• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy | Disclaimer
  • Contact Us
  • Contributing Writers

Chainsaw Journal

Home Tools, Power Equipment, & Toys — Expert Advice

  • Blog
  • Outdoor Tools
    • Lawn Mower
    • Leaf Blowers
    • Miter Saws
      • Miter Saw Comparison
    • Portable Table Saw
    • Outdoor Cooking
    • Log Splitter
    • Wood Chippers / Shredders
    • Hedge Trimmer
    • Snow Blowers
  • Chainsaws
    • Chainsaw Reviews
    • Battery Chainsaws
    • Gas Chainsaws
    • Electric Chainsaws
    • Chainsaw Comparisons
    • Education / How-to
  • Generators
    • Stand-By Generators
    • Gas Generators
    • Inverter Generators
    • Dual-Fuel Generators
    • Generator Education
    • Propane Generators
  • Pool Equipment
    • Robotic Pool Cleaners
    • Pool Pumps
    • Pool Heaters
  • Tools / Workshop
    • Automotive
    • Portable Air Conditioner
    • Air Compressors
  • Indoor Home
    • Air Conditioners
    • Vacuum Cleaners
  • Informative
  • Kids
You are here: Home / Blog / Greenworks Dethatcher 27022 | Review

Greenworks Dethatcher 27022 | Review

Last Updated January 15, 2016 By Chainsaw Journal

Greenworks Dethatcher 27022 10 Amp electric.
Extremely reliable and effective for dethatching your lawn.

If you like healthy green grass then the GreenWorks Dethatcher (27022) might become your new best friend. I know, that sounds silly but if you truly want a healthy lawn then dethatching is something that you must do — whether you like it or not.

Table of Contents view
1) What is thatch?
2) Too much thatch is bad
3) Aerification
4) GreenWorks Dethatcher | Model 27022
5) Sun Joe Dethatcher Joe | AJ800E
6) Agri Fab-40″ Towable Dethatcher | 45-0294

Spring and Fall are the best times of the year to dethatch, depending on the type of grass you have. How do you do you know if you need to dethatch? Well, keep reading.

To dethatch or not to dethatch? That is the question —

Before we get to the review of the GreenWorks Dethatcher (27022) it’s important to understand what ‘thatch’ actually is.

What is thatch?

Thatch is a layer of organic matter that forms between your growing grass and the soil below it. Thatch is typically composed of a wide variety of organic material, such as: stolons, leaves, rhizomes, dead grass, dead stems and roots. Your instincts might tell you that thatch is good for your lawn but in fact, the opposite is true.

Thatch greatly reduces soil moisture by creating a barrier between your grass and the soil underneath, preventing the natural flow of water, air and nutrients from circulating throughout your lawn. Essentially, thatch slowly chokes the life out of your lawn.Thatch-healthy-grass-greenworks-dethatcherExcessive thatch promotes moss to grow while encouraging insects to gather and harboring disease organisms to fluorish. From a biological perspective, thatch is almost dead. The biological properties associated with natural matter is non-existent in thatch. Also, thatch doesn’t readily absorb water and it dries quickly.

A little thatch is healthy but too much thatch will cause your lawn to remain brown underneath even after you’ve mowed your lawn. Another sign of excessive thatch is that your lawn feels ‘spongy’ when you walk on it.

Too much thatch is bad

Not only is thatch bad, but it will also prevent you from having a lush soft green lawn. I wish my dad knew that when I was a kid because I never saw a dethatcher move across our yard — and we could’ve used one back in the eighties. It’s a nice feeling to lounge in your yard when the grass is vibrant, healthy and soft.

If you have more than 1/2″ of thatch then it’s time to dethatch. Simply cut out a small area of grass and measure the depth of your thatch.

Using the Greenworks dethatcher (27022) — or any effective dethatcher — restores the natural flow of water, air and nutrients throughout your lawn. Not only will your lawn become lush again, but it will also grow thicker and stronger.

You should dethatch every year, either before the weather turns too hot in summer or six weeks before the soil freezes in autumn — but you can dethatch every 2nd year if you’re lazy. The advantage of dethatching in the fall is that it prevents fewer weeds from growing the following year.

Regular dethatching enables buds to grow at the base of the grass stems which solves the problem of having dead grass on the bottom layer of your lawn. Dethatching will set you new grass shoots free.

Never dethatch during a drought or a heat wave. Learn more about thatch.

