I operate an equipment rental delivery service in the Portland, Oregon area. It's that time of year again when DIY homeowners are renting these items together.
Aerator (core aerator) De-thatcher (Power Rake) Overseeder (AKA Slit Seeder)
We rent them together as a lawn renovation package. Yep, that's a link to our website.
Anyway, each time we deliver these items, we are asked to suggest the correct order for their use.
My traditional thinking has been to aerate first then de-thatch (more like de-moss here in Portland) so that the de-thatcher will break up the plugs while it's also lifting thatch and moss. Finally, after removing all the moss and thatch, use the overseeder. This will leave the seed undisturbed so it can germinate.
Does anyone else have a justifiable opinion for using these machines in a different order?