L AWN CARE
Dethatching & Aerating: When, Why and How to Treat Turf
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Three approaches to identify, treat and offer business-growing turf rejuvenation services.
fter the heat of summer, turf often needs to be rejuvenated. Fall is a great time to boost turf health by dethatching and aerating. Knowing how to recognize thatch and when to do something about it allows lawn care operators (LCOs) to make recommendations to their customers that not only keeps their lawns healthy, but helps LCOs grow their business by proposing added services. Here are three steps to identify, treat and offer businessgrowing turf rejuvenation services to your customers.
Identifying Thatch Buildup Let’s start by understanding what thatch is and why it can be a concern. Unhealthy grass has a layer of buildup between the grass blades and the soil, called thatch, that needs to be removed when it becomes too thick. A lackluster lawn can be a sign of too much thatch—discoloration, thinning, weeds, etc. Looking at a soil sample can confirm if thatch buildup is the issue. LCOs can check thatch thickness by simply digging up a small section of the lawn, about 2 or 3 inches wide, and measuring the thatch layer. Anything thicker than 0.5 inch means it’s time to take action.
SiteOne Landscape Supply
34 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
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