Lawn Dethatching Service
Instead of a nice carpet of green, does your lawn have what looks like a layer of brown, dead, grass?
If so, you’re probably looking at thatch buildup. What is lawn thatch? Great question!
Thatch refers to a layer of organic matter, comprising both dead and living shoots, stems, and roots, which forms between the soil surface and your green grass. This layer develops when there is an excess production of organic debris by turf grass that cannot be efficiently broken down. The thatch primarily consists of plant parts that are resistant to decay, such as stem nodes, crowns, vascular tissue fibers, and roots. Or, as we all like to refer to it, “That dead layer of grass-looking stuff that’s blocking air and water from reaching the soil.“.
While some leaf clippings may be present in the thatch layer, they do not usually contribute significantly to thatch build-up, as they are readily broken down by soil microorganisms. That is a common misconception, so if you think that, you’re certainly not alone!
If you’d like to get your lawn in better, healthier shape, simply fill out our Estimate Request Form and we’ll be happy to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Lawn Dethatching Questions
What is Lawn Dethatching?
Dethatching is the removal of old, tired, grass and moss. The process I use is called “Power Raking.”
What causes thatch?
Soils with a PH less than 5.5, heavily compacted soil with high clay content, over-watering and over-fertilizing of lawns with poor soil conditions, and frequent shallow watering.
What does thatching cost?
Thatching cost is by estimate, considering condition of the yard at the time thatching is performed, degree of difficulty, size and whether or not multiple passes are required.
How do I know if my lawn needs thatching?
Your lawn will be very spongy, your lawn mower wheels will sink into the grass and the blade scalps the grass.
Can you take all the thatch and moss out of my lawn at once?
If you have not thatched your lawn for many years, it’s best to not remove it all at once. Thatching can put your lawn under heavy stress.
When is the best time of year to thatch my lawn?
Spring and fall, when the lawn is dry, actively growing and can repair itself quickly. It is best to thatch lighter in spring and heavier in fall when the lawn can rejuvenate itself most easily.
When should a lawn be heavily thatched?
When water has problems getting through the thatch layer and your lawn has become too spongy and is rooting within itself.
I have found fall to be the best time of year because fall temperatures are stable and seed germination happens very quickly.
How do you prevent thatch?
Aerate seed and fertilize twice a year. Aeration helps to stimulate microbes that digest thatch the newer grass seed produces less thatch when mature.
Use low nitrogen fertilizers with slow release technology. Apply an organic fertilizer twice a year for healthy soil; healthy soil will digest excess thatch. Rather than watering lightly often, deep and infrequent watering will encourage strong root growth while discouraging thatch development.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“We contacted Busy Bee to handle some aeration/overseeding and a general mow for our home in Lacey. They directed us to their website where it was very easy to submit a quote. For people who love self-service, this is a great model as you can do everything electronically. Jeff was very patient as we added/subtracted services and you can approve the quote electronically as well.
They came shortly after and sent me a note the evening prior letting me know they would be there the next day. Lawn was moved to a good length and they had an aeration machine to get the job done. Overseeded afterwards. Our lawn was in pretty bad shape and with some watering we are seeing some growth come in. Thank you Jeff and Busy Bee!”
Karen R – Lacey, WA
via Google Reviews
