Tagging along -

I thought dethatching was ok, at a higher rate of application (raising the deck/tines so it isn't as aggressive kinda thing).

I was going to consider doing something this year, but passed on any application since I wasn't confident in my research/answers I was getting online..

 

I was hoping for more information about verticutting St Aug.

My yard is starting to get a thick thatch layer and had to fight brown patch earlier this year.

Should I verticut to clear the thatch? Any specifics I need to know? I'll have to rent the machine.

 

That grass is way over fertilized. Thatch is normally the result of more growth being pushed than is natural. St Augustine is not supposed to be almost blue.

 

That grass is way over fertilized. Thatch is normally the result of more growth being pushed than is natural. St Augustine is not supposed to be almost blue.

Thanks! I'll adjust. I did happen to fertilize prior to a week long rain. Would that cause the fertilizer to dissolve sooner?

Is the best thing to verticut right now?

 

Be careful on how much you push it, you will end up with. A looping problem. I've been there, done that. It took a while and a bit of work to rectify the problem.

 

on SA, I recommend liquid dethatch plus thin layer of sand topdressing. I'm no pro by any means, but I find SA pulls up too easily by hand to sustain verticutting, so i would not risk it on my own yard. For large patches of thatch, take a rake, and loosen the thatch before you throw sand on it.

As high as you are above the concrete, you may need to cut back your sod. you won't dethatch 1/2" off the turf level

 

on SA, I recommend liquid dethatch plus thin layer of sand topdressing. I'm no pro by any means, but I find SA pulls up too easily by hand to sustain verticutting, so i would not risk it on my own yard. For large patches of thatch, take a rake, and loosen the thatch before you throw sand on it.

As high as you are above the concrete, you may need to cut back your sod. you won't dethatch 1/2" off the turf level

Thanks Darth. I'll try the liquid dethatch. Do you have a preference?

The yard slopes toward that sidