I have Bermuda grass in my front lawn, and I want to add winter rye to give it some color. I bought winter rye seed, and the instructions say that I should remove thatch before I spread the seed. What's thatch, and how do I get rid of it?
2007-01-11 05:06:21 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Open a beer, drink it, then get a rake.
2007-01-11 05:14:39 · answer #1 · answered by i_liked_dos 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thatch is a layer of living and dead organic matter that occurs between the green matter and the soil surface. Excessive thatch (over 1/2 inch thick) creates a favorable environment for pests and disease, an unfavorable growing environment for grass roots, and can interfere with some lawn care practices
Thatch may be torn out with a dethatcher or vertical mower, but will most likely return unless the cause is corrected. Mechanical dethatching is also very destructive to the lawn because roots are in thatch instead of soil, so plants tear out easily. Overseeding is usually required afterwards. For this reason, it's best to tear out thatch in late August for optimum reseeding timing.
Core aerating helps degrade thatch and also helps solve some of the causes of thatch.
Core aerification, followed by topdressing are two methods that will generally correct the reasons thatch is accumulating. Core aerifying machines will pull up small soil cores to the surface that are left there to act like topdressing. The holes created help solve problems such as compaction or poor drainage. Topdressing is simply adding a thin layer(1/8 to 1/4 inch) of compatible soil over the thatch, which adds microorganisms to help in breakdown.
2007-01-11 05:15:07 · answer #2 · answered by paradise 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thatch is the build up of old root network and matted grass clippings etc. that form a barrier at ground level. Mostly tough fibrous organic matter, slow to break down. It is a particular problem with runner grasses like Bermuda. It traps in surface moisture promoting fungal issues, and may prevent decent ground contact for lawn care materials. You should be able to rent a dethatcher locally by the hour or the day. There are different styles, but they usually have these blades that cut and then lift this material.
2007-01-11 05:23:57 · answer #3 · answered by character 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thatch is the buildup of grass clippings lying on top of the dirt at the base of the grass. On a small area a vigorous raking with a leaf rake will lift it. On large areas, a "de thatcher" helps. It has short wires that spin and cut through, like a rake tine. If you don't get rid of the thatch, the grass seed will sit on top of the thatch, then it will dry out too much after just beginning to sprout, and die rather than get established. You might get away with watering more often so the seed doesn't dry out, but it would take a lot of water.
2007-01-11 05:17:49 · answer #4 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thatch is dead grass and leaves that are stuck to the soil. You can buy a good rake to remove thatch. If you have a large yard you can rent a dethatcher from local rental or gardening places. Removing the thatch allows the new seeds to reach the soil and you will have much better results. Good luck!
2007-01-11 05:14:48 · answer #5 · answered by kelsey 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
rent a dethacther and go over lawn twice (spring/fall). after dethatching rake it up and bag it throw away. then aerate and over seed...aerate twice in 2 directions.
2007-01-11 06:26:14 · answer #6 · answered by pappabearrip 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try this:
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2003/thatch514.htm
Hope it helps.
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2007-01-11 05:15:31 · answer #7 · answered by Bill G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