When Is it Time To De-thatch?

Certain grasses tend to form thicker thatch layers. Creeping turf types that spread by above- and underground stems often rapidly form thatch; this includes St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Cool-season grasses, such as bentgrass and aggressive Kentucky bluegrass varieties, also can quickly form thatch, especially if soil is compacted and turf hasn’t been properly fertilized for a few years.

If you use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on the lawn, that does not lead to thatch formation. Those are healthy practices that can help prevent thatch formation. Typically grass clippings decompose readily. Thatch arises from grass stems and roots in the top inches of soil that die and don’t fully decompose.

The process of de-thatching is hard on turf, so the ideal time to tackle this chore is right before grass enters its period of strongest growth. Because warm- and cool-season grasses grow most vigorously at different times during the year, the ideal time for de-thatching also varies. It’s vital to know what kind of grass comprises your lawn before you de-thatch.

Warm-Season Turf
In regions of the state that experience frost and snow, de-thatch warm-season grasses in late spring to early summer – well before heat arrives and the lawn’s water needs are high. In the warmest and driest regions, including the desert area and mid level grasses, de-thatch warm-season grass in early spring, but be sure to wait until grass is actively growing. This means you should have mowed it once or twice.

Many people think that the late fall time frame can combine leaf clean-up and de-thatching as part of that process. The extra stress caused by the de-thatching can lead to ground cover loss for several weeks and the winter lawns having a delayed start.

Cool-Season Turf
De-thatch cool-season turf types in early spring or early fall. Timing is critical in both cases. In early spring, de-thatch after grass is actively growing – after you have mowed it once or twice. Time early fall de-thatching to allow grass plenty of time to grow and re-establish before frost arrives.

Rather than having to worry about the lawn and look of your commercial property you can let Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance do all the work for you and take the burden off your shoulders all together.  Give us a call at 623-848-8277 and let’s talk about it.

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Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net