Lawn De-Thatching
Thatch is a common problem of many landscape sites.
Thatch is an intermingled layer of living and dead roots, stolons, and stems between the green vegetation and the soil surface.
Thatch contains material that is largely undecomposed and some in an advanced stage of decomposition.
What causes the thatch layer to develop is not completely understood.
A typical explanation is that thatch accumulates because the production of stems, crowns, and roots exceeds the rate of decomposition.
Factors that suppress the rate of organic matter decomposition or promote excessive plant growth are thought to trigger the event.
Despite the common belief of some clients, grass clippings do not contribute to thatch. Clippings are 75 to 85 percent water and decompose quickly.
If the thatch layer exceeds one-half inch in turf, steps should be taken to reduce it.
The turf’s susceptibility to heat, cold, and drought damage increase with increasing amounts of thatch.
Scalping during mowing and insect and disease problems also increase because of thatch.
Thatch is difficult to rewet after it has dried, so irrigation efficiency decreases and localized dry spots increase.
A thatch layer impedes movement of fertilizer, herbicides, and other chemicals.
Excessive thatch, over one-half inch, should be physically removed.
Turfgrasses may be dethatched in the fall or spring.
Spring is preferred since the area can be efficiently fertilized to hasten recovery.
The area can also be over-seeded if necessary.
Contact us today for your free estimate or to schedule a lawn de-thatching and fertilizer treatment !!!
Thatch is an intermingled layer of living and dead roots, stolons, and stems between the green vegetation and the soil surface.
Thatch contains material that is largely undecomposed and some in an advanced stage of decomposition.
What causes the thatch layer to develop is not completely understood.
A typical explanation is that thatch accumulates because the production of stems, crowns, and roots exceeds the rate of decomposition.
Factors that suppress the rate of organic matter decomposition or promote excessive plant growth are thought to trigger the event.
Despite the common belief of some clients, grass clippings do not contribute to thatch. Clippings are 75 to 85 percent water and decompose quickly.
If the thatch layer exceeds one-half inch in turf, steps should be taken to reduce it.
The turf’s susceptibility to heat, cold, and drought damage increase with increasing amounts of thatch.
Scalping during mowing and insect and disease problems also increase because of thatch.
Thatch is difficult to rewet after it has dried, so irrigation efficiency decreases and localized dry spots increase.
A thatch layer impedes movement of fertilizer, herbicides, and other chemicals.
Excessive thatch, over one-half inch, should be physically removed.
Turfgrasses may be dethatched in the fall or spring.
Spring is preferred since the area can be efficiently fertilized to hasten recovery.
The area can also be over-seeded if necessary.
Contact us today for your free estimate or to schedule a lawn de-thatching and fertilizer treatment !!!