Frequently Asked Thatching Questions 

What is thatching? Thatching 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.