What is Thatch?

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Thatch is the layer of living and dead stems, roots and other grass parts above the soil. When it exceeds about one half inch thick, it becomes a breeding and incubation area for all sorts of nasty lawn diseases and pests. It is very difficult to grow healthy turf through a heavy thatch layer.

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The root system of your lawn is constantly renewing itself by sending out new shoots. This new growth needs loose and open soil. If your lawn soil consists of heavy clay and is complicated, the new roots stay near the surface or even in the thatch layer itself. This leads to a lawn that dries out too quickly and builds up thatch much faster than a deeply rooted lawn.

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Aeration breaks up the thatch and loosens the soil so the new shoots can easily grow.

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The Core Aeration Process

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GreenX performs a core aeration by removing 2-3 inch deep plugs of soil from your lawn to allow more water, air, and nutrients to flow into the root system. The cores removed by the aeration stay and break down back into the turf. This helps accelerate the thatch breakdown. Call today to schedule an aeration for your lawn.