The PLUGman
Lawn Aeration
Dethatching
Thatch is a mat of plant material mainly of grass stems and roots. A thin layer (1/2 inch or less) is normal and does no harm. In fact, a thin layer protects the grass crown and helps to reduce soil compaction. Thatch that has accumulated thicker than 1/2" prevents water from reaching the roots.
What causes excess thatch?
- Over-watering and over-fertilizing
- Poorly aerated soil (highly compacted)
- Using high nitrogen based fertilizers
- Too-high or too-infrequent mowing
- Mulching mowers
If your thatch layer is over 1/2", it should be removed with a vertical mower (verti-cutter) or power rake. These specialized machines cut through the turf and pull up the thatch.
When should lawns be dethatched?
Dormant Bermuda lawns should be dethatched prior to the Spring green-up period (November-May) to remove the thatch build-up that has accumulated during the growing season. Early Spring dethatching helps to encourage Bermuda grass to come out of dormancy as temperatures climb into the 80's and 90's. In general, lawns can be dethatched anytime when the thatch layer has become greater than 1/2".
How much does dethatching cost?
Dethatching/Power-raking is a dirty back-breaking job. Let us bring commercial equipment to you and do the work. Depending on the thickness of your thatch accumulation, dethatching/power-raking can be performed for $0.10 - $0.15 per square foot of turf area. This service includes: power-raking with a commercial verti-cutter, thatch removal and disposal, finish mower cut with manicured edge. Please call us if you would like an estimate.
Dethatching/Power-raking is a dirty back-breaking job. Let us bring commercial equipment to you and do the work. Depending on the thickness of your thatch accumulation, dethatching/power-raking can be performed for $0.10 - $0.15 per square foot of turf area. This service includes: power-raking with a commercial verti-cutter, thatch removal and disposal, finish mower cut with manicured edge. Please call us if you would like an estimate.
