What is Thatch? How to Control Thatch
At the base of your grass blades is your turf, a layer of earth that serves as the surface of your lawn. Beneath this, sandwiched between your turf and the soil is thatch, a tightly knit accumulation of dead but un-decomposed organic debris. Thatch is a normal part of your lawn. It's natural function is to conserve water, insulate the grass from fluctuating temperatures, and increase your turf's resilience. The correct amount of thatch is less than 1/2 inch.
Too much - more than 1/2 inch - is harmful to your lawn. It will become a waterproof carpet over the soil, preventing the soil from getting enough moisture. The roots of the grass then grow in the thatch layer (because there is insufficient water in the soil) and these shallow root systems decrease the turf's defense against insects, diseases, temperature extremes and drought.
What is the solution?
Lawn and Landcare offers a thatching service that removes excess thatch from lawns with a dethatcher. This causes some tearing to your yard and may take a few weeks to regain a healthy appearance. However, this service provides an invaluable benefit to your grass and the result will be a healthier, more resilient lawn. There are "seasons" for removing thatch: if done at the wrong time of year, your grass may suffer more damage due to exposure to temperature extremes or drought. The best times to have your thatch removed are late April to May and September to early October.
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