PUBLICATION W161M
Turfgrass Maintenance: Thatch
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Summary
Thatch is the layer of dead and living stems, leaves, and roots that builds up at the soil surface when turf grows faster than it can decompose. A small amount helps cushion and protect turf, but too much can block water movement, limit rooting, and shelter insects and diseases. This guide explains how to measure thatch depth, when to dethatch, and which tools work best. It also outlines prevention steps like proper fertilizing, drainage, cultivation, and topdressing.
Publications in Series: Turfgrass Maintenance
Turfgrass Maintenance: Cultivation
Turfgrass Maintenance: Developing a Turf Fertilization Plan
Turfgrass Maintenance: Essential Elements
Turfgrass Maintenance: Fertilizers
Turfgrass Maintenance: Irrigation
Turfgrass Maintenance: Mowers
Turfgrass Maintenance: Mowing
Turfgrass Maintenance: Rolling
Turfgrass Maintenance: Topdressing
Harvested for You
Based on the subjects and categories of this publication, you may be interested in the following resources.
Turfgrass Selection for Tennessee Landscapes
Large Patch vs. Brown Patch in Turfgrass: How to Tell the Difference
Instructions for Collecting and Packing Turfgrass Sample for Diagnostic Lab
