What is thatch? Why a Power rake is a waste of time.

Factors favorable to thatch development include excessive growth and conditions unfavorable to the microorganisms that decompose decaying plant parts. Rapid and excessive growth is likely to produce a heavy thatch because plant material is being produced more rapidly than it can be decomposed.

Grass clippings from mowing do not contribute to thatch. However, once a thatch layer has developed, clippings may speed its formation.

Thatch buildup varies among lawns. Moderate to aggressively spreading species such as Kentucky bluegrass, zoysiagrass and bermudagrass have greater potential for thatch buildup than turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Some lawns never develop a thatch layer, and others become thatch-bound within a few years after being established. The best lawn grasses are those that constantly reproduce new plants to renew the lawn. As old plants age and die, they decompose into fine-textured humus that becomes a part of the surface soil.

When about 1/2 inch of thatch develops in bluegrass, remove it before the grass is damaged. Thatch is best removed by power raking, verticutting or coring with a machine that may be hired or rented. Coring causes less lawn stress than dethatching with a power rake or vertical mower and provides the additional benefit of reducing soil compaction.

 The best lawn grasses are those that constantly reproduce new plants to renew the lawn.

The goal is to reduce the number of stolons on leaf blades that grow laterally, says Ron Wright, certified superintendent at The Country Club of Mobile (Ala.)."Every time a plant grows new shoots, it takes energy," Wright says. "If you cut off some of the lateral plant growth, it forces the plant to use that energy elsewhere. The plant will use the excess energy to grow upward, creating a more upright and dense stand of turf." There are myriad benefits to verticutting, which has also fueled its popularity. Jeff Buchko, a product manager for Jacobsen, says more university researchers have concluded that verticutting is a cultural practice that's critical to turf care. Turf that is verticut can withstand the threat of disease and harsh weather better. Simply put, verticutting stimulates growth.Not only does verticutting remove thatch, which is a breeding ground for turf disease, but it also provides channels to allow moisture and oxygen to get into the rootzone, says Tony F. while

As I search and read around the internet,  I find articles  from University Horticultural programs on thatching, many are recommending power raking?   

• I have to ask these questions?
• What does a power rake do? Yes it beats the surface, making a big mess. Cleaning off access surface debris only.
• How does that remove thatch? Some one please tell me?
• If the thatch is present in the top inch of the soil, how can a rake remove it? This machine does not penetrate the surface? 
• Never put a power rake on St. Augustine, unless you want to carry away the lawn!
• Don't waste your time using a power rake.

Like many plants, grass has a below ground root system topped by a living, above ground shoot that’s green and growing. In between lies a layer known as thatch. Some thatch is natural and good for a lawn, but too much can usher in problems.

Comprised of leaves, stems and roots – some living, some dead – thatch forms as a natural part of turf’s growing process. It lies on top of the soil, a tightly woven layer beneath the visible grass blades. As long as it doesn’t get thicker than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch, thatch actually contributes to lawn health in these ways:

• Mulching soil and slowing water loss
• Cushioning soil and decreasing compaction
• Insulating grass crowns from soil temperature swings
• Improving turf tolerance to foot and mower traffic

A problem arises when thatch develops into a thicker layer and forms a wedge between grass and soil. Too-thick thatch diminishes lawn health by:

• Forming an impervious layer that prevents water, fertilizer, and insect or disease controls from reaching soil
• Blocking sunlight from reaching lower grass blades
• Holding moisture against grass blades, which can foster disease
• Blocking soil so that grass roots grow into nutrient-lacking thatch, which forms a shallow-rooted lawn
• Creating an uneven lawn, which leads to uneven mowing and scalping

What Causes Thatch?

Although thatch forms naturally, some situations promote rapid thatch formation:

• Over fertilizing with too much nitrogen
• Over watering
• Always mowing too high

Certain grasses tend to form thicker thatch layers. Creeping turf types that spread by above- and underground stems often rapidly form thatch; this includes St. Augustine grass, Bermuda grass and zoysia grass. Cool-season grasses, such as bent grass and aggressive Kentucky bluegrass varieties, also can quickly form thatch, especially if soil is compacted and turf hasn't been properly fertilized for a few years.

If you use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on the lawn, that does not lead to thatch formation. Those are healthy practices that can help prevent thatch formation. Typically grass clippings decompose readily. Thatch arises from grass stems and roots in the top inches of soil that die and don’t fully decompose. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/

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 Verticutting versus Power raking?

1. We learned from the articles, thatch is a problem.
2. The best way to remove thatch, and improve the quality is with a Verticutter.
3. The power rake will only remove surface debris.
4. After 30 years of power raking, and Verticutting most types of grasses, Verticutting offers all the benefits a lawn needs. 
5. Be careful of insect damage, aka, the mole cricket and grubs.
6. Always be safe, or you may carry away the lawn, eke!  

Why is Verticutting the best way to keep your lawn healthy?

1. The best way to remove thatch.
2. The best way to thin a lawn.
3. The best way to remove excessive top growth ( St. Augustine grasses )
4. Cleans, thins, allows the lawn to breathe, stimulates new growth, and aerates.
5. Prepares the lawn for seeding

Verticutting in Pinellas County contact: York
york.ysta@gmail.com