Aerification

Aerification is an excellent way to keep thatch at bay and allow you to maintain a healthy lawn for an extended period of time. Here’s a quote from the Garden department at the University of Minnesota:

Compacted soils and soils with poor drainage tend to accumulate thatch faster than well-drained soils. Aerification promotes better moisture and air penetration into compacted soils. It helps establish a deeper and healthier root system and also stimulates the microbial activity involved in decomposing the thatch layer. To be effective, the aerifier must have hollow tines or spoons that bring the cores of soil to the surface.

Here are a couple aerators that will get the job done:

  • Yard Butler ID-6C Coring Aerator
  • Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

GreenWorks Dethatcher | Model 27022

Greenworks Dethatcher 27022 10 Amp electric.
The best dethatcher that you can buy.

"Buy from Amazon" buttonThe GreenWorks dethatcher is a relatively simple power tool, but very effective and efficient at doing what it was engineered to do — removing the thatch from your lawn and bringing it to the surface which allows you to rake it up and dispose of it. The GreenWorks dethatcher has a series of moving vertical tines that pull up thatch from your top layer of soil.

This is a 10 Amp electric model so you’ll have to manage an extension cord while you use it but for homeowners this is the way to go. It’s very easy to maneuver across your lawn so no need to worry if you’ve never used one before. It’s as straightforward as vacuuming your carpet.

I recommend a 12-gauge 100-foot extension cord so you don’t feel restricted when you use your GreenWorks dethatcher and the gauge number is important so you get the right amount of power to run it efficiently. A hundred feet cord isn’t as long as you think it is when you’re outside. You can buy one locally or online. It’s up to you.

If you want to learn more about extension cords then you’ll find useful information in our in-depth article entitled: Buying the right extension cord.

US Wire 74100 extension cord.
Long enough for most yards.

"Buy from Amazon" button

When you read the features for this dethatcher it states that there are 3 tine depth levels, which is true, but that’s a little misleading. One of the depth levels is only used for transporting the Greenworks dethatcher. So, in fact, there are only two working depth levels — 3mm and 10mm.

If you’ve never heard of Greenworks don’t worry about quality, they make great products for the lawn and garden. Not only is this Greenworks dethatcher inexpensive but it’s also well-made, reliable and powerful enough to handle most lawns.

Greenworks provides you with an very impressive 4 year warranty. You won’t find that with any other company. Personally, when I buy a product I seriously factor the warranty when making my decision. It’s nice to know that if something goes wrong you won’t have to pay to get it fixed. This dethatcher also comes with a full replacement set of tines.

Watch this great video on GreenWorks dethatcher 27022 in action.

Before you use a dethatcher make sure you mow your lawn to about 2″ high to allow the dethatcher to get deeper in the ground.

Unfortunately it doesn’t come with a dethatch collection bag. I don’t understand why it doesn’t come with one but I guess that’s why they can afford to sell it so cheap. If that’s important to you then you’ll be happier with the Sun Joe AJ800E, which I’ll cover next.

Before I end this review I will say that the Greenworks dethatcher is one of the best dethatchers for homeowners. I dare you to find a better model that has stood the test of time as this product has. If you don’t believe me just read all the reviews from satisfied customers. You can’t argue with the reputation that this dethatcher has.

If you need something for large yards that require heavy-duty dethatching then this product isn’t for you — but it wasn’t designed for that purpose either. If you want something for more demanding jobs then you should consider Agri-Fab 40″ Tine Tow Dethatcher which I briefly cover at the end of this article.

View or download the manual for the GreenWorks dethatcher 27022.

Features (GreenWorks Dethatcher):

  • 14″ dethatching width.
  • Push button start.
  • Stainless steel tines remain sharp for extended periods of time.
  • Comfortable padded grip and bale switch for added convenience & ergonomics.
  • Three position tine depth.
  • Integrated extension cord lock will prevent accidental disconnect.
  • Includes full set of replacement tines.
  • Weight: 31.5 lbs.

I’ve decided to include this informative video from HSN on the Greenworks dethatcher (27022). I know it’s just one long infomercial (and I hate infomercials) but this one is worth looking at. They provide some decent footage of the Greenworks dethatcher in action, making it easier for you to decide if it’s what you need.

The GreenWorks dethatcher 27022 is a tried and tested lawn mower that has proven itself to be highly reliable.


Sun Joe Dethatcher Joe | AJ800E

Sun-Joe-Dethatcher-Joe-AJ800E
Comes with a handy collection bag.

