If your lawn is dull, yellowing and lifeless it may be due to an excessive amount of thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead stems, roots and clippings between the soil’s surface and the green vegetation, which can deprive your lawn of vital nutrients. A thatch layer of one-half inch or more also prohibits water and air from entering the grass roots and provides the perfect breeding environment for insects and disease. A simple process called dethatching provides the best solution to thatch build-up and can restore an unhealthy yellowing lawn.

Dethatching is a process that mechanically removes accumulated thatch using steel flail blades or rigid wire tines to lift thatch debris to the surface for removal. Once this build up is eliminated, air, water and nutrients can flow freely to the roots, rejuvenating a yellowish lifeless lawn.

Dethatching may cause some minor damage to the turf, or browning for a short period after using a lawn comber. To expedite the recovery of the lawn, all the thatch should be removed. Fertilizer and herbicide should then be applied to prevent the growth of weeds while replenishing vital nutrients that the lawn needs to regain its green, lush appearance.

Cost-Effective Dethatching Solutions

While our comprehensive landscape maintenance typically includes dethatching plans for Brainerd, MN properties, we understand that specific situations may warrant a dedicated service. We offer targeted dethatching treatments to address particular thatch buildup issues without requiring a complete maintenance plan. We provide a cost-effective approach when a significant thatch problem is the primary concern.

With flexible scheduling, we can arrange dedicated dethatching services at your convenience to address immediate needs. For lawns prone to thatch, periodic standalone dethatching can act as a preventative measure, avoiding more significant problems and costs, ultimately leading to improved results by focusing solely on the effective removal of excessive thatch.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Dethatching

These signs indicate the grass needs dethatching:

• Spongy feel - The lawn feels soft and springy when you walk on it
• Thick thatch layer - A visible layer of dead grass and debris thicker than half an inch is present above the soil
• Poor water absorption - Water pools on the surface after rain or irrigation
• Reduced nutrient uptake - Your lawn appears unhealthy or undernourished despite proper watering and fertilization

Our experienced team can assess your lawn's condition and determine the most effective dethatching method, whether power raking or vertical mowing, to remove the excessive buildup of dead organic matter. This process promotes better air and water circulation, encourages healthy grass growth, and improves the overall vigor of your lawn in the Brainerd climate.

If you suspect a problem with thatch, don't hesitate to contact us for a specific evaluation and service. Please call the Express Outdoor Services, LLC team at 218-839-1940. You can also email us through this Online Form, and we will call back to schedule an on-site visit. We focus on providing clients with excellent value in all our services.