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How To Dethatch, Aerate Lawns This Spring

2/25/2015

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If you’ve had issues with thatch or compacted soil on site, here are some basic tips and advice on dethaching and aeration from The Grounds Guys and Clemson University Extension.

Definitions:
  • Thatch – thick, interwoven mat of living and dead materials that accumulate on the soil’s surface where grass grows faster than it decomposes.
  • Compacted soil – First four inches or so that’s slowly pressed together from foot traffic.

How to dethatch:
  • Late spring or early fall are peak times to dethatch. Mow to a low height.
  • Select a mechanical dethatcher or thatching rake with thick blades.
  • If thatch doesn’t have fertilizer or pesticide, compost it, then water lawn.
  • Make sure to avoid sprinklers or buried cables.

How to aerate:
  • Late spring or early summer is the best time to aerate. Moist soil is best, so wait for a good rain or watering before aerating. You’ll know it’s too wet if it sticks to your shoes but is just right if you can penetrate the ground with a screwdriver without much resistance.
  • Ideal warm-season grasses are Bermuda, Buffalo and St. Augustine.
  • Ideal cool-season grasses are ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bent. Aerate those in the fall.
  • Be sure to use a specific pattern for even aeration.

Share with your neighbors why it’s important to dethatch and aerate:
  • Thatch restricts oxygen levels in soil and slows the job of earthworms and other thatch-decomposing
  • organisms.
  • Compacted soil increases maintenance and pest issues
  • Aerated and dethatched soil stimulates root growth by increasing oxygen, water and nutrient levels. Grass density will increase and water runoff’s reduced.
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  • Types Of Sod
    • EMPIRE Zoysia
    • Floratam
    • Palmetto
    • Seville
    • ProVista
    • Argentine Bahia
  • Services We Provide
    • Homeowner
    • Developer/Builder
    • Rip Out & Install
  • Sod Deliveries
  • Free Quote
  • THE COMPANY
    • Sod Photos
    • THE FAQ
    • Sod Blog
    • Contact Us