Excessive thatch creates a barrier that prevents water, nutrients and air from reaching the deep roots in your lawn. If this thatch buildup exceeds half an inch, you should consider working with a lawn care and weed management service to resolve the issue. By tackling the problem early, you can prevent lawn disease, insect infestations and weak roots that often accompany thick layers of thatch. So what should you know about thatch, and how it can hurt your Tarrant County lawn?
How Thatch Buildup Damages Your Lawn’s Health
Whether homeowners in Tarrant County realize it or not, thatch buildup is probably having a detrimental effect on their lawns. This problem is more than just old grass clippings. Usually, it’s a combination of dead turfgrass crowns, dead roots and other debris. Some grass clippings may be present in the mix, but these are actually beneficial to your lawn—as long as there isn’t too much thatch. A layer that is thicker than a half-inch is too much.
Some types of grasses are more prone to thatch buildup than others. Zoysia grass, for instance, is particularly susceptible. Additionally, hybrid Bermuda grasses (known for their vigorous growth) and St. Augustine grasses (which thrive in warmer climates), are also prone to thatch accumulation. Many of the materials that make up thatch are resistant to decay. The beneficial insects and microorganisms that typically help these materials break down just can’t keep up with the amount of material being distributed. This means that the roots of your grass cannot get the water, sunlight and nutrients desperately needed to thrive.
Even worse, your lawn will start to develop a root system within the thatch itself. This is a bad situation that leaves your lawn vulnerable to temperature extremes. Thatch is also bad news because it harbors pests, mildew and diseases. Plus, weed seeds will lay dormant in thatch and germinate when the time is right, and before you know it, you’re confronted with a lawn that’s just barely surviving.
How to Manage Excess Thatch Buildup in Your Lawn
If you notice early signs of thatch buildup, aerating your lawn can improve airflow, water penetration, and microbial activity to help break it down naturally. Good lawn care practices, like proper mowing, watering, and fertilization, also keep thatch levels in check. However, if you’re dealing with a larger yard or a more widespread issue, then it’s time to consider hire a professional lawn care service to assess the situation and apply the right treatments.
If you’re having trouble with excess thatch in the lawn at your Dallas/Fort Worth home, then give us a call. With our expert lawn aeration services, we can properly core aerate your lawn to make certain the problem doesn’t come back. And while we’re at it, we’ll set up a fertilization plan that ensures your thatch problems will be gone.
Contact Us for Lawn Care Services in Tarrant County
Green Top Lawn Care tackles thatch buildup and other issues affecting your North Texas lawn. Our lawn care specialists deliver a range of expert services, including aeration, fertilization and weed control. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free lawn care quote today.
