WHAT IS THATCH?

Thatch is the build up of undecomposed organic matter. This organic layer is made up of a mixture of stems, leaves and roots. It accumulates between the soil and the lawn surface. thus reducing rooting and causing soil compaction. Too much thatch will choke off air and water to the soil.  Accumulation of Thatch can also cause mold and mildew to form, attract unwanted insects, prevent fertilizers from reaching the soil and slow new grass growth. 

IS IT NECESSARY TO DETHATCH?

YES, if the thatch layer is more than ½  inch thick. A thatch layer that is less than ½ inch thick is actually beneficial to the lawn as it provides some cushioning when you walk on it. Thatch is beneficial for water retention and helps to thicken the turf. However, thatch exceeding ½ inch  should be dethatched annually until the thatch layer becomes less than ½ inch thick. 

BENEFITS OF DETHATCHING:

• Improves the availability of air and water.
• Improves fertilizer and lime efficiency.
• Breakdown of thatch releases plant available nutrients
• Encourages deeper rooting and a thicker lawn.

What is aeration?

Aeration is the process of removing plugs of soil from the lawn.  Thus, allowing water and fertilizer to be absorbed more readily and improving the overall health and beauty of your lawn.

What are the benefits of aeration?

• Improved lawn health 
• Improved lawn appearance
• Reduced soil compaction
• Rooting benefits allowing for deeper and heath
• Water and fertilizer able to be used more efficiently by your lawn

Benefits of Seeding and Aeration Together

• Rapidly fill in bare spots
• Thicken lawn
• Ability to introduce new grass varieties