Frequently Asked Questions About Dethatching Los Angeles Lawns

Thatch accumulation is an issue you may easily see or one that hides just out of view. To understand what dethatching is and why you may need it, we must first explain what thatch is. If you have an obvious thatch problem, you already know. Your lawn will have patches of what you may refer to as dead grass. Those tan areas with dying grass are the surface of your thatch layer showing. Thatch is dead and living grass stems, roots, and leaves. If your thatch problem isn't obvious, you may detect the thatch when you walk on your lawn. Your lawn will feel spongy underfoot. Join us as we consider a few frequently asked questions we get regarding the process of dethatching and how to dethatch a lawn. Remember, you can contact us at any time to speak with someone about your thatch problem directly. Navigate to our contact page for advice or to schedule lawn care in Los Angeles.

What Is Dethatching?

After reading the introduction to this short article, you know what thatch is. You may also know that dethatching lawn simply means removing the thatch layer. But how do you go about doing that? The tried-and-true method for property owners is to get out the rake and scrape at the thatch to remove it. You can get quite a bit done with this method, but it isn't the best solution. Often, thatch isn't easy to remove. If the thatch won't rake away, the next option is to use a machine. Our recommendation is to contact a professional to get this done because a professional will not only do a great job of removing the thatch, but will also aerate your lawn to allow water and nutrients to get past any thatch that remains. Together, these provide your turfgrass with what it needs to thrive.

Is It Good To Dethatch Your Lawn?

You may think our answer is yes—after all, we just told you that professionals can help you dethatch your lawn and that it is good for your grass. But it isn't required every year, and too much of a good thing is bad for your turfgrass. Lawn care is often tricky because you have to apply the exact amount of care. For example, if you don't give your plants enough water, they'll wilt. If you give them too much water, you'll wash the topsoil away and deprive the plants of essential nutrients. Overwatering can also allow plant diseases and fungal issues to begin.

How Can You Tell If Your Lawn Needs Dethatching?

We already talked about one sign that your lawn has a thatch problem. Do you remember what it is? That's right. Your lawn will feel spongy underfoot. Another way is to stick your finger into the ground. When your finger pushes past the thatch layer, measure the length. You want to have less than a ½ inch of thatch. If you have more than ¾ of an inch of thatch, it is time to get the rake out or call a professional.

What's The Best Way To Dethatch Your Lawn?

Professionals use top-of-the-line equipment that is made for removing thatch and addressing issues that can make it hard for your lawn to get the water, oxygen, and nutrients it needs. If you're in Los Angeles, consider giving Aerations Plus a call to learn more or to schedule a service visit. We can take a look at the conditions on your property and answer questions, like how often should you dethatch your lawn, when to dethatch your lawn, and how lawn dethatching in Los Angeles will help your specific situation. Jump to our contact page for assistance. We're here to help.