"Buy from Amazon" buttonIf you want an alternative to the Greenworks dethatcher then the Sun Joe AJ800E is an excellent option. It’s very similar and a little more expensive but well-constructed, reliable and perfect for homeowners.

You’ll be happy to know that this Sun Joe dethatcher comes with a collection bag (11.88 gallon) so you won’t need to rake up the lawn after. Yes, you pay for it in the overall price but it will save you time in the long run but it will fill up quickly as it’s not as big as it should be.

It’s slightly more powerful at 11 amps but that’s negligible and shouldn’t sway you one way or the other. It also has a 14″ dethatching width but it does has one advantage – it’s designed with a 5-position depth control knob allowing you to set the depth range from .12″ (3 mm below the soil) to .35″ (9 mm above the soil).

Sun-Joe-Dethatcher-Joe-AJ800E-electric
Solid construction dethatcher with some practical features.

One major stumbling block of the Sun Joe AJ800E is the 2-year warranty, compared to 4-years for the Greenworks dethatcher.

View or download the manual for the Sun Joe AJ800E.

You’ll also need a 12-gauge extension cord.

US Wire 74100 extension cord.
Long enough for most yards.

"Buy from Amazon" button

Features:

  • Well suited for small to mid-sized lawns.
  • Powerful 11-amp motor. 14” dethatching width.
  • AirBoost technology: 24 spring steel tines.
  • Maintenance free.
  • 5-position depth control.
  • 31.6 lbs (shipping weight).
  • Detachable thatch collection bag.
  • ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty.

Agri Fab-40″ Towable Dethatcher | 45-0294

Agri-Fab-40-Inch-Tine-Tow-Dethatcher-45-0294
If you have a large yard then you’ll need this towable dethatcher.

"Buy from Amazon" button

If you have a large area to cover and you own a garden tractor then you’ll need something like this Agri-Fab dethatcher for your lawn. You’ll also need to add extra weight on top for this work effectively. Notice the railing at the top of it – just add concrete slabs or a bag of sand to help ground it.

Like this…

Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher 45-0294.
An excellent dethatcher when weighted down.

View or download the manual for the Agri-Fab 40″ Tine Tow Dethatcher (45-0294).

Features:

  • Heavy-duty dethatcher for your lawn tractor.
  • 40-inches wide.
  • Rust-proof & replaceable spring-loaded tines are heat-treated for greater durability.
  • 7″ semi-pneumatic tires can handle a wide range of terrain.
  • 1-year limited warranty.

Primary Sidebar

👁️ What are you looking for?

🦅 Editor’s Picks…

💡 Safe Indoor Power

Reviews 2022 : Best Portable Power Station / Any Budget, Top Rated

Decisions, decisions, I know; it's overwhelming trying to choose the … Read More... about Reviews 2022 : Best Portable Power Station / Any Budget, Top Rated

🦟 Enjoy Your 4th of July

product image with features

2022 Reviews : Best Mosquito Fogger / New Top Rated : Outdoor & Indoor

We've updated this article with the best mosquito foggers in 2022. A lot of new foggers have entered the market … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best Mosquito Fogger / New Top Rated : Outdoor & Indoor

✨ Do you Camp? RV?

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

2022 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

Generators come in a variety of types, which you may or may not … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

⭐️ Quality Chainsaws

best cordless chainsaw

2022 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money / Top Value Models

We have a chainsaw for everyone in this article. For starters, the Makita 36V cordless (16") that … Read More... about 2022 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money / Top Value Models

🌳 Firewood Facts

2022 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

We cover a lot of territory in this article. The question : "How much … Read More... about 2022 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

🐮 Brand Comparison

Makita vs Milwaukee : Power tool brand comparison

Makita vs Milwaukee ǀ Which is the Top Power Tool Brand?

Makita vs Milwaukee : How do these two power tool brands … Read More about Makita vs Milwaukee ǀ Which is the Top Power Tool Brand?

✨ Quiet RV Power

Best RV battery generator

2022 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

What's the best RV generator for you in 2022? Lucky for you, big brands offer some exceptional … Read More about 2022 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

⚡️ Powerful Generators

2022 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

The Westinghouse WGen9500DFc, seen above, is one of the best … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

💦 Robot Pool Cleaners

best robotic pool cleaner

2022 Reviews – Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus & Nautilus Plus / Buying Guide

In this indepth review of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus (now with … Read More about 2022 Reviews – Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus & Nautilus Plus / Buying Guide

🐶 You’ll Love These

2022 Guide : Best Cordless Chainsaw — Our Top Recommendations

The WORX WG384, seen here, is an excellent choice in 2022 and … Read More about 2022 Guide : Best Cordless Chainsaw — Our Top Recommendations

🪙 Woodworking Dreams

Makita XSL07Z 18V x2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 12" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser

Reviews : Best Cordless Miter Saw — Affordable to Pro-Grade

Cordless miter saws have benefited greatly from the advancements of battery technology. Leading … Read More about Reviews : Best Cordless Miter Saw — Affordable to Pro-Grade

☄️ Emergency Backup

2022 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

Look no further, above you will see the Westinghouse WGen9500c generator … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

🐵 Is Firman a Good Brand?

