Dethatching

figure 1

Excessive thatch buildup is usually the biggest threat to lawns. Thatch is composed of intermingled layers of living and dead stems, leaves and roots between the green vegetation and the soil surface. A thin layer of thatch is normal (1/2"), even healthy, since it retains some moisture in the soil and increases wear tolerance. However, a thatch layer of 1/2" or more prevents air, light, and water from reaching the turf's root zone.

As thatch accumulates, there is a tendency for root growth to occur, primarily in the thatch layer rather than in the soil. A thick layer of thatch that has weakened the root system can make your lawn more prone to stress injury that can come from excessive heat, drought, and traffic.

figure 2

Thatch also makes an excellent breeding ground for harmful insects and diseases (fungal).  All Island Landscape resolves the problem by using a dethatcher (figure 1). A dethatcher is a machine with several rotating horizontal blades (figure 2) that pull out the right amount of thatch from the lawn. Afterwards, blowers and hand rakes are used to remove any excess.