up the soil. Plus, a detachable collection bag ensures easy cleanup.

It should be noted that you’ll need additional tools in order to switch between the dethatcher and scarifier.

Our tester liked the Sun Joe for its efficiency, but this is also part of the Sun Joe’s problem—it may be too efficient for the collection bag to keep up with on occasion.

A 10-Amp motor drives the Greenworks lawn dethatcher across 14 inches of cutting area, making this a good option for midsize yards; 18 stainless steel tines do the work and can be positioned in three depth levels for your specific lawn. This all makes for less need to go over areas more than once, even if your yard’s uneven in spots.

We like that Greenworks included a padded grip, making for a more comfortable push for this 26-pound powered machine. Plus, the foldable design allows for easy storage when not in use. While a solid choice for a dethatcher, some users worry that the plastic may be lightweight and won’t hold up over time. We would recommend this compact dethatcher for those newer to lawn care, or those who aren’t looking for a heavy-duty machine to tackle large tracts of land.

A great addition to your current ride-on lawn mower, the Agri-Fab Tow Dethatcher is our top pick for lawn enthusiasts and larger yards. A universal hitch makes for easy use with any lawn tractor, four-wheeler, or side-by-side, and a total of 20 tines are distributed across 40 inches of cutting area. Lifting and lowering said tines is done with an adjustable handle, and a tray allows for additional weight up to 70 pounds.

Due to this straightforward design and the lack of a motor, the Agri-Fab has less need for upkeep and is bound to last longer than more intricate models available. We love the lack of upkeep needed to keep this model in good working condition.

It’s important to note that the weight added to the Agri-Fab’s tray is what gives it the power to dig into your lawn, making it a little trickier to get an even cut. What we don’t like about the Agri-Fab is that its large body makes it harder to store, so if you’re lacking in space, this won’t be a good fit for you.

A cutting width of 48 inches makes the Brinly tow-behind dethatcher another great option for bigger yards. Two rows of twelve independently flexing spring-steel tines comb through thick thatch buildup and are sure to get your yard cleaned up in no time. And while this attachment is heavy-duty, there’s a built-in safety rod in the event of one of your tines breaking off, protecting your lawn mower. In addition, the eight-inch transport wheels make it easy to move the Brinly dethatcher without fuss.

The universal attachment can be assembled easily—using either the included manual or a Brinly-specific YouTube video—to get you in gear quickly.

For large yards, the Brinly is a great choice, but keep in mind that you’ll need a dedicated place to keep this large piece of equipment, and it can be cumbersome to store.

A compact solution for your lawn-care needs, the Worx 12-Amp corded dethatcher delivers 14 inches of cutting space to help your yard reach its potential. Like other models, the tines on the Worx dethatcher have the option for three depth settings, but the real standout feature is the ability to fold down for easy storage.

Some users report thatch problems with the Worx shortly after first use, but this doesn’t seem to be a major issue for the majority. Folks do seem to have issues with the collection bag falling off the machine, which does defeat the purpose in collecting the dead material at all, but we still like this machine for medium-sized yards.