What Is Dethatching the Lawn?
The layer of matted grass stems, roots and other organic debris that builds up between the growing leaf blade and the top of the soil is called "thatch." A little thatch can be beneficial to the health of your lawn. A layer more than 1/2 inch thick is considered excessive and should be removed. The process of removing the thatch is called dethatching. Does this Spark an idea?
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How to Dethatch a Lawn
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You can buy a special thatch rake with tines that cut through and lift out the thatch. Like any kind of raking, this can be a big job. For a large lawn you may want to consider renting a power rake. Many lawn and garden rental centers will have one. With proper lawn management you should not need to do this very often, if at all. After dethatching, it is a good time to over seed your lawn.
Factors that Effect Thatch Buildup
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When the amount of debris being produced is greater than the speed of its breakdown, you end up with thatch. Some grass varieties are more prone to excessive build up than others. Excessive growth from too much nitrogen fertilizer and mowing more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time, can lead to too much debris that needs to be broken down. Poor pH, compacted soil and pesticide use will reduce the speed of decomposition as well.
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Why Thatch is a Problem
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Thatch buildup can reduce the amount of water and nutrients that gets into the soil causing shallow root systems and poor growth. It creates a good environment for pest and diseases. Lawns with heavy thatch buildup are more susceptible to drought and disease.
Preventing Excessive Thatch buildup
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There are a few simple steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of thatch buildup in your lawn. Mow often and only remove one-third of the grass blade. Get a soil test and adjust pH and nutrients accordingly. Aeration will help solve some of the problems caused by poor drainage and soil compaction. Avoid pesticides as they may reduce the beneficial organisms which help breakdown lawn debris.
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