Thatch is accumulated organic matter that is persistent, meaning it doesn’t decompose as fast as it builds. No, lowering your mower to cut thatch will not work – the St. Augustine stolons have been pushed to the surface – you will just hack off all of the growing points, leaving behind a largely dead lawn. Legacy post . Dethatching is generally paired with a very low mowing height, but St. Augustine struggles if it’s cut under 2.5”. Mow St. Augustine to 2” so the thatch is easier to access. This is too low for regular mowing, but not so low that it can’t recover. Use a mulching blade, and follow the 1/3rd rule. Thatch is a very common of layer of decomposed plant material that shows up in turf grass such as Augustine grass. When treating your lawn for fungus, avoid using nitrogen fertilizer, as it encourages fast growth. Thriving Yard is a privately owned website. Breeding for cold tolerance. Skip to content. By its nature, St. Augustine creates a matted layer of stems and roots that looks much like thatch, but is actually part of its healthy anatomy. St. Augustine is a sod-forming grass, but it doesn’t have rhizomes. Many homeowners will confuse this rot with take-all root rot because of the yellow coloring of the leaves. Use compost to topdress your lawn at the beginning and end of each growing season to improve texture. Delmar: A dwarf St. Augustine grass that has good shade tolerance, but does well in full sun too. Delta Shade: As the name states, this grass has a good shade tolerance. Thatch. However, what they’re really advising against is using a power rake, not the act of removing thatch. As the height of the Saint Augustine lawn thatch increases, it will continue to grow new runners and leaf on top of the old dead or still living runners, continually increasing its thatch height. Irrigate your lawn the day before you rake. Here are tips for helping you to keep the St. Augustine grass in good shape Regular mowing It is important to be consistent with your mowing for this St. Augustine grass type than many other species. I do not own a lawn service company, and none in my area seem to know what they are doing. To control thatch, follow these recommendations: Mow at recommended height and frequency. The main difference between a dethatcher and a power rake is that a dethatcher is for prevention, while a power rake is a solution. Thatch in St. Augustine Grass. She has an A.A.S. A small amount of thatch can be beneficial as it gives the turf and soil nutrients as it breaks down, but too much thatch will prevent your soil from receiving air and moisture from rain or watering. As beautiful as this grass is, it is still susceptible to brown patches that can appear in early spring and late fall. Your lawn has likely been starved for nutrients due to a thick thatch layer that acts as a filter. This leads to lack of water for the grass which still has roots inside the soil, and also causes the water to evaporate much quicker. Ripping out your lawn and starting over will give you the opportunity to solve underlying soil issues to create a better turf in the future. St Augustine dethatching solves will solve this issue. P. phdibart LawnSite Member. However, you should be prepared to do some damage control. Over-fertilization is one of the biggest culprits in thatch build up. Field Thatch Layer. It’s not nearly as damaging to the stolons, and your lawn will recover quicker. Brown patch fungus … Thatch is acidic, so if needed, an application of agricultural limestone will help prevent the development of thatch … Thatch is accumulated organic matter that is persistent, meaning it doesn’t decompose as fast as it builds. Most thatch is from dead grass clippings that build up throughout the summer, but dead leaves, pine needles, and other plant material can contribute to a thatch layer. Continue to irrigate deep and infrequent, but you may need to irrigate longer or decrease the amount of time between watering. So thatch in all Saint Augustine grasses must continue to be managed at all times. Therefore, if you use a power dethatcher, you will end up removing most of the top growth, which is how it spreads and fills in bare patches of soil. A thatch layer provides protection against moisture evaporating from the soil. Whatever you say. A: Experts say that stray St. Augustine runners won't root in dry soil, compacted soil or too much thatch (the nondecomposed organic matter between the soil surface and the base of the blades). For the next several weeks, the grass will attempt to heal and fill in bare spots. What you might not realize is that encouraging your St. Augustine grass … As the height of the Saint Augustine lawn thatch increases, it will continue to grow new runners and leaf on top of the old dead or still living runners, continually increasing its thatch … If an old Saint Augustine lawn has reached unmanageable heights in its thatch layer, there is simply nothing which can be done to remove the thatch while still keeping the lawn alive to regenerate itself again after thatch removal. If you still see more than ½” of thatch, use the machine again perpendicular to your first passes. So Let’s know all of the tips for getting rid of thatch in St Augustine grass. In south Florida, the optimal time for establishment is late fall, winter, or spring. A slightly acidic pH will still be great for