What is Lawn Thatch ?This page listed under Lawn Care Tips: Lawn thatch is an interwoven layer between the lawn and the soil surface. The interwoven layer is consists of un-decomposed stems, roots, and leaf sheaths. While its presence enhances the wear tolerance of swards, too much of it harbors disease organisms and insects, and render the lawn vulnerable to drought and disease. When it becomes uncontrollable, the lawn may root out into the thatch than the soil, making exposing them to conditions such as dry weather and cold temperatures, both of which are not conducive to growth. In addition, excessive lawn thatch limits the development of root, and restricts infiltration of water. There are few elements that affect the pace of thatch accumulation. Among these are moisture, the type of grass, exuberant application of nitrogen and environmental conditions. The increase in production of stems, decay-resistant tissue, and leaf may also contribute to thatch development, especially with few considerations: Compacted soil conditions resulting to shallow root development, mowing less often, and cultivating grasses that are known to provide tough and fibrous tissue. The sufficient amount of plant nutrients is significant for healthy lawns. Excessive quantity of nitrogen, spurs on over production of leaves and stems, which will also incite thatch growth. In many instances, the organic matter is produced more quickly than it can decompose, and thus, makes it an ideal breeding ground for thatch accumulation. Slow decomposition of organic matter accelerates the problem. Decomposition is completed by micro-organisms, earthworms and insects. The aggressiveness of grass growth also supports thatch growth. Conditions such as acidic soil, dormant lawn, and the use of pesticide that limits micro-organism or earthworm activity reduce the rate of thatch decomposition. The acidic soil conditions slow down the activity of organisms in breaking down the organic matter. When lawn is left to grow tall before it is mowed compels accumulation of thatch because majority of the plant growth is decay-resistant. Reduction of nitrogen application particularly in spring and early summer—the primary season for stem growth—restricts stem growth. In contrast to a popular belief, grass clippings do not stimulate lawn thatch accumulation. Instead, it encourages soil biomass and provides nutrients essential for healthy growth of sward. Prevention of accumulation of lawn thatch can be accomplished by fertilization, aerification, and mowing. Fertilization should only be enough for maintenance of desired color and growth of turf from mid to late October. Fall fertilization is preferred over spring because the resulting growth is not rapid and lush. Aerification is needed for compacted soils and soils with poor drainage. To aerify soil is to cause better moisture and air penetration. Moreover, it helps constitute a deeper and healthier root system. Mowing regulates thatch. Its frequency is determined by the growth pace of the turf. Lawns should be mowed when they are no more than three inches tall, if the desired length of grass is two inches. |