Can i dethatch in the spring

For example, lawns that are over-watered, growing in heavy clay soils, or are over-fertilized can accumulate thatch layers more rapidly than lawns receiving proper care and maintenance. The grass species also influences thatch buildup. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, can build a thick thatch layer within several months and require annual dethatching.

Perennial ryegrass species, such as English ryegrass Lolium perenne 'Manhattan' , hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, produce little thatch and only require dethatching every few years, says the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Dethatch your lawn when soils are moist, but not wet. Avoid dethatching if weeds are germinating to prevent them from invading your lawn. These weeds also block needed sunlight that contributes to photosynthesis, which helps plants process fertilizer. Spring diseases stress and can kill young, weak grass blades. Hot, dry weather curbs blade growth because water is less prevalent. Homeowners may also find it more difficult to water lawns because many towns impose watering restrictions.

Crabgrass — a weedy grass that suffocates cool-season grasses — is more likely to grow freely. The crabgrass control will actually obstruct seedlings from developing. Previous Post. Next Post. Jun 15, Lawn Conditions. They are less likely to nest in the short grass where they are more visible to predators. Fall is a great time to aerate your lawn.

Aeration is a mechanical process that involves pulling out soil cores to reduce soil compaction and allow for air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. Aerating your lawn helps the grass roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, healthier lawn and provides better seed-to-soil contact when combined with overseeding.

The optimal time for aeration is late August to mid October because most weeds are not actively germinating. Spring is the second best time for aerating your lawn, but you may encounter more weed pressure as weed seeds are exposed to light. Aerators may be rented or purchased at many lawn care or home improvement stores.

In my experience, I have seen perfectly healthy lawns thinned to actually destroyed from spring dethatching. I say, do something more productive, not destructive to your lawn this spring.

Your lawn will love a light raking to remove leaves and surface debris. April 21, By Mr Grass. Tags: chippers , dethatching , concord lawn care , thatch , upper valley lawn care , chinch bugs , nh lawn care , vt lawn care , spring lawn care , thatching.

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