Thatch is not only unsightly, it also damages the lawn by suppressing healthy grass and causing it to die. This guide tells you how to remove and prevent thatch in the lawn.

In a nutshell

  • Lawn thatch can be recognized by bare, matted areas
  • the removal is easy to integrate into normal lawn care
  • by hand it requires effort
  • some lawnmowers can mow and de-mat in one operation
  • Prevention is done with fertilizing and watering

Identify thatch

Thatch in the lawn is noticeable when there are yellowish, dried-up areas between the grass. These can expand more and more until the entire area no longer looks attractive. Initially, the felt is a few millimeters thick, but it will increase in thickness if nothing is done about it. Thatch can encourage other lawn problems, such as the growth of weeds or moss.

closer inspection

In order to be able to get a precise overview of the expansion of the lawn thatch, a piece of lawn is cut out and the longitudinal section is examined. Yellowish grasses are normal to a certain extent. The real thatch is usually underneath, as a greasy, brown layer interspersed with old grass and roots, covering the entire soil. Another feature is that the felt can be pulled out from between the grasses, not just as individual pieces, but sometimes as whole "felt sheets".

Why remove thatch?

If you don't mind the sight, you might think it would be superfluous to remove the felt from the lawn. Instead, it's important because the lawn itself suffers. The thicker the layer gets and the more it expands, the more grass will choke underneath. Light and water can no longer reach the roots of the lawn plants, they die. In addition, the soil is compacted and less well aerated. The cause of the lawn thatch is a lack of soil life and the layer of thatch suppresses it even further. Microorganisms that form the humus in the soil suffocate and die.

Important tools:

  • rake
  • Scarifier (with or without motor)
  • alternatively lawn mower with scarifying function
  • rake
    After treatment:
  • possibly grave fork
  • sand
  • seed
  • Sanding and seeding tools
  • lawn roller
Motorized scarifier

Removal Instructions

Basically, the removal of lawn thatch works similar to scarifying. The turf is cut up with knives and the dry blades of grass, dead roots and other plant remains are removed from the turf. The surface is then cleared of the remains with a rake. These organic residues go on the compost and after rotting the lawn can be fertilized again. However, grass residue is also suitable for mulching, especially under bushes, hedges and trees.

the right weather

In the sun, damaged roots dry out quickly, in the rain mud forms and the soil compacts even further. It is better to wait for a cloudy but dry day. It should be warm but not hot.

by hand

  • is suitable for small areas only
  • only one rake necessary
  • forceful
  • apply pressure to the surface with the rake
  • most environmentally friendly method

Notice: The turf is not cut up with the rake, so it can happen that grass is torn out with the roots.

With the scarifier

  • suitable for the whole area
  • rather unfavorable if the damage is only small
  • scarified in spring
  • Set the required depth on the device
  • depends on the thickness of the felt
  • Process the area in strips as when mowing
  • regular use protects against new felt

With the lawn mower with scarifying function

  • to work the entire surface
  • set the scarifying function while mowing
  • select depth
  • mow and de-mat at the same time
  • do not use it every time you mow, it would put too much strain on the turf

After detangling

Especially when it comes to larger bald patches, they must be treated after unmatting so that grass grows back in these areas. The area will not grow back by itself, this only works for very small bald spots.

  1. Loosening the soil is usually not necessary, because that happened when the lawn thatch was removed. However, if the ground is very compact, it helps to use a digging fork. Poke deep holes in the lawn at short intervals with the fork, gently moving the fork back and forth. As a result, the holes become wider in depth and form channels through which water and air penetrate to the roots of the grass.
  2. Select lawn seed. It makes sense to use the same lawn as the one that is already growing. Lawn seed with the same site requirements is a suitable alternative.
  3. Scatter lawn seed. Either by hand or with a seeder. At the same time sprinkle the surface generously with sand. This loosens the soil.
  4. the seeds compete or roll on.
  5. Water carefully. After that, do not walk on the area again and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.

Prevent

Thatch prevention involves just a few things that are generally part of regular lawn care:

  • mow regularly
  • water when dry
  • Needs-based fertilizing with organic fertilizer
  • promote soil life
  • scarify annually
  • sanded

Notice: For sanding, sprinkle the surface thickly with sand after scarifying. It spreads over time in the soil and makes it more permeable.

frequently asked Questions

How is lawn thatch formed?

If old blades of grass, leaves, dead roots, and other organic matter don't rot sufficiently, they will become matted over time.

How often should thatch be removed?

Normally, it is sufficient to thoroughly de-mat the lawn once a year and only when it is really necessary. Small spots are removed as soon as they are noticed.

Can felt in the lawn be completely prevented?

In a healthy lawn with active soil life, dead material is quickly utilized so that a thick layer of thatch does not form. However, the soil organisms must also be given the necessary time for this. Lawn thatch can still form in unfavorable locations because the influence on the weather and temperature is very small.

Category:

Garden design