Lawn Thatch: The Hidden Problem

Posted on July 21, 2025 in Gardening

Lawn Thatch: The Hidden Problem – Maintaining pristine outdoor spaces is essential for the long-term value and aesthetic appeal of any residential or commercial property. At Protech Property Solutions, we know that a well-kept lawn doesn’t just look good — it reflects the quality of property care and attention your tenants and stakeholders expect.

One of the most overlooked issues in lawn maintenance is lawn thatch. But what exactly is thatch, why does it matter, and what can be done about it? In this guide, we explain everything property managers need to know about this common lawn problem — and how to deal with it effectively.

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What is Lawn Thatch?

Lawn thatch is a layer of dead and living organic matter that builds up between the soil surface and the green vegetation of your grass. It is made up of:

• Grass stems and roots

• Dead leaves

• Runners and rhizomes

• Debris from mowing

Some thatch is perfectly normal and even beneficial — helping to insulate soil and reduce evaporation. However, when this layer becomes too thick (typically more than 12mm), it can begin to suffocate your lawn.

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Why Is Thatch a Problem?

Excessive lawn thatch can cause a range of problems, including:

• Restricted water and nutrient penetration
  A thick thatch layer can prevent water, fertiliser, and air from reaching the roots of the grass.

• Increased risk of pests and disease
  Thatch creates a moist, sheltered environment that encourages fungal diseases, moss growth, and insect infestations.

• Poor lawn health and discolouration
  Grass roots may begin to grow in the thatch instead of the soil, leading to shallow root systems and weakened turf.

For property management companies, this means higher grounds maintenance costs in the long run — and the risk of green areas becoming unsightly or even hazardous.

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What Causes Excessive Thatch?

Several factors contribute to thatch build-up, including:

• Over-fertilising, particularly with high-nitrogen feeds

• Infrequent mowing or improper mowing techniques

• Poor drainage or compacted soils

• Use of grass varieties that produce high levels of stem and root growth

Knowing the causes allows professional grounds maintenance teams, like ours at Protech Property Solutions, to tailor preventative care accordingly.

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How to Identify Lawn Thatch

You can check for thatch using this simple method:

1. Cut out a small wedge of turf using a spade.

2. Examine the cross-section of the turf.

3. If you notice a spongy brown layer more than 12mm thick between the green grass and soil — that’s excessive thatch.

We recommend regular lawn assessments, particularly in spring and autumn, to monitor thatch levels.

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How to Remove Lawn Thatch: Dethatching and Scarification

If your lawn has a thatch problem, you need to remove it through scarification or dethatching:

1. Scarification

A mechanical process using a scarifier to cut into the turf and remove the thatch layer. This process helps:

• Improve air, water, and nutrient penetration

• Encourage strong grass root growth

• Reduce disease and moss

Scarification is best done in spring or early autumn, allowing the lawn time to recover in favourable conditions.

2. Aeration

Often used alongside scarification, lawn aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to alleviate compaction and improve drainage. This enhances root development and prevents future thatch build-up.

At Protech Property Solutions, our professional teams are equipped with industry-grade scarifying and aeration tools, ensuring precise and effective lawn rejuvenation.

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Preventing Thatch Build-Up

Prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to keep thatch at bay:

• Schedule regular lawn maintenance with seasonal scarification and aeration

• Avoid over-watering and over-fertilising

• Mow at the correct height and remove grass clippings when necessary

• Choose the right grass species for your site’s soil and usage patterns

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Why Choose Protech Property Solutions?

With over 35 years of experience delivering tailored maintenance services across London and the Home Counties, Protech Property Solutions understands the unique needs of managing communal outdoor spaces.

We provide:

✅ Comprehensive grounds maintenance
✅ Scheduled lawn assessments and treatment
✅ Scarification and aeration as part of seasonal care
✅ Expert advice tailored to your properties

We work exclusively with property management companies, ensuring your developments remain attractive, safe, and cost-effective to maintain.

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Book a Site Survey Today

Lawn Thatch: The Hidden Problem – Don’t let thatch ruin your kerb appeal. Contact Protech Property Solutions today to book a free site assessment and discover how we can transform your outdoor spaces.

📞 01707 644 601
📧 info@protechpropertysolutions.co.uk
🌐 www.protechpropertysolutions.co.uk