I live in Spokane, Washington. Here, thick moss and tough thatch can take over your lawn if you blink too long. A couple of springs ago, I stood in my backyard with a rake in hand. I had no idea how to bring my lawn back to life.
That’s when I started looking for something better—something electric, quiet, and easy to use. That search led me to the Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher/Scarifier.
I bought it out of frustration, hoping it would save my weekends. What surprised me was what happened after two full lawn seasons. Let’s just say I found more than dead grass.
In this Greenworks dethatcher review, I’ll tell you how it worked for me, what I liked, and the one thing I wish I had known before I clicked “Add to Cart.”
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher/Scarifier
- Product Name: Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher/Scarifier (Model DT13B00)
- Type: Electric corded dethatcher with a scarifier blade you can swap out
- Best For: Small to medium lawns with thick thatch; great for people who want a green, easy-care tool
- Price Range: Usually between $130 and $160, based on where you shop and the time of year
This dethatcher works well for many homeowners across the U.S. It’s a great pick in places like the Pacific Northwest, where moss grows fast. If you’re used to loud gas tools, this quiet electric one is a nice change. It’s cleaner, easier, and better for the planet.
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Why I Chose It
When I first looked at dethatcher reviews, I felt overwhelmed. So many looked the same. But a few things about the Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher/Scarifier stood out.
Interchangeable Blades (Dethatcher + Scarifier)
This was a big deal for me. It’s not just a dethatcher—it also comes with a scarifier blade. That means I can do a light cleanup or dig deeper to prep the soil for seeding. Not many tools offer both, especially at this price.
Comfortable Handle
I didn’t think the handle would matter—until I had to push this thing for a while. It has a soft grip and adjusts to fit your height. I’m 5’11”, and it felt just right. No bending, no wrist pain.
Lightweight but Sturdy
It weighs just under 30 pounds, so it’s light. But it doesn’t feel cheap. I can carry it from my garage to the yard without a problem. That’s a plus when you’re working alone.
Easy Height Adjustment
There’s one lever on the side. You use it to raise or lower the tines or blades. I tried it on different lawn spots—some packed down, some loose—and could change the height fast. No tools needed.
No-Fuss Corded Power
I thought about going cordless. But for my mid-sized yard, a cord made more sense. I don’t have to worry about charging a battery. It’s strong enough to pull up thick moss, which we get a lot of here in the Pacific Northwest. Just make sure to use a 14-gauge extension cord. It helps.
What Could Be Better
Even though the Greenworks 13 Amp Dethatcher/Scarifier gets a lot right, it’s not perfect. A few small things may matter, depending on your yard.
Cord Management Can Be a Pain
This isn’t the tool’s fault, but using a corded model means you’re always watching the cord. I’ve had to stop a few times to untangle it or keep it from getting under the wheels. If your yard has trees or tight spaces, be ready for that.
No Collection Bag
It pulls up a lot of thatch—but leaves it all on the ground. That means you’ll need a rake or a mower with a bag to clean up after. For small lawns, it’s not bad. But on bigger ones, cleanup takes time.
Scarifier Blade Can Be Aggressive
The scarifier does its job, but it can cut deep—sometimes too deep. I suggest starting on the highest setting first. I went too low once and ended up with bare spots I had to reseed.
Wheels Could Be Smoother
This is a small gripe, but worth a mention. The wheels work, but they’re stiff and small. On uneven ground (like mine), the ride can get a little bumpy.
My Personal Gardening Experience
One of the first times I used the Greenworks dethatcher was on a cold March morning. The lawn was wet, and moss had taken over the shady side of my yard. I plugged it in, said a quick prayer, and turned it on. I was shocked—thatch and moss flew up in thick clumps. I filled three lawn bags in just one pass. It felt weirdly fun, like peeling off a sticker in one smooth pull.
Another time, I swapped in the scarifier blade before I added new seed. I used the highest setting and ran it gently over the bare spots near the fence. It scratched the soil just enough to help the seeds take hold. A month later, the bare spots were gone. My backyard looked even and green for the first time.
I even let my neighbor try it. He’s in his late 60s and usually sticks with hand tools. After five minutes, he looked up and said, “Where was this thing twenty years ago?”
That’s when I knew I made the right choice.
Who Should Buy This?