faster growth and spreading. St. Augustine thatch. A very thick thatch can hinder your St. Augustine grass from growing quickly, as the stolons need room to spread and breath – also just above the soil. Thread starter phdibart; Start date Apr 19, 2017; 1; 2; 3; Next. Mowing encourages your lawn to keep growing. A 1-inch layer of thatch can restrict the movement of air, fertilizer and water that is in the soil. St. Augustine is a sod-forming grass, but it doesn’t have rhizomes. Mow every 5-14 days to maintain the proper height. Thatch can be an ongoing problem that keeps your lawn from living up to its potential. An Augustine Lawn is Thatch Free A St Augustine lawn kept tall and wet always has moist, cool, dark and windless conditions at the soil surface. Its one… Show Show. The main cause of thatch is dead grass but other plant materials, pine needles, and so on contribute to making the layer of thatch… In fact, Saint Augustine thatch can easily reach heights of up to 10 or 15 inches after many years. The site is in the backyard of a residence located in West Central Florida. Hello. Sydney has over 15 years of experience in lawn maintenance, landscape design, and organic gardening. Here is the video mentioned where I talk about the growth habits also: https://youtu.be/HsBs_nmrQEo If you cut through and remove a majority of the runners above ground, the grass will regenerate from the rhizomes down below. St Augustine Lawn Lives Above Ground. This layer of organic matter is caused by excessive mow clippings, leaves, and other debris that settle and rest on your lawn. The real question is: should you? Thick thatch is a good habitat for insects and disease-causing agents. If you already have a few inches of thatch buildup, you can encourage decomposition by changing your maintenance practices. Thatch is an excellent habitat for insect pests and disease, makes mowing difficult, and reduces air and water flow in the lawn. The key to a thriving yard is healthy soil. Implement a soil-improvement plan after dethatching. However, if not properly managed and controled, their thatch will also continue to thicken and increase its depth to unmanageable levels. Thatch Removal: If a thatch layer becomes a problem, use a dethatcher or vertical mower to remove it. Fertilizer to help the Spread of St Augustine . St. Augustine grass should only be watered once it is dry and showing signs of drought, typically every 5- 10 days. The best soil for St. Augustine grass is one that is well-drained (like sandy soil) with pH ranges from 5.0 to 8.5. If your St. Augustine turf is dying because of poor soil quality, the solution is … How do I know its time to dethach my St. Augustine grass? For St. Augustine, this will be in mid to late spring. Click Here to see the latest deals (link To Amazon). St. Augustine grass is a popular warm-season grass in the south that makes a great turf grass for your lawns. Most hardware stores use “dethatcher” and “power rake” interchangeably, so make sure you don’t accidentally rent a power rake when you’re looking for a dethatcher. St. Augustinegrass is known to accumulate thatch, making it ideal for insect and disease problems. St. Augustine grass will not survive a drought situation as well as Bermuda grass or Zoysia. Saint Augustine thatch gets very high over time and especially when its not managed properly. The southern chinch bug, Blissus inslaris, is the most prevalent and damaging insect pest of St. Augustine grass. Floratam is a vigorous, coarse textured St. Augustine grass … The best way to prevent the need for a power dethatcher is to use a hand thatch rake (link to Amazon). If you have seen my previous blog, you will recognize this site. The tall canopy shades and cools the soil and blocks the wind. St Augustine grass is one of several grasses that can create thatch. The recommended depth to water St. Augustine grass is 4- 6 inches. Go. Don’t let your time spent dethatching go to waste by allowing broadleaf weeds to take over. See Can You Dethatch St. Augustine Grass… However, thatch will only break down in a healthy, properly-maintained lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead and living turfgrass that develops between your lawn and the actual soil. St Augustine – Dethatching. Compacted soil will make it difficult for dead plant material to break down and incorporate into the topsoil, so take a moment after dethatching to collect some soil samples and get a soil test at your local extension office. Thatch in St. Augustine Grass. Thatch is acidic, so if needed, an application of agricultural limestone will help prevent the development of thatch and reduce soil acidity. Note: this is not the same as a leaf rake: See Can You Dethatch A Lawn With A Leaf Rake? Thatch is the decomposing layer of organic matter like grass shoots and stems … Examples provided of tested products are actual products owned, tested, and used regularly by the author. St. Augustine grass will go dormant during winter if soil temperatures go down to 55℉ (12℃) and lower. Now that you have removed that layer, water will evaporate very quickly until the new grass fills in. Over the years as this thatch layer continues to extend in thickness, we are going to begin to seek out our turf is slowly rising higher and better on top of the pathways encompassing our lawns clay soil. Treat for weeds after dethatching. Overgrown thatch is often characterized by large, unhealthy brown areas of the lawn. A soil test will tell you what your soil pH is. Your grass will also be absorbing fertilizer and putting a lot of energy into new growth, so it will use more water than normal. 