Lawn Dethatching
Lawn Dethatching: What You Don’t Know Could be Hurting Your Lawn
Most homeowners would agree that having a beautiful lawn is important. Not only is your yard the first impression others will have of your home, it can also be a small piece of private paradise for you and your family. In order to achieve and maintain a healthy and gorgeous lawn, there are many things that a homeowner must do. One important aspect that many people neglect is that of thatch.
What is Thatch?
Thatch is a problem among many homeowners in which large amounts of organic matter such as roots and stems fail to decompose. This issue may seem slight, but can lead to serious problems if unaddressed for too long. As unwanted matter accumulates on the soil, grass may begin to root into the material instead of the ground. When this occurs, grass becomes unstable and will not prosper or survive in inclement conditions.
How to Dethatch
Lawn dethatching can be done by hired landscape professionals or can be done on your own. While the job does require some tools, it is fairly simple and can be managed in one day. To begin lawn dethatching, you will need one of the following:
- A vertical mower or
- A multipurpose dethatcher
Either machine is designed to eliminate thatch by acting as an industrial rake. Poking down into the soil through the grass, sharp tines or knives break up unwanted debris and helps to aerate the soil. If you don’t already own one of these tools, you may find them online, in most home improvement stores, or at an equipment rental company in your area.
How to Prevent Lawn Thatch
There are several ways that you can help to eliminate thatch in your yard. Most are simple and take very little time. Taking the time to make preventative measures will save you time and money in the future. Here’s a look at some things you or a yard professional can do to alleviate problematic issues:
PH BALANCE
One of the most overlooked areas of lawn maintenance is soil PH balance. Most homeowners fail to see the importance of having their lawn tested for acidity and often wonder why their yard doesn’t perform like it should. Having your lawn analyzed either by a professional or by yourself with a store bought kit can make a huge difference in how your yard looks. Not only can adjusting PH help to keep thatch at bay, it also enables larger and more beautiful plant growth.
OVER AERATION
While aerating is always a great thing for any soil, over aeration can lead to thatch. Aeration should only be done when soil is too compact to penetrate with a sharp object such as a screwdriver or lawn stake.
AVOID EXCESS
Topdressing and nitrogen are two components for a healthy lawn, but excess can bring unwanted issues. Be sure to gauge your usage of fertilizers such as compost to ensure thatch doesn’t become unmanageable.
DIGESTERS
Another thing that homeowners can utilize in the battle against thatch is a high quality thatch digester. Applied typically once every three months, this compound can be purchased in most places dethatching equipment is sold.
Reaping the Rewards of a Thatch-Free Lawn
Keeping your land beautiful from the soil up requires diligence and a little tough work. Although the task may seem impossible at times, the rewards of your effort will be apparent as you and your family enjoys the surrounding beauty. Taking time to remove thatch is not only an integral part of keeping your lawn well rooted; it is one way to guarantee your yard will last.