How to Dethatch a Centipede Lawn
Centipede grass is a popular warm-climate, low-maintenance, course-texture lawn grass that requires moist, nutrient-rich, high-pH topsoil and direct sunlight. Thatch, which is organic build-up that occurs in-between grass plants, creates a layer of unproductive growth that competes with centipede grass for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. The best long-term defense against thatch build-up is a full, healthy lawn. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Aerator
- Metal rake
- Centipede grass seed
- Lawn lime
- Fertilizer
- Spreader
- Trimmers
Instructions
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1
Using an aerator, puncture small holes in the lawn.
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2
Rake the lawn clear of rocks and organic debris that result from aerating. Use a flexible, metal rake.
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3
Reseed the lawn using 2 lbs. of centipede grass seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn using a spreader.
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4
Using a spreader, sprinkle a 1/2-inch layer of lawn lime over the seeds. Lime improves the topsoil's pH balance.
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5
Using a spreader, cover the lime and seeds with a 1/2-inch layer of clean compost or peat moss fertilizers. Fertilizer promotes topsoil productivity and reduces thatch build-up by regulating temperature and moisture and adding nutrients and minerals.
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6
Water the lawn once daily for two weeks or until new growth is visible through the fertilizer.
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7
Using outdoor trimmers, trim tree branches and bushes to increase the lawn's exposure to sunlight. Sunlight improves grass growth and the denser the growth, the less room there is for thatch build-up.
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