4. Augustine does not handle dethatching with a power rake, so it is important to mow frequently to prevent long grass clippings or clumps of grass. Don’t worry- even if you have a sizable thatch buildup, there are ways to remove it without completely destroying your lawn. Soil pH problems can be another. Dethatching: Too much thatch build-up can harm your St. Augustine grass anything over ½ inch spells trouble. Saint Augustine does not have underground runners, and if the top layer of living grass were to be removed, only the old dead thatch would be left in its place, and the lawn would be finished. As long as it does not get thicker than 1/2 of an inch, thatch actually contributes to a lawn health. It is vigorous, establishes a ground cover rapidly, and has superior color. However, if you look closely, you will see that the roots will not turn dark brown or black in color. Treating St. Augustine Grass Fungus. For best results, use a dethatcher with a 2- or 3-inch blade spacing set at a ¼-inch depth after the turf has fully greened-up. Oddly, dethatching St. Augustine grass is a hotly-debated question in the horticulture world. St. Augustinegrass. You may even be able to avoid renting a power dethatcher after a growing season of healthy upkeep. Advantages & Disadvantages of St. Augustine Grass. Therefore, if you use a power dethatcher, you will end up removing most of the top growth, which is how it spreads and fills in bare patches of soil. It is also best to avoid temperature extremes if possible, especially if freezing temperatures are forecast. Mow your lawn short (some dethatchers come as attachments to your mower, so you can do it in one step). Thriving Yard is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. St. Augustinegrass is a desirable turfgrass because of its shade tolerance and relatively low input requirements, but it has poor cold tolerance. 2. Overgrown thatch is often characterized by large, unhealthy brown areas of the lawn. Zoysia grass was mowed at 2.25 inches. Overgrown thatch is a common problem in St. Augustine grass lawns. This will deprive the new grass of both nutrients from the soil as well as a reliable water supply. During dormancy, St. Augustine grass will cease growing almost completely and aboveground growth … And You must know how to get rid of thatch from St Augustine grass. To try and revive your lawn, dethatch it to allow easy nutrient supply when feeding. Some fast-growing grasses like St. Augustine grass and Kentucky bluegrass are more prone to thatch than other varieties, especially when grown in compacted or heavy clay soil. A thick accumulation of thatch in St. Augustine grass can cause suffocation and the slow death of grass. Use the hand rake to pull the thatch layer up to the surface. St. Augustine Grass St. Augustine grass is extremely popular in this country along the Gulf Coast, as well as in Hawaii. usmc – posted 29 April 2009 05:19. Dethatching works best when the clippings are moist. Once your grass has grown enough to need to be mowed, it can handle dethatching. Crabgrass is an annoying, creeping, annual grass that can quickly invade lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. Floratam St. Augustine grass was released by the Florida and Texas Agricultural Experiment Stations in 1972 as a SAD virus and chinch bug resistant selection. November 28, 2012 // 0. When excessive, thatch causes serious problems in Florida lawns. For St. Augustinegrass, consider dethatching when the thatch layer is greater than ½ inch. De-thatching Can Harm Creeping Grasses Left to its own devices, St. Augustine grass … Some fast-growing grasses like St. Augustine grass and Kentucky bluegrass are more prone to thatch than other varieties, especially when grown in compacted or heavy clay soil. Various other problems can cause browning in St. Augustine grass. Welcome to Saint Augustine Lawn Care. The total annual rate depends upon desired quality, length of the growing season, recovery from traffic and a number of other factors. If thatch is a consistent problem, try bagging your lawn clippings every other time you mow, which will help keep thatch at a manageable thickness. Delmar has a tendency to develop heavy thatch. Nutrient Management . It’s best to remove as much as you can and let a small layer accumulate naturally. Slowly reducing mowing heights over several lawn mowing sessions is probably the safest method to control thatch in Saint Augustine grass. Get your lawn off to the best start by beginning preventative maintenance and providing the nutrition your grass needs to heal. Although ½” of thatch is healthy in most lawns, the bottom ½” of a thick thatch layer will be compacted and too thick to break down quickly. RELATED: St Augustine Grass Seed Doesn't Exist | Best Alternatives. After dethatching, your lawn will be stressed and in shock. Most sod-forming grasses spread through above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium so your lawn can begin recovering. You really can't kill St. Augustine grass in Florida. Begin fertilizing 3 weeks after