This is what the actual layer of thatch build up looks like up close. As you can see it would be very hard for moisture to reach the roots.
Reno Landscaping Thatching Tips: Like many plants, grass has a belowground root system topped by a living, aboveground shoot that’s green and growing. In between lies a layer known as thatch. Some thatch is natural and good for a lawn, but too much can usher in problems.
Causes of Thatch
Although thatch forms naturally in most Reno Landscaping, some situations promote rapid thatch formation:
- Over fertilizing with too much nitrogen
- Overwatering
- Always mowing too high
- Heavy clay soil
How to determine if your lawn needs dethatching
- Have Action Lawn & Landscape come and visually inspect your Reno Landscaping. We will explain the process and show you what to look for while we visit.
- Measure the thatch. Another way to examine thatch is to excavate a lawn sample. Use a trowel or spade to remove a wedge-shaped layer of grass and soil about 3 inches thick, or just pry up a small section of turf. Look for the thatch layer lying directly on top of soil. Measure the thickness. A layer thicker than half of an inch signals it’s time to dethatch.
A combination of leaves, stems and roots – some living, some dead – thatch forms as a natural part of turf’s growing process. Remember It lies on top of the soil not the grass itself, a tightly woven layer beneath the visible grass blades. As long as it doesn’t get thicker than 1/2, thatch actually contributes to lawn health in these ways:
- Mulching soil and slowing water loss
- Cushioning soil and decreasing compaction
- Insulating grass crowns from soil temperature swings
- Improving turf tolerance to foot and mower traffic
Action Lawn & Landscape can help you get your Reno Landscaping design back in top shape in time for Spring. Call us today! 775-323-7488
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