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What Is Thatch in the Lawn?

Lawn thatch is a layer of organic debris (such as dead grass, roots, and stems) that builds up between the grass blades and the soil surface. A small amount of thatch can actually benefit your lawn, helping with water retention and offering protection from temperature extremes.

However, excessive thatch is problematic. It can:

  • Block moisture and nutrients from reaching the grass roots
  • Create an uneven surface, making mowing difficult
  • Compact the soil, leading to poor grass growth

Regular thatch removal is essential to prevent these issues and maintain a healthy lawn.

How to Spot Lawn Thatch

You can identify thatch problems in several ways:

  • Dead or thinning patches on your lawn
  • A spongy feeling when walking on the grass
  • Water pooling after rain, indicating poor drainage
  • Uneven or bumpy areas on your lawn

How Do Greensleeves Remove Thatch?

We have a range of services that are designed to remove and manage lawn thatch levels efficiently. They include:

Moss and Thatch Control Treatment (Scarification)

This process uses professional equipment to remove the optimal amount of thatch, enough to improve lawn health, but not so much that it strips away all protection. Scarification improves access to air, nutrients, and water.

Lawn Aeration

If thatch has led to soil compaction, aeration is a key next step. It helps improve airflow, encourages strong root growth, and reduces further thatch build-up.

Thatch Control Treatments

Our specially formulated treatments naturally break down excess organic material. When followed by lawn feed applications, they promote healthy, resilient grass growth.

scarification machine

How to Prevent Excess Lawn Thatch

While Greensleeves can help remove lawn thatch, prevention is always the best approach. These steps can help maintain balanced thatch levels:

  • Regular Mowing: Shorter clippings decompose faster, reducing thatch.
  • Avoid Overwatering: Water deeply and less frequently to promote deeper root systems and reduce damp conditions that encourage thatch.
  • Aerate Periodically: Helps decompose organic material and relieves compaction.
  • Balanced Fertilisation: Strong grass competes better with thatch build-up.
  • Debris Removal: Clear fallen leaves and clippings to limit thatch-forming material.
lawn scarifying

Seasonal Lawn Care to Manage Thatch

Take a seasonal approach to lawn care to keep thatch under control:

  • Spring: Use scarification and aeration to refresh the lawn and remove winter debris.
  • Summer: Avoid overfeeding. Use deep watering techniques helped by our Aqua Boost Service, to encourage root development.
  • Autumn: Scarify again to remove thatch, overseed to strengthen the lawn, and prepare it for winter.
  • Winter: Keep the lawn clear of debris and avoid overwatering. Monitor waterlogged areas closely.

Don’t Worry About Lawn Thatch – We’ve Got It Covered

Don’t let thatch hold your lawn back. With Greensleeves’ professional lawn care services, we’ll remove excess thatch and help your lawn thrive year-round.

Contact us today to learn how we can support you with tailored thatch control solutions.

We are the UK's No1 most trusted

Excellent 4.8 / 5 based on 15,000+ reviews

I would highly recommend Greensleeves

I would highly recommend Greensleeves who restored our baron-looking lawn which had been eaten away by chauffer grubs to a lush green fantastic lawn in a matter of months and we now have them every few months to keep our lawn looking lush and beautiful by treating it. Also lovely pleasant and helpful staff. Thank you Greensleeves. 
 

Diane

Greensleeves have done a fabulous job…

Greensleeves have done a fabulous job on the lawn in our new house – turning it from a weed-infected patch of green to a true grass lawn. All in the space of a few months during initially very challenging weather conditions. Very happy with the progress that has been made – thank you. 
 
 

Brydon

Good service and good people!

I have been using Greensleeves for a few years now and I am pleased with both their products and service and they definitely know what they are talking about. They come on the day they say they will come, they execute their work quickly and efficiently and above all our lawn has really benefitted from their service. 
 

Janet

Excellent service

We have only just started using Greensleeves but our impression of the company so far is very good. All contact with them has been dealt with promptly and professionally. The first lawn treatment was carried out as arranged today and my husband had a couple of queries regarding the lawn and these were answered in a friendly and informative manner. 
 

Lesley

Highly recommend

This Company do a great job of keeping my lawn in tip-top condition. They are very knowledgeable and I feel very reasonable for a job that definitely requires a level of expertise. I initially tried treating my lawn myself but got nowhere near the results of Greensleeves. Would highly recommend. 
 
 
 

Virginia
Lawn lines over grass