Do you have yellow or brownish spots in your lawn? Does it seem that your grass seems to be gasping for air? Maybe it is time to save your lawn from suffocation. Your lawn needs air, food and water just like we do.
What is Thatch?
Thatch is not a collection of grass clippings as some believe; it is a layer of decomposing plant and stem tissue. Too much thatch prevents water, air and nutrients to get to the roots of your lawn.
Why should I remove the Thatch?
f your layer of thatch is less than 1/2″ it is not necessary to remove it. A small amount helps hold the moisture in and prevents weeds from growing.
If your thatch is more than 1/2″ you should consider getting rid of it. If it is more than 1″ thick it is a haven for insects and too much moisture under it will cause fungus growth. You need to get the ground and roots exposed to the air again.
When should I De-Thatch?
The time of year to de-thatch your lawn could vary depending on where you live. To get the best results grass should be dry, short, and freshly cut to about 2″ or less.
How do I get rid of the Thatch?
You could hire a landscaper to do this for you, or save money and do it yourself. If you have a small lawn, you can probably get by using a metal tined garden rake and some muscle. Think of it as a large comb, you want to get up the thatch without damaging the good healthy grass.
Power models are available at your local rental store if you have a large area. The rental expert will show you how to safely operate and adjust the machine. You only want to skim the dirt, do not dig in. Some power rakes are even equipped with bag attachments. You will be amazed at how much thatch you will pull out of your lawn. You will need plenty of yard waste bags unless you are in an area where you can burn or compost.
The lawn will look atrocious at first. The next step is to water, fertilize and reseed the bare spots. Your lawn will grow back healthy, full and green.
Karen Sorensen has experience with home projects and the tools you need to make the job easier. She and her husband, Paul have owned ABC Rental Center in Round Lake Beach, Illinois since 1976. The family business is still going strong helping their neighbors save money by doing projects themselves.