Thatch is a layer of roots, weeds, seeds, grasses, and other debris
that can destroy the health of your lawn. When thatch builds up
underneath your lawn, it limits the ability for your lawn to derive
the nutrients that it needs. The best way to maintain the health
of your lawn is to remove thatch, a process known as dethatching
your lawn. Certain types of grasses may be more prone to developing
thatch. Also, when grass clippings are left on the lawn after mowing,
it is possible that the clippings can contribute to thatch build
up. Thatch also appears more frequently in lawns that have never
been aerated.
Your lawn's soil should be soft enough that you can easily slide
a twig or small stick into the soil without needing force. If you
find that you need to force a small twig into the soil, then chances
are you have a strong thatch build up, that will continue to accumulate
and threaten the health of your lawn. Some other signs that your
lawn may need to be dethatched include slow draining, noticing that
it takes a long time for new growth, or if your soil turns brown
very quickly.
It's important to determine how much thatch you are dealing with.
One of the easiest and simplest ways to determine the thickness
of thatch is to remove a small plug from your lawn and examine it.
Check the area between the roots and the top of the lawn, if you
see that there is more than ½ of an inch of thatch, then
you will need to dethatch the lawn. The method that you choose to
dethatch your lawn will depend upon the level of thickness. Smaller
levels of thatch may be treated with a rake or aeration, however
areas of thatch that are 3 inches or more may require the use of
a power dethatcher or rake. Generally, it isn't recommended to use
a regular rake for the purpose of dethatching. A regular metal rake
may not reach down deeply enough into the soil and can cause damage
to the lawn's roots. If you don't have a very thick layer of thatch,
it is more preferable to aerate
the lawn then to use more powerful methods.
Allowing your lawn to grow too long will contribute to thatch.
It is best to prevent thatch by forming by regularly mowing your
lawn and keeping it fertilized. You should make sure that you aerate
your lawn on a regular basis, it is best to aerate during the spring
and fall seasons. If you use a mechanical rake to remove thatch,
you may find that your lawn has some bare spots when you are through.
If this is the case, you may want to overseed your lawn to help
fill in those areas. Lawns are best when they are three inches in
height, so be sure to keep them mowed to this length. It is also
a good idea to use a slow release nitrogen fertilizer, as an excess
of nitrogen can help contribute to excessive thatch growth.
