Quick Answer: Power Raking vs Aeration
- Power raking: Targets thatch near the surface.
- Core aeration: Targets soil compaction below the surface.
In Fort McMurray:
- Use power raking when you have too much thatch.
- Use aeration when the soil is hard and compacted.
- Sometimes, lawns benefit from aeration + overseeding without needing power raking at all.
What Power Raking Does
- Uses rotating blades or tines to pull up thatch
- Can remove a lot of material quickly
- Is aggressive and can tear grass if overdone
Best for:
- Thatch layers over 1/2 inch
- Lawns with spongy feel and poor water penetration
What Core Aeration Does
- Removes small plugs of soil (cores) from the lawn
- Relieves compaction and improves air, water, and nutrient flow
- Encourages deeper root growth
Best for:
- Lawns with hard, compacted soil
- Poor drainage or puddling
- Preparations for overseeding and topdressing
Do You Need Both?
Sometimes, yes:
- Thick thatch and compacted soil can exist together.
- A full renovation plan might include power raking + aeration + overseeding.
But in many cases, aeration alone plus good mowing, watering, and feeding is enough.
Comparison FAQs
Q: Which should I do first: power raking or aeration?
A: If both are truly needed, many pros power rake first (to remove thatch), then aerate and overseed.
Q: Is aeration safer than power raking?
A: Generally yes. Aeration is usually less stressful to the grass than aggressive power raking.
Q: Do I need power raking if I already aerate every year?
A: Not necessarily. Aeration and good maintenance often reduce thatch buildup, making power raking less frequent or unnecessary.