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Over time, lawns can accumulate thatch, a layer of slowly decomposing grass, dead organic matter dead roots, and debris that's above the sod and below grass blades. The name thatch is appropriate, like a thatched roof, it stops water and fertiliser from reaching the soil and provides a place for insects to hide.
Thatch is a problem only when it becomes too thick. A layer of thatch ¼ inch to ½ inch thick is beneficial to the lawn. It buffers soil temperatures and adds to the resilience of the lawn, thereby reducing the compaction of soil that can result from heavy use.
When too thick, however, thatch is water repellent. Conscientious gardeners may think they are watering enough, when in fact the water never reaches the soil. Grass roots that grow in the thatch layer instead of in the soil are less drought resistant, since the moisture in the thatch evaporates faster than the moisture that penetrates the soil.
Insects and diseases find thatch a particularly suitable place to inhabit. Since water does not penetrate it easily, neither do the products used to control pests and diseases. It can take up to two or three weeks to control soil insects like grubs under a lawn with thatch, as opposed to half that time in a thatch free lawn.
Because the thickness and density of thatch varies, lawn mowers are more likely to cut unevenly, causing scalping.
Does my lawn need scarifying?
Examining your lawn is the best way to tell whether it needs scarifying. This will be done by your Countrywide Lawn Doctor as part of your free lawn survey.
How do I remove thatch from my lawn?
The most effective way to remove thatch from a home lawn is with a powered rake. Resembling a heavy duty lawnmower, a scarifyer has a series of revolving tines that pull through the thatch and bring it to the surface of the lawn. This a service carried out by your Countrywide Lawn Doctor. |
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