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| Dethatching involves the removal of the matted layer of dead and decaying plant material between growing grass and the soil. |
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| Dethatching Tips |
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Dethatching Shoulds:
1. If your lawn is off-color and thinning, and you can't see bare ground between the plants but instead see matted, fibrous material, it's time to dethatch.
2. If your lawn is thick, rich and deep green, and you can't see bare ground between the plants but instead see matted, fibrous material, it's time to dethatch.
Additional Dethatching Tips:
1. Avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering, as these may contribute to thatch build-up.
2. Products containing natural enzymes and micronutrients can be added to the soil to aid in the natural breakdown of thatch materials.
Frequently Asked Dethatching Questions:
Is thatch bad for a lawn?
Yes. Too much thatch is not good. If left untreated, thatch can develop into a nearly impenetrable disease-harboring mat between grass and the soil. Thatch sounds scarier than it is, for it can be removed quickly and easily using a hand rake. Once the initial thatch layer is removed, future problems can be avoided by following proper fertilizing and watering procedures.
Will mulching or leaving grass clippings contribute to thatch build-up?
No. If you cut your lawn no more than 1/3 of the blade at a time, you're cutting off only the leafy part of the plant (versus the delicate stem); the leafy part is composed of 85-90% water. This means that clippings will easily and rapidly decompose.
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