Thatch is composed of organic debris that has built up without having proper time to decompose. Be sure to regularly clear organic items such as leaves, stems and large patches of cut grass from your lawn to prevent build-up. [3] X Research source A little thatch can be beneficial to your lawn. A thin layer of no more than half an inch can keep substantial temperature changes from damaging your lawn. Furthermore, it adds stability to lawns that see a lot of foot traffic. [4] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
Defense is the best offense when it comes to beating out weeds. Keep up basic maintenance such as watering and fertilizing properly. [6] X Expert Source Scott JohnsonLandscape & Design Consultant Expert Interview. 8 April 2020. The turf will absorb its necessary water and nutrients, preventing weeds from getting what they need to grow. [7] X Research source Hand-weeding is the safest and most effective way to remove roots. Use a trowel or long spade and dig deep into the ground around the weed. Loosen the soil around it, and then carefully pull the weed up. Replace the soil that was removed and then re-seed the bare patch. [8] X Research source
If you’re using a spike aerator, you may have to go over the same area several times in order to make sure your holes are plentiful and penetrate deep enough into the soil. [13] X Research source Because young turf has not established a solid root system, do not aerate your lawn within a year of either planting a fresh lawn or overseeding. [14] X Research source Leave the pieces of soil pulled up during aeration on your lawn. They will eventually decompose and work themselves back into the gaps left behind. [15] X Trustworthy Source Virginia Cooperation Extension Publications and Educational resources from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University Go to source
Don’t be disappointed if your pH level is too high or too low. It’s very rare for lawns to be at the perfect balance without a little extra work.
You can also spread the ashes from your fireplace throughout your lawn for a more organic method of balancing your pH levels. [19] X Research source
Alternatively, simply use grass cuttings and other organic matter as a composting agent. Decomposition naturally adds acidity back into your soil. Just be careful not to add too much, or you will risk thatch build-up. [21] X Research source
If you’re unsure how much water your lawn is getting, place a ruler in the middle of your lawn. In a pinch, you can even use a can of cat food or similarly sized item to gauge hydration levels. [24] X Research source
Watering an overseeded lawn is the exception to the once a week rule. A freshly seeded lawn will need a light watering twice a day. Keep this up for four days, then switch to a deep watering once a day for the next five days. [26] X Research source The amount of seed you should use varies based on the size of your lawn and the damage done. Be sure to refer to the instructions on whatever seed you use. [27] X Research source
Don’t dispose of your clippings. Instead, allow them to decompose and provide extra nutrients to your lawn. Just make sure to remove larger clumps before letting it rest. This will prevent thatch build-up[29] X Research source Because you don’t want to remove too much grass at a time, frequent mowings are necessary. Monitor the growth of your grass, and mow as often as necessary to ensure you’re only removing one-third of the blade at a time. [30] X Research source
Deeper ruts will require further treatment. Wait until the grass has grown out again in the remaining divots, which will take approximately four weeks. Repeat the process in these problem areas. [32] X Research source
