Author: Nick Bennett, Account Manager

Beautiful lawns don’t just happen. There are several things going on behind the scenes that make an outside space colorful and healthy. One of these items is lawn dethatching. We consider it the first step in the best lawn maintenance routines – a clear beginning to the programs where our clients see the most success.

If you’re not familiar with lawn dethatching, you might not know of some of the benefits. A combination of leaves, roots and stems – both living and dead – thatch forms as an natural part of growing turf. Lawn dethatching helps reduce excessive moisture retention in the spring. Excess moisture can contribute to fungal disease problems. Some types of fungus, like snow mold, doesn’t always challenge the mortality of the lawn – but it can stunt growth and be unsightly for weeks.

Remove Excess Build up

Lawn dethatching essentially removes excess thatch build up which can suffocate your lawn. Thatch that isn’t too thick can actually help your lawn in some ways, like slowing water loss or decreasing compaction. But when thatch grows too thick, it can form a barrier between grass and soil which means bad things for your turf. For example, thatch can form a layer that prevents water or fertilizer from reaching soil. It can also create a shallow-rooted lawn or, worse, create a home for insects .

Timing

This short window of spring is the correct time to take on this project, or request that your landscaper or lawn care professional do so. Spring time is the peak growth season and presents the most opportunity to affect the lawns season-long performance. We encourage starting off the season right, so that your results will only compound as the months progress.

What’s Next

Once dethatching is complete your ready to fertilize. A spring fertilizer/nitrogen application is like a turbo shot of coffee for your lawn. It promotes quick root stimulation and immediately greens up the lawn from its dormant state. Crab grass preventer is also part of that first application.

Not sure where to start?

This work does require a specialized machine, so even if you do your own spring cleanup you may want to hire a professional. We’d love to give you advice to get you started. Just reach out with any questions – we’re here to help!