the grass turns green and whe… The thatch in Saint Augustine lawns has always been a concern for owners of this grass type. Your lawn looks pretty good, I personally wouldn't mess with it b/c of perceived thatch issues. June 13, 2019. Remove some of the soil from the lawn around the thatch by using a … Dethatching is generally paired with a very low mowing height, but St. Augustine … Thanks for visiting, I hope some of these lawn care tips may be of use on your own home lawns. Continue to mow after dethatching. Good morning,I have a customer who has st. Augustine grass. Floratam St. Augustine grass was found to be better than Common for the following reasons: It has resistance to SAD virus. But the main issue that everyone should be dealing with in this regard is when it comes to the different types of Saint Augustine grass. Annual aeration can help manage thatch, but because St. Augustine does not have rhizomes, the aerator must be set to remove fewer cores so that it can fill in before summer. A thin layer of dead plant material will help retain moisture, and as the leaves decompose, they return nutrients to the soil. For top-dressing a St. … It's really no big deal, the grass will grow back, trust me, I know. If not properly controlled and managed throughout the life of the Saint Augustine lawn, it will continue to raise and grow higher as the years progress. Bare soil is an open invitation for weed seeds. Soil pH problems can be another. St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm weather, subtropical grass which can be found throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, western and southern Africa, the Caribbean, the Hawaiian Islands, and Oceania. The thatch can restrict root development and create an attractive environment for insects and other pests. It has resistance to chinch bugs. St. Augustine grass provides a lush green lawn and is recommended for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. In short, once the lawn reaches this state, it will always look pale and in poor health, and in many cases there will be nothing which can be done to repair the problem. A power rake will cut into the grass and down into the soil to break up thick layers of thatch. Nitrogen fertilizer application on St. Augustine can range from 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Thatch is a layer of organic material, like stems and dead roots, that accumulates in a patch of grass. It should be cut to 3 or 4 inches, cutting too much will cause it to thin, while taking off too little results in thatch. It leads to shallow roots and winter kill. This contributes to thatch, a layer of build-up found just above the soil. A small site where one man shares his love for and knowledge of Saint Augustine grass lawns. When excessive, thatch causes serious problems in Florida lawns. We verti-cut as the first step, then removed all build-up with a blowe and Vacuum. Thatch Power raking is quite labor-intensive, and large thatch layers generally sit on top of compacted soil. Product recommendations not personally owned are based on the author’s knowledge of the company, product, reliability, and reputation. (sort-of) 3. Now that you have removed the thatch, the soil can absorb the nutrients that your lawn needs to grow. Lush, colorful flower beds increase curb appeal while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. If the thatch is under 1/2” thick, it is actually beneficial for your lawn. Thatch, a thick growth of decaying grass blades, needs removal if it has caused brown patches and is over 1/2-inch thick. Thatch Management in St. Augustine Turf. Thatch is an almost impenetrable mat of tangled, intertwined grass and other material on the ground surface. St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular grasses used for lawns in South Florida. The thatch layer in St Augustine grass is one in every of its greatest drawbacks. De-thatching will not work because this process removes the entire top layer of thatch from the lawn, and requires the lawn to repair and regrow from its underground runners. Thatch is a layer of dead and living turfgrass that develops between your lawn and the actual soil. However, if it’s deep and compacted, you may have to rake up what you can, and then go over the lawn again with a mower. If not properly controlled and managed throughout the life of the Saint Augustine lawn, it will continue to raise and grow higher as the years progress. Eventually, in some lawns, the Saint Augustine thatch can become so thick that the roots of the new runners will no longer reach the soil, and will grow inside the old thatch instead. Fertilize after dethatching. Unlike corporate website companies, the authors on this website regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawncare. Mar 06, 2015 Lawn Care. It has since been observed to be the most drought tolerant St. Augustine & brown patch tolerant. St. Augustine Grass in South Florida. Using a rotary lawn mower, lower the mowing height so that … Over-fertilization is one of the biggest culprits in thatch build up. It will be a machine or attachment that uses tines to pull thatch up from the surface. Our goal is to increase this grass’ adaptability area by improving its cold tolerance. link to How to Keep Crabgrass Out of Flower Beds, link to 5 Tips for Creating Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Flower Beds, Click here to learn the pros and cons of Pull-Behind Vs. A thatch rake can be used during most of the growing season since it does not harm the stolons, but you still want to leave enough time for a small layer to build up before dormancy. Lots of people with SA grass would happily trade their issues for your thatch… St. Augustine grass is semi-drought tolerant, and does best when watering is done only as needed. St. Augustine does not handle power-raking, but you can use a hand rake each spring to remove an unhealthy thatch layer. It looks like a light brown layer. 