Benefits of Lawn Dethatching for your Lawn
A healthy lawn requires adequate water, an exchange of oxygen and nutrients and a level of microbial activity in its soil. A thatch layer (an accumulation of roots, crowns and grass clippings which creates a dense mat of vegetation at the soil level) acts as an insulator, keeping soil temperatures low and helping to retain moisture. However, when thatch build-up exceeds 1/2 inch, it can prevent the exchange of water and vital nutrients from the atmosphere to the soil, decreasing the turf´s ability to thrive and fight disease and dehydration. Dethatching, also known as as combing or power raking, is a process that removes unwanted thatch. It´s recommended to dethatch in early spring or late fall to allow the lawn a better chance of recovery after combing. It is also important to insure that the blades of your comber are not set too deeply.
- Thatch is a dense mat of roots, stems and grass clippings that accumulates between the soil and growing blades of grass.
- Combing with flail blades, delta reel blades or spring tines will effectively remove thatch build-up.
- With thatch removed, air, water, nutrients, herbicides and pesticides can do their job. Turf becomes healthier and more resistant to insect damage and disease.
- Dethatching at regular intervals promotes denser growth and ensures you'll have a vibrant lawn.
Lawns suffering from thin, bare patches or those without any grass at all require aggressive renovation techniques. The lawn may be revived by overseeding with our lawn seeder. The hopper drops a measured amount of seed into the soil prepared by the action of rotating knife blades. As the seeder moves forward, the neoprene flap smoothes the soil to cover the seed and aids germination. Water thoroughly as soon as overseeding is complete and lightly each day until the seed germinates. Once the grass has sprouted, water regularly to encourage deeper growth.