Thatch is a layer
of slowly decomposing grass stems,
dead roots, and debris that accumulates above the
soil and below the grass blades. Like the thatched
roof on a tropical hut, it stops water and fertilizer
from reaching the soil. A lawn
with a buildup of thatch feels spongy when you walk
on it.
Why:
Thatch is only a problem
when it becomes too thick. When it becomes too thick
it acts as a repellent, or hydrophobic. A conscience
waterer may think he or she is watering enough when
in fact the water never reaches the soil.
How:
The most accepted way to dethatch
a home lawn is by vertical cutting. A vertical cutter
has a series of revolving vertical knives that cut
through the thatch and bring it to the surface of
the lawn. You then sweep or rake this material from
the lawn.
When:
The best time to dethatch is just
before a lawn has its most vigorous growth of the
season. Dethatch warm-season grasses with the beginning
of warm weather in late spring. The prime time to
dethatch cool-season grasses is in the fall;
the second best time is in early spring.
