If it feels spongy, or almost bouncy, that's a sign that the thatch has gotten too thick. [substeps] If you don't mind the feeling, walk around barefoot to get an even better feel of the firmness of the ground.
[header] How to know if your lawn needs dethatching [title] Walk on the lawn to see if it feels firm or spongy. [step] The first thing that gives you a hint at whether or not your lawn needs to be dethatched is the feel of it. Walk around for awhile and see if the ground feels firm.