Signs your lawn may need a dethatch:

• You have patches of sparse growth, with visible dead grass underneath.
• The grass is struggling to grow and appears thin and patchy.

Dethatching a lawn aims to remove the layer of dead, organic matter that naturally develops between the soil and the growing grass. This thatch layer is composed of dead grass, roots, and other debris. 

This a a gentle process compared to scarifying, it “combs” the grass to remove the dead material rather than cutting and pulling matter from below the soil surface.

So why dethatch?

• Water penetration: Removing the dead organic matter greatly helps with water penetration by removing the “mat” over the soil surface.
• Air circulation: Once the dead mass is removed, exposing more of the soil surface will better allow oxygen to reach the roots, promoting stronger growth. Oxygen is critical to the microbes that support the nutrient uptake of your lawn.
• Nutrient absorption: Once water can easily penetrate to the roots nutrient from applied fertilisers can reach the roots more effectively. Microbes flourish, breaking down organic matter into nutrients your lawn will benefit from.
• Pests and disease: Thick thatch creates a dark, damp layer – an ideal environment for pests, diseases, fungus and moulds. 
• Improved appearance: Dethatching helps promotes vigorous tight growth formation that will make the lawn look healthier and more vibrant. 

This is a process that needs some pre-planning, please be sure to read the step by step requirements

If you would like a no obligation visual explanation and evaluation of your own lawn you can ring and book a time with us, or send a text letting us know you’d like to catch up when we’re next looking after your lawns.