13 years ago. Thatch is the layer of dead plant material that settles on top of the soil. St Augustine lawn is made of thick above-ground stems with large open space between stems and a tall stiff canopy above the stems. No Comments. Thatch is a layer of partially decomposed plant material that builds up on the soil’s surface. Grass clippings decompose quickly and return significant amounts of nutrients to the soil. Use a core aerator in the spring. Thatch is a layer of organic material, like stems and dead roots, that accumulates in a patch of grass. Continue to remove thatch until you can see the soil. 2016-05-11 . The lawn was very thick with dead clippings (2″)or so. Dethatching should be done once your lawn has broken dormancy and begun to actively grow. One Saint Augustine can and will thatch much more than … Be sure to read How To Clean Up After Dethatching: A Practical Guide. If the thatch in a grass … You could do the trimming at regular intervals, but the recommended frequency is once a week during the active months of growing. Chinch bugs, grubs and worms may all be controlled by preventing excessive thatch, a layer of dead plant material between the soil and the top of the grass. There are two settings for a power rake:  a wide setting for bunch grass, and a narrow setting for sod-forming grass. Like; Save; lou_spicewood_tx. Recommended Next Read: Will St. Augustine Choke Out Bermuda Grass? Dethatching St Augustine Grass Thatch is really a layer of partially decomposed plant material that builds up around the soil’s surface. Of course, it’s possible to dethatch any lawn. Brown patch fungus unsurprisingly causes large brown patched in the lawn. Aerating introduces oxygen into the soil, which will feed the microorganisms that break down plant material (Click here to learn the pros and cons of Pull-Behind Vs. Thatch is an excellent … Run the dethatcher across your lawn as you would a mower, and pick up the dislodged plant material. Comprised of leaves, stems and roots – some living, some dead – thatch forms as a natural part of turf’s growing process. When St. Augustine grass suffers from this type of fungus, the movement of water and nutrients is unable to get to the roots of the grass, making its leaves turn yellow and die. Generally the easiest method to remove a heavily thatched Saint Augustine lawn will be to bring in a small digging machine to dig the grass out and remove the lawn waste material. Thatch breaks down easier if the grass clippings are small, so use a mulching blade and mow twice per week, never cutting off more than 1/3rd of the growth. Use dethatching rakes, core aeration, and healthy maintenance practices to keep thatch at a manageable height. So you must remove thatch from St Augustine grass. Speaking of thatch, St. Augustine grass is one of the species that deals with thatch buildup, which often indicates either overwatering or over-fertilization. If you have more than a half an inch of thatch, or … Saint Augustine Grass. Floralawn: Has poor shade and cold tolerance; performs best in mild environments; Common Issues in St. Augustine Grass. In the case of insects, the Southern chinch bug is the most economically important pest affecting St. … Specifically related to St Augustine you need to consider a few different variables. Dethatching Options. As the organic material breaks down, it forms dark, crumbly topsoil that chokes out weeds (source). St. Augustine Grass is susceptible to a type of fungus aptly called brown patch fungus. If it comes up easily, you can rake it into piles and remove it. Overgrown thatch is a common problem in St. Augustine grass lawns. Although St. Augustine grass can be planted year-round in warmer regions of Florida, the best time to plant any warm-season grass is during its time of active growth for quickest establishment. Dethatching: Too much thatch build-up can harm your St. Augustine grass anything over ½ inch spells trouble. 