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The primary component of thatch is turfgrass stems and roots, and accumulates as these plant parts buildup faster than they breakdown. For example, heavy nitrogen fertilizer applications or overwatering frequently contribute to thatch by causing lawns to grow excessively fast. Avoid overfertilizing and overwatering.
How do I stop my lawn thatching?
To prevent thatch, keep leaves raked and remove some of the grass clippings after mowing. Even though they don’t directly contribute to thatch, they eventually increase the layer of material on the lawn surface. If material accumulates faster than it decays, thatch builds up.
Why do I get so much thatch in my lawn?
Thatch buildup happens if there is poor soil aeration and drainage. Improper lawn watering practices (usually too much water or too frequent water), cold soil temperatures, the use of chemical pesticides, and the use of synthetic fertilizers are all factors that increase thatch accumulation in lawns.
How do you get rid of thatch naturally?
Here are some other factors and tips to help you get rid of thatch through decomposition: You need to keep the soil moist underneath the thatch layer. Collect your clippings until the thatch problem is handled. Test the pH and add Lime as needed. Increase thatch degrading bioactivity with our Biological Dethatcher.
How does thatch build up?
Thatch build up begins when turf produces organic debris faster than it can be broken down. Those parts of grass plants that are the most resistant to decay — stem nodes, crowns, fibers of vascular tissues, and roots — make up the bulk of thatch.
How often should you dethatch your lawn?
Thatch builds up over time, so it’s not necessary to dethatch every year. Plan on dethatching every five years or so if your lawn needs it. You might want to give your lawn a quick check every year just to see how much thatch has accumulated.
Should I aerate or dethatch first?
Excess thatch blocks out air, light and water from reaching root zones. Dethatching and aeration services go hand in hand. Dethatch first, then aerate.
Does thatch prevent grass from growing?
Thatch layers of 1 inch or more become barriers instead of benefits. Thick thatch blocks water and fertilizer, and grass roots get trapped in thatch, where they’re vulnerable to heat, drought and stress. Water from irrigation can accumulate in the thatch layer, too, so grass roots suffocate from lack of air.
Does mulching create thatch?
Effects on Thatch Growth Grass clippings may add to an existing thatch problem, but as long as the lawn is mowed regularly and a mulching mower is used, mulching lawn clippings into the lawn will not cause thatch buildup. However, clumping of grass clippings may occur when you mow under wet or over-grown conditions.
Does aeration help thatch?
The equipment, called a core aerator, removes small cores of soil throughout the lawn. Aeration helps loosen the soil and helps decompose the excessive thatch layer at a faster rate.
What is the best time to dethatch your lawn?
Dethatch the Lawn For northern grass the best time to dethatch your entire lawn is in late summer to early fall when the grass is actively growing. For southern grasses, dethatch in late spring. In early spring, and for small areas, use a thatching rake, which is a sharp-tined rake that rips the thatch out of the lawn.
Is power raking the same as dethatching?
A dethatcher is a light-duty tool used to remove thatch that is up to 1/2-inch thick. A power rake is a heavy-duty garden tool primarily used by professional landscapers to lift and remove thatch that exceeds 1/2 inch in thickness.
Should you mow before dethatching?
Mow your lawn to half its normal height before you begin dethatching. Use a dethatching rake like you would a regular rake. Dig the tines into the thatch and pull it upward, helping to loosen and remove the buildup. While you rake, you should feel and see the thatch separating from the soil.
Should I mow after dethatching?
After dethatching, rake up the newly exposed thatch. Mowing your lawn will also help to clean things up. Fertilizing at this time is also important. This will help your lawn recover and fill in any bare spots.
How much does it cost to dethatch a lawn?
Most homeowners pay between $180 and $250 for dethatching. However, there are lots of services that your lawn care specialist will recommend to get your yard looking its best. Hydroseeding costs $400 to $500 and is a way to increase grass growth.
Should I seed after dethatching?
After dethatching, thatch should be removed and put in the compost pile. If you do not already have a compost pile, then you should seriously consider adding one. After this has been done, high-quality grass seed. This helps the seeds remain moist, and it provides essential nutrients, which enhances germination.
Should I fertilize after dethatching?
Because you fertilize your yard immediately after dethatching, it is best to wait until your yard has “greened” up before applying nitrogen. If you fertilize while your grass is still dormant, you encourage weeds to compete with your grass. Too much nitrogen will exacerbate your thatch problem in the future.
Does side discharge cause thatch?
Participation in the “Don’t Bag It,” “Grasscycle” or “Earth Kind” programs which encourage the recycling of grass clippings back to the lawn through use of a mulching mower or side-discharge mower, should not lead to thatch buildup in the lawn. The tendency for thatch to buildup varies among lawns.
Does molasses break thatch?
Molasses. Gelernter says, “The theory is that when applied to the soil on a seven- to 10-day schedule, the sugars in molasses promote the growth of microorganisms. These microbes then supposedly feed on the organic matter in the thatch, breaking it down so that thatch depth is decreased.
