How to Reduce Thatch in Your Lawn

Thatch is a loose organic layer of dead and living shoots, stems, and roots that grow inbetween the soil surface and your grass. It develops when your grass creates organic debris faster than it can break it down. In small amounts, it can be beneficial for your lawn. For example, a thin layer can provide insulation and help control soil moisture. But if you have too much, roots might develop in the thatch, which isn’t a conducive location for healthy growth. Continue reading to learn how you can reduce thatch in your lawn.

How to Reduce Thatch in Your Lawn

Dethatch

On a dry day, use a thatch rake or a stiff-tined rake to comb through the grass in a back-and-forth motion applying enough pressure to reach the bottom layer of thatch and slightly penetrate the soil. Larger lawns often require dethatching machines that can often be rented from your local home improvement store. These are called vertical mowers.

Collect the Thatch

Now it’s time to get rid of the thatch you’ve collected. Use a rake to gather the thatch onto a tarp or into lawn waste bags. Either compost or throw away the collected debris. Be sure not compost chemically treated grass, however.

Aerate and Seed

Dethatching might leave your lawn looking bare and/or patchy, so reseeding is often necessary. Before reseeding, aerate your soil to allow the soil and existing roots to absorb water, sunlight, fertilizer, and other nutrients. Spread seeds where there are bare spots on the lawn and water thoroughly until the new grass has established itself.

Call Green Lawn Fertilizing to Help Reduce Thatch in Your Lawn

Excessive thatch can cause your lawn to lose its healthy green luster. Call Green Lawn Fertilizing to help keep your yard as healthy and green as can be. Our Green Lawn Program features eight applications throughout the year to take care of the entire health of your lawn. Contact us today at 855-469-0692 to learn more and schedule a service.