Reviews : Firman Generators : Are they Worth the Money…

In 2022, how good are Firman generators? Well, generally — … Read More about Reviews : Firman Generators : Are they Worth the Money…

🍂 Optimal Leaf Blowing

best 4 stroke leaf blower

2022 Reviews : Best 4-stroke Leaf Blowers Worth Buying / New Models

How do you choose the best 4-stroke leaf blower for your your personal … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best 4-stroke Leaf Blowers Worth Buying / New Models

⭐️ Beginner Chainsaw Guide

How to buy a chainsaw. Cutting log.

2022 : Chainsaw Buying Guide for Homeowners — Facts

WELCOME to our 2022 chainsaw buying guide. Let's be honest, chainsaws haven't … Read More about 2022 : Chainsaw Buying Guide for Homeowners — Facts

🌱 Easy to Push Mowers

Best gas self-propelled lawn mower for hills

2022 Reviews : Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills | Cordless & Gas

The Craftsman M215 you see above is one of the best self-propelled lawn mower for hills --- if you want a gas … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills | Cordless & Gas

🍀 Shred Yard Debris…

product image with features

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder — Which Model is Right for You?

What's the best chipper/shredder for 2022? Keeping your lawn … Read More about Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder — Which Model is Right for You?

⚖️ Battle of the Tool Brands

Bosch vs Dewalt : historical tools and new tools

Bosch vs DeWalt : German Design vs American Design / Who Wins?

Everyone has their own idea of which tool brand is the best. So deciding on Bosch vs DeWalt tools … Read More about Bosch vs DeWalt : German Design vs American Design / Who Wins?

🙊 Do you know?

alternator vs generator

Alternator vs Generator : What’s the Difference?

Alternator vs Generator — What are the differences? This is a common question that people ask and … Read More about Alternator vs Generator : What’s the Difference?

🪵 Power Earth Augers

Makita XGD01PT / XGD01Z 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Earth Auger Kit (5.0Ah),

2022 Picks : Best Post Hole Digger / Gas, Cordless & Manual Earth Augers

Makita's earth auger, as seen in the above photo, was released in … Read More about 2022 Picks : Best Post Hole Digger / Gas, Cordless & Manual Earth Augers

💦 Affordable Cleaning

product image with features

2022 Reviews : Best Cheap Pressure Washers / You’ll Love These

What's the best cheap pressure washer that is both reliable and … Read More about 2022 Reviews : Best Cheap Pressure Washers / You’ll Love These

📐 Woodworkers Dream…

DEWALT DW735 : Best benchtop planer

2022 Reviews : Best Benchtop Planer | Top Rated Thickness Planers

It's no secret that the DeWalt DW735 is one of the best benchtop planers on the market, but in 2022

⚡️ Compact Inverter

Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

2022 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

Welcome to our Westinghouse iGen4500 Review. Did you know that … Read More... about 2022 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

🪵 Tree Removal Cost?

cost to remove a tree.

What’s the Cost to Remove A Tree? Stump Removal? & More

What's the cost to remove a tree? This is a common question among … Read More about What’s the Cost to Remove A Tree? Stump Removal? & More

⭐️ Home Backup Power

Review : Westinghouse WGen7500 / WGen7500

2022 Update : Westinghouse WGEN7500 Review / New WGEN7500c

Welcome to our Westinghouse WGEN7500 Review — a portable … Read More about 2022 Update : Westinghouse WGEN7500 Review / New WGEN7500c

🌟 Versatile Generators

DuroMax XP9000iH / 240v inverter generator

2022 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

For starters, this DuroMax XP9000iH (above) is the most powerful … Read More... about 2022 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

HOME— | Copyright 2022 | Chainsaw Journal | Affiliate Disclaimer | Site Directory | DMCA PROTECTED | —Stay Strong
  • This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase with our product links we may receive a small commission at NO COST TO YOU.(Learn More)