If you have a small or medium lawn with thick thatch or moss, this dethatcher is a smart choice. It’s extra helpful in cool, wet areas—like the Pacific Northwest or Northeast—where moss grows fast and spring lawns stay damp.
This tool is great for:
Homeowners who want a clean lawn without gas or noise
It’s electric, so it’s much quieter than gas models. You can use it on a Sunday morning without waking your neighbors.
People new to lawn care
Never dethatched before? No problem. This tool is easy to use. Just plug it in, pick the height, and go. No special tools or strength needed.
Anyone tired of raking by hand
I used to rake for hours—and still missed spots. This tool gets more done in less time, and your back will thank you.
DIYers getting ready to seed or fix bare patches
The scarifier blade helps loosen packed soil. That gives your new grass seed a better chance to grow strong.
But it’s not for everyone.
Skip this dethatcher if:
You have a huge yard or wide open space
It’s only 14 inches wide and has a cord. That’s fine for smaller areas, but slow for big ones. A gas or ride-on model may work better.
Your lawn is bumpy or full of roots and rocks
The small wheels can bounce on rough ground. It works best on flat or gently sloped lawns.
You want something cordless
If cords drive you crazy—or your outlets are far—you might want a battery-powered model. Just know they cost more and often have less power.
Bottom line?
If moss and thatch are wrecking your lawn, and you want a light, simple, eco-friendly fix, the Greenworks dethatcher is worth it. It’s a solid tool for homeowners who want great results without losing the whole weekend.
Alternative Option to Greenworks Dethatcher
Before I picked the Greenworks dethatcher, I tried a few others—just to see what was out there. One of them was the Sun Joe Electric Lawn Dethatcher & Scarifier. I used it at a friend’s house and have some quick thoughts to share.
If you’re wondering how it compares, here’s a simple breakdown:
Greenworks Dethatcher vs. Sun Joe
| Feature | Greenworks 13 Amp | Sun Joe 12 Amp |
| Power | 13 amps – strong and steady | 12 amps – still good, but a bit less torque |
| Cutting Width | 14 inches – covers more area per pass | 13 inches – fine, just a bit narrower |
| Blade System | Interchangeable blades for dethatching & scarifying | Comes with both – solid steel tines |
| Height Adjustment | Easy single lever with 5 levels | 5 levels too – but a little harder to adjust |
| Collection Bag | No bag – you’ll need to rake or mow after | Has an 8-gallon bag – handy but fills fast |
| Handle Comfort | Soft grip, adjusts to your height | Simple grip – works, but not as comfy |
| Weight | Around 28 lbs – easy to move | About 27 lbs – slightly more rigid feel |
| Noise Level | Quiet – good for mornings or tight spaces | Louder – especially in scarifier mode |
| Cord Management | Basic – cord can get in the way | Same – no cord holder built in |
| Best For | Moss-heavy lawns, fast cleanup and prep | General use – good if you want a built-in bag |
My Experience with the Sun Joe
I used the Sun Joe on a lawn in Oregon. That yard had some patchy thatch, but not much moss. It worked fine and pulled up lots of dead grass. I liked the built-in bag—it made cleanup easier. But it filled up fast, so I had to stop often to empty it. The handle felt stiff after a while too.
If you want a dethatcher that collects debris as you go, the Sun Joe is a solid choice. But if your yard has more moss or you need something easier to push, I still think the Greenworks is the better pick.
Final Thoughts
After two seasons, I can say this dethatcher made lawn care easier—and even kind of fun. If you’re sick of moss, thick thatch, or long weekends spent raking, the Greenworks is a smart pick.
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FAQs – Greenworks Dethatcher Review
What does the Greenworks dethatcher do?
It removes dead grass, moss, and yard debris. This helps your lawn breathe and grow better, especially in early spring.
Is the Greenworks dethatcher good for thick lawns?
Yes. It works well on thick or packed grass. For very heavy thatch, you might need to go over it twice or use a deeper setting.
Can I use the Greenworks dethatcher on wet grass?
Try to wait for dry grass. Wet turf can clog the blades and strain the motor.
How deep does the Greenworks dethatcher go?
It has three depth levels. The deepest one removes up to 0.4 inches of thatch.
Does the Greenworks dethatcher need a bag?
No, it doesn’t come with a bag. You’ll need to rake or mow after to pick up the loose stuff.
