Knowledgebase

Raking #744494

Asked April 15, 2021, 1:20 PM EDT

Is it too early. And if so, when?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
The science of this is quite elusive and you do not say where you live.  If you live in the southern third of the state, its is ok to start now.  Do not power rake your lawn, especially if you overseeded last fall. You will tear out the new grass. A light raking to simply pull up matted leaves is fine. 
Most bee nests are in holes in the ground. Let your early pollinator food such as dandelions bloom.  It might be a good idea to leave your compost pile alone for a while for the insects nesting in there.

Normally I like to post an an authoritative link to evidence based research but I can not find any.
As a rule of thumb, if the ground can be worked, it is ok to rake.

Best of luck to you.

Hi Steve.   I selected Hennepin County, which is where I live (Golden Valley). Thanks for your advice. 

~Wendy

On Apr 15, 2021, at 1:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2021, 11:00 AM EDT

My advice stands.  Light raking is fine.  Leave your compost alone. I really wish there were some studies to back up the memes on this topic.
We have a new screen this year and I am still learning to see the data.

Best to you

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