AtoZ_Thatcher Tips

It pays to Thatch.

Thatch is a dense layer of grass clippings, roots, and stems that gradually forms between the soil and base of the grass plant.

The use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers and frequent watering, plus soils with a high clay content, also contribute to thatch build up.

A thin layer of thatch can be beneficial, as it helps retain moisture and adds resilience to the turf. In severe cases, however, thatch prevents water from being absorbed into the soil, which causes shallow root development and suceptibility to drought and winterkill.

Thatch also keeps lawn fertilizers from penetrating into the soil and stifles the exchange of oxygen needed for healthy root growth.

Excessive thatch not only robs the grass roots of life-sustaining water, oxygen, and nutrients, but reduces the effectiveness of pesticides and creates an ideal environment for insects and lawn diseases.

Thatching goes a long way toward improving your lawn's health and appearance.

	1. Excessive build up of thatch prevents water, oxygen, and nutrients from penetrating the soil and reaching grass roots.		2. The powerful centrifugal force of the combing blades digs out the matted thatch. The thatch is deposited into a catcher or onto the lawn, where it is easily raked up.
	3. Where thatch build up is not severe, but hard topsoil is a problem, an optional Delta reel can be used slice through thatch and break the thin crust of hard topsoil.		4. After dethatching, the grass roots can once again receive the healthful benefits of water, oxygen, and nutrients.

	Flail Reel Ideal for cutting out even deeply imbedded thatch.		Delta Reel Especially effective for thinning of running-stem grasses, cutting slits in soil for overseeding, and aerating soil on terraces of sloping lawns.

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