Rettmann Lawn Service, Inc.

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Dethatching / Power Raking Services

How Do You Know if Your Lawn Needs Thatch Removal?

Dethatch Your Lawn Today

Thatch is the build-up of dead grass and other plant life on the surface of your soil. This organic debris forms a compacted layer that can prevent your grass from reaching the sunlight.

If your lawn is struggling to grow, a thick thatch may be the culprit of its poor condition. To confirm if this is the case, you can always request professional assistance from our team. We’ll examine the area where the soil meets the base of the grass blades and determine the thickness of the thatch to give you an understanding of your lawn’s well-being. A healthy / normal layer of thatch should be less than 1 inch thick.

If you notice any of the following signs, you may need our dethatching services:

  • Thin blades of grass
  • Weak grass growth
  • Pale color
  • The grass feels spongy underfoot
  • The lawn seems impenetrable

The thatch layer is a normal accumulation of organic matter that sits on top of the soil, at the base of the grass plant. It is a benefit to the lawn, full of nutrients and full of beneficial microorganisms, it also prevents the lawn from drying out too quickly. In a healthy lawn the thatch layer could be half an inch to 1 inch thick. If the thatch has accumulated to more than 1 inch, which is not very common, then dethatching could be helpful. If the thatch layer is too thick, it may result in a shallow root system of the grass, which leads to dry, disease prone and weak turf. The dethatching should be done early in the season, often with the spring cleanup, before the grass plants fill in. When done at the proper time, the dethatching rake will lift out some (not all) of the thatch so it can be mulched or removed. Core aeration is another method that can be done in spring or fall to reduce thatch.

Thatch is not due to leaving grass clippings on the lawn or from using a mulching mower to chop up leaves. Mulching is a healthy practice, which results in a richer, organic soil and it provides significant nutrients to your lawn. By using a mulching lawn mower, you can decrease the amount of fertilizer you are using on your lawn by one pound per thousand square feet per year.

  • We go over the big areas two or three times with the rakes on the mowers.
  • Smaller areas are hand raked or we use a small power rake.
  • Thatch is then mulched into nutrients that are a benefit instead of a hindrance.
  • Most sunny areas can benefit from having this done every year with the spring cleanup.

When your lawn isn't growing as expected despite regular feeding, a thick thatch may be impeding its growth.

The Benefits of Dethatching Your Lawn

Removing thatch buildup not only enhances the overall appearance of your lawn but also brings a myriad of health benefits that foster stronger roots and a more vibrant landscape.

When you invest in our dethatching services, your lawn can experience the following benefits:

  • Improve water and nutrient absorption, allowing your grass to thrive.
  • Enhance air circulation in the soil, promoting a healthier root system.
  • Reduce the risk of pest infestation and diseases by eliminating thatch as a breeding ground.
  • Increase the effectiveness of fertilizers, leading to better plant nutrition.
  • Create a more resilient lawn, better equipped to withstand environmental stressors.
dethatching
dethatching