Susan asks…

Is thatching a lawn by had a lot of work or is it similar to raking?

I have a a lawn that need de-thatching. I was wondering if I was to buy a thatch rake how much work it is to de-thatch. Is it similar to raking, or do you have to really dig and pull to get out all the thatch?? Just want to know what I am getting myself into before I do it. Thanks

landscapeliving answers:

Much harder than raking. You are digging out grass that has matted together. If you have a power mower, purchase a dethatching blade.

Sandy asks…

What's a good price for lawn aeration/thatching?

I started a lawn service a year or so ago, and am looking into doing aerations and thatchings in the fall. My average lawn size is 6,000 SqFt, and I'll be renting the machines.

landscapeliving answers:

For here (Denver) a normal price for aeration $40.00 plus,as for power raking I get "time on job" @ $35.00 an hour.

For 6,000 sq ft I would charge somewhere in the vicinity.

1) $100.00 (aeration)
2) $125.00 (power raking)
3) $25.00 a man hour for clean up.IE 3 men @ $25.00 X 3 hours = $75.00.

Keep in mind I'm supporting a family,paying Lib. Ins. And the awful price of gas.I pay just $7,000.00 just to dig dirt and another $4,000.00 Lib. Ins. Beyond that.These prices are of course passed along to the end user.

There are so many times I get caught in the thought it should only cost this and end up losing money.Remember it's the end product that counts.If I could have seen the future a few years back I would have doubled my prices then.

To coin a phrase "it is what it is"

Sorry,My Best

Mary asks…

thatching lawn?

I am wondering if someone could explain what thatching is and how I would go about fixing my half dead lawn. It's half moss (which I have almost removed) and half grass which is straw like and almost dead. My friend said I need to thatch and aerigate and another said just to sprinkle weed and feed (with moss control). Just looking for some sound advice of the process to get my lawn green again without moss and to tell me what thatching is and its process

landscapeliving answers:

When you remove thatch/moss from your lawn by scarifying (raking) it you can end up with terrible bare patches which become colonised by weeds. To get your lawn nice will probably take a few years work. Mine has improved by gently scarifying and spiking over with a garden fork each spring followed by scattering grass seed and using weed and feed. Make sure you cut it regularly and at the end of the growing season in autumn give it a final cut and be sure to rake up leaves.

Maria asks…

What exactly is thatching done on a lawn?

landscapeliving answers:

Thatch is actually the fibrous mat of dead roots and some plant material that forms at the surface of the soil. You want some thatch (1/2-3/4inch). It helps to retain moisture and nutrients. Too much acts like a sponge and traps moisture and nutrients keeping them from getting to the roots. If your turf is growing aggressively you should be doing a core aeration on a yearly basis. Power raking should be done every 3-5 years. This is all dependent on what part of the country you are living in. Cool season turf requires different techniques than southern turf. Hopefully this helps.

Lisa asks…

I have random brown patches in my lawn. After thatching & reseeding, they have returned. I live in Pa.?

I have been told the brown patches are possibly where insect eggs are laid, like Japanese Beetles, which were been rampant in the begining of the summer, especially on my pear tree or eating anything else they found tasty. I also have slugs which could be a clue. Help! Should I rethatch & reseed now?

landscapeliving answers:

Do you have a problem with raccoons or other animals digging in your yard? If you do, I would say it is grubs. I say that because usually grubs are trying to get to the grubs because they eat them. If you do not have a problem with raccoons, then it is probably not grubs.

Slugs on the other hand would not be a problem, but tells me that you may have a problem with moisture, which means you may have a problem with a fungus. Those brown patches are caused by a fungus which usually come back in the same spot every year. Thatching will help, but by seeding, you are giving the fungus more food.

Do not apply fertilizer as this will feed the grass, hence providing more food for the fungus. Do not overwater your lawn. Water will ensure the survival of the fungus. I would take a sample to your local extension office and see if they can ID the pathogen for you. They can also recommend a fungicide for you too.

Here's more info for you:
http://www.american-lawns.com/problems/diseases/brown_patch.html

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