Can a lawn be too healthy? No, but as the thatch layer thickens, the turf grass can choke itself out. The root zone becomes compacted. Lawn renovation services are often needed to balance out the growth.
Lawn Thatch is The Problem
It’s a good idea to mulch your grass clippings into the lawn during the summer because it adds quick nitrogen and moisture. However, when a lawn’s thatch layer exceeds half an inch, water and nutrients have a difficult time percolating down to the root system. There is no gas exchange between soil and air, slowing down the natural decomposition of grass clippings. Once your lawn thatch layer exceeds a half an inch, it really starts to pile up, because there is no aerobic bacteria action to break it down. A thick thatch layer also retains moisture within itself, depriving the root system of needed water and setting up the perfect conditions for lawn disease and fungus.
Core Aeration Breaks Down Thatch Layers
The core aeration process removes plugs from the lawn, effectively punching holes in the thatch layer and disposing the cores on top. This aerates the root zone, providing little holes that fill up with water and fresh organic material like grass clippings. The cores themselves deposit beneficial bacteria at the top of the thatch layer, breaking it down from above.
Overseeding Invigorates Renovated Lawns
Since core aeration is somewhat stressful to a lawn, we provide this lawn renovation services in the fall when the air is cooler and the lawn is growing again. This is also the perfect time to overseed a thin lawn. The grass seed falls into the plug holes made by the core aerator, and the soil plugs wash back in, providing nearly 100% germination. Overseeding is important to the lawn renovation process – even when the lawn is thick – because it introduces a new generation of turf grass that may be more disease-resistant.
Reviving Thin Lawns with Slice-Seeding
We can also revive lawns devastated by insects and drought with our slice seeder. A slice seeder cuts a groove ½” deep into the soil of a thin lawn and incrementally plants a grass seed every inch; in many cases, saving the cost of ripping up and re-loaming an existing lawn.
We provide lawn renovation services à la carte or as part of our Estate Lawn Care Program.
Regardless of the lawn care program you are on, our techs always take a core sample each year to inspect the thickness of the thatch layer.
FAQs About Lawn Renovation
1. Why is thatch a problem for my lawn?
Thatch becomes a problem when it exceeds half an inch in thickness. It prevents water and nutrients from reaching the root system and blocks gas exchange between the soil and air. This slows down the natural decomposition of grass clippings and creates a moist environment that can lead to lawn disease and fungus.
2. How does core aeration help improve lawn health?
Core aeration removes small plugs from the lawn, creating holes that allow water, nutrients, and air to reach the root zone. The plugs left on top deposit beneficial bacteria that help break down the thatch layer, improving soil health and promoting stronger grass growth.
3. When is the best time to perform core aeration and overseeding?
Core aeration and overseeding are best performed in the fall when the weather is cooler, and the lawn is actively growing. This reduces stress on the lawn and allows new grass seed to establish itself in the aeration holes.
4. What is overseeding, and why is it important?
Overseeding involves planting new grass seed into existing turf to thicken up thin areas. The new grass seed takes root in the aeration holes and improves lawn density, helping to fill in bare patches and create a lush, healthy lawn.
5. How can I tell if my lawn needs renovation?
If your lawn has a thick thatch layer, struggles with nutrient absorption, or looks thin and patchy, it may need renovation. Groundhog Turf Care technicians take a core sample each year to measure the thatch layer and determine if core aeration, overseeding, or slice seeding is necessary.
Lawn Renovation Service Areas in New Hampshire
Our lawn renovation services are available to homeowners in the following New Hampshire locations. If you don’t see your town listed, give us a call – chances are we can service you!
Southern NH
Manchester NH