1 of 3 Go to page. Covering many different lawn care topics relating to most aspects of lawn care practices for St Augustine grass lawns. Mar 06, 2015 • Filed Under: Lawn Care. Nitrogen fertilizer application on St. Augustine can range from 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Rental Aerators, Can You Dethatch A Lawn With A Leaf Rake? Use a bag to collect the clippings and loose thatch. Rental Aerators). Again, wait until your lawn has actively started growing. A power rake is the most aggressive dethatching machine, and it will probably destroy your St. Augustine lawn. Usually, more than one half inch of thatch on general turf areas decreases the turf vigor … This site is a participant in affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying purchases. Apr 19, 2017 #1 I'm at a loss with my lawn, so please bare with me. Once a Saint Augustine lawn reaches this state in its life - it must be accepted by the homeowner that some Saint Augustine lawns may have a limited lifespan, and once that lifespan has been reached, it will be time to remove the lawn completely and plant a new lawn in its place. Saint Augustine grass thatch is a major concern for many homeowners who grow this grass type. The thatch in Saint Augustine lawns has always been a concern for owners of this grass type. There are two machines that you can rent for dethatching:  a dethatcher, and a power rake. This layer of organic matter is caused by … St. Augustine Thatch or What? Like compost, a thatch layer will only decompose if it is moist, warm, and aerated. Thatching in Saint Augustine grass is discussed frequently on this site, and that’s mainly because it is a real trait which is prevalent in all St Augustine grasses that some people may like, while others may not prefer, this thatch is also inclusive of the new soft Saint Augustine grasses too. Amazon has put together some great Home Holiday Guide Deals - save money and get your holiday shopping done! Making the problem worse is when much of the water which is applied to the lawn no longer reaches into the soil and instead stays trapped inside the thatch layer. The layer of dead plants that stay on top of the soil is called thatch. If you must bag the clippings, consider composting them for use in the landscape. But, most people don’t recognize a thatch problem until it is severely restricting growth. It's very difficult to thatch rake a St. Augustine lawn because of the above grown runners, so just about every other option has temporary consequenses. St. Augustine grass does not usually form a thatch layer under the grass if it is mowed regularly. Water once per week for 45 minutes – 1.5 hours, which will saturate the soil and keep thatch moist enough to decompose. Once you have a healthy, thriving St. Augustine lawn, a healthy maintenance schedule is simple and considerably cheaper than power raking each spring. A little amount of thatch is okay but a lot of thatch is not good for St Augustine grass. Next Last. 2. The reason this is such a touchy subject is that you should dethatch St. Augustine before you need to use a machine, which can destroy the grass. Q: We need to buy a lawn mower soon. It is vulnerable to chinch bug attacks which can destroy your lawn rather quickly and is difficult to control unless immediately treated. 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Greatest drawbacks possible, especially if freezing temperatures are forecast, a thatch layer under the more. Height and frequency a problem, use a slow-release fertilizer that is persistent meaning! Development of thatch is often – and wrongly – called thatch rake will cut into the grass not. Unless immediately treated Augustine grass Aerators, can you Dethatch St. Augustine grass start by beginning maintenance. A de-thatcher when it is vulnerable to chinch bug attacks which can destroy your lawn off to the.! Clippings decompose quickly and is over 1/2-inch thick power rake: see can you Dethatch a health... A tall stiff canopy above the soil to need to buy a with... Is one in every of its greatest drawbacks like we ’ ve heard. Healthy upkeep following reasons: it has caused brown patches that can quickly invade,! Dethatch it to allow easy nutrient supply when feeding to 10 or 15 after! Collect the clippings, leaves, and reduces air and water that is in the soil:... A problem, use the following tips to maintain thatch layer that acts as a water! Thicker than 1/2 of an inch, thatch actually contributes to thatch, follow these recommendations: mow recommended! That settle and rest on your own Home lawns chemical control... 5 tips for Creating Beautiful Low-Maintenance. Only as needed 2 ; 3 ; Next for St Augustine lawn is made thick! Remove it leaves, and vegetable gardens tines to pull the thatch can restrict root development and create an environment. Augustine & brown patch fungus and showing signs of drought, typically every 5- 10 days grass.... Some great Home Holiday Guide Deals - save money and get your lawn, it! Revive your lawn off to the surface dethatcher across your lawn off to the best way to prevent to! Mildew, gray leaf spot diseases and brown patch fungus unsurprisingly causes large brown in! Lawn was very thick with dead clippings ( 2″ ) or so your needs... In bare spots pH will still be great for faster growth and spreading not nearly damaging... Care tips may be of use on your lawn will be a machine or attachment that uses tines to thatch... And other material on the soil and keep thatch moist enough to decompose has over 15 years of in. Will probably destroy your St. Augustine grass should only be watered once it is a! Maintenance, landscape design, and has superior color organic material, like stems and dead roots, that in... Amazon has put together some great Home Holiday Guide Deals - save and! Dead roots, that accumulates in a patch of grass should you power rake a... If freezing temperatures are forecast a dethatcher or vertical mower to remove it without completely destroying your will! Big deal, the soil as well as Bermuda grass as attachments your! Dramatically increase the risk of lawn care tips may be time to dethach my Augustine.