De-Thatching

De-thatching

What is De-thatching

Lawn dethatchers look very much like large lawn mowers; however, they have vertical rows of blades that slice through turf and rip up thatch through the grass. As the blades move across the lawn, they pull up the excessive thatch. The amount of thatch that is removed depends on how low the blades are set and how far apart. Typically, blades are set 2 inches apart Dethatching blades that contain knives or blades are best to use because they remove the most thatch without causing damage to your lawnmower or grass. When using a dethatching blade, we set the height to 1/8 to 1/4 inch above a sidewalk or driveway next to the lawn that is to be dethatched. The blades will penetrate and slice through the layer of thatch, cutting it up and lifting it to the surface of the lawn. We run the blades over the lawn two to three times, alternating the direction to ensure that the maximum amount of thatch is removed.

What Is Thatch?

Thatch looks like a layer of brown, matted grass and often is mistaken for an accumulation of grass clippings. However, thatch is the layer of rhizomes, crowns and stems left behind from dead grass.

Benefits of De-Thaching

Re-Seeding Success

By removing the layer of thatch from your lawn with a dethatching blade, you are exposing the surface of the soil under your lawn to the air. This allows you to more easily recognize if any thin patches exist in your lawn so that you can reseed the grass. Removing the thatch layer allows the seeds to reach the soil surface and receive sufficient amounts of sunlight and water, so they can sprout, take root and grow.

Water

One benefit of dethatching is that water is allowed to soak down into the soil, where it can reach the grass roots. Thick thatch buildup traps moisture and prevents it from reaching the soil.

Nutrient Penetration

Heavy layers of thatch form a barrier over the soil surface of your lawn that can stop nutrients from reaching the soil, which in turn prevents the grass’ roots access to them. Thatch can also prevent oxygen and water from reaching the roots of your lawn, causing the lower portion of your lawn to die and dry out while the tops remain green. Dethatching blades break up the layer of thatch and remove it allowing nutrients, water and oxygen to reach the soil where the roots can intake these materials that are vital for the growth of the plant.

Air

Dethatching also benefits the lawn by allowing for proper air circulation. When thatch inhibits air circulation, disease and pests have the perfect conditions for growth.

Insect and Disease Control

Thatch provides a home for damaging insects and diseases that will cause harm to lawns. Layers of thatch will block pesticides from reaching the base of the lawn and therefore act as a protection to these insects. Thatch also absorbs and holds moisture, making it an excellent place for fungal spores to germinate. By reducing the amount of thatch present in your lawn, you are reducing the possibility of damage to your lawn by pests and disease.

Fertilizer

Getting rid of excess thatch also makes fertilization worth your effort. Without the fibrous tangle of old growth in the way, fertilizer can reach the roots to feed growing grass. In addition, grass clippings left on the lawn can break down properly, giving the turf an extra boost of nitrogen.