Dethatching

Is thatch bad for a lawn? Yes. Too much thatch is not good. If left untreated, thatch can develop into a nearly impenetrable disease-harboring mat between grass and the soil.

Thatch sounds worse than it is, for it can be removed quickly and easily using a hand rake. Once the initial thatch layer is removed, future problems can be avoided by following proper fertilizing and watering procedures. Dethatching involves the removal of the matted layer of dead and decaying plant material between growing grass and the soil.

- If your lawn is off-color and thinning, and you can't see bare ground between the plants but instead see matted, fibrous material, it's time to deathwatch!

If your lawn is thick, rich and deep green, and you can't see bare ground between the plants but instead see matted, fibrous material, it's time to dethatch. 

As stated before, thatch is not caused by leaving grass clippings on the lawn. Instead, thatch is an indication that dead plant stems and roots are not being broken down as quickly as new growth is taking place.

Avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering, as these may contribute to thatch build-up. Products containing natural enzymes and micronutrients can be added to the soil to aid in the natural breakdown of thatch materials.