De-thatching (power-raking)
recommended for: lawns with moss, tangled, dead, or matted grass.
Our, “power-raking” service is aimed to gently remove moss, and thin-out grassy build-up from the lawn. We use a custom machine that acts as a gas-powered spring rake. We find a “lighter” touch often provides a better outcome.
a “spring-tine” design offers the best results while minimizing stress to the lawn.
*If your lawn suffers from true sub-surface thatch, we often recommend core aeration. Learn more about “thatch.”
Tip for the DIY’er: If buying a hand rake, we recommend the “Groundskeeper 2.”
Moss removal: We take a straight forward and effective approach to managing moss….
lighter moss - 1 visit - We remove moss, then apply a liquid application of iron.
heavy moss - (2 visits) We first treat moss, ~ 1wk later we will return to perform removal and a follow-up spot treatment.
Prevention - Like most things, moss will often require some ongoing attention. We can provide site specific recommendations for your property. Learn more about Moss
What is thatch?
Thatch is a loose (spongey) intertwined accumulation of both dead and alive grass roots, stems, and shoots. This layer exists in-between the actual soil surface, and the green vegetation. Thatch occurs when growth outpaces the rate at which it can be broken down by soil organisms. A small amount of thatch is healthy as it can help insulate the majority of your lawns root system from extreme temperatures as well as help to retain soil moisture. Too much thatch can greatly inhibit the flow of air, water, and nutrients into the soil.
What causes thatch?
A number of factors contribute to thatch build up over time. Many experts will tell you that cool season grass types found in the PNW do not require de-thatching. In most cases they would be right! However, certain varieties such as creeping red fescue, creeping bentgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass can require special attention due to their aggressive rooting nature. While mechanical removal is sometimes needed, it is important to address the cause.
Conditions contributing thatch typically include: aggressive fertilization, heavy irrigation, acidic soils, heavy or compacted soil, and low organic matter. When a combination of these conditions are present, thatch is likely to accumulate at a rate beyond what is decomposing.
When is thatch a problem?
Once a thatch layer is 1/2 inch or more, it can start to cause problems. When thatch production is outpacing natural decomposition it’s usually a sign of poor soil conditions.
What makes thatch problematic?
The thatch layer is prone to heating up and cooling down more quickly than your soil. When it gets warm this layer dries up rapidly. If a large amount of the grass plants living roots are entangled in this layer, your lawn likely will not have the water it needs to stay healthy. We want grass roots growing down into the soil, not entangled at the surface. During times of wet weather and cooler temperatures this layer can trap excess moisture. This reduces the amount of oxygen available for the grass plants. A soil deprived of oxygen will have a detrimental effect on sustaining beneficial soil microbe populations. Many of these microbes are responsible for naturally decomposing thatch. Additionally an excessive layer of thatch can make an inviting home to certain turf damaging insects such as European cranefly and can serve as a breeding ground for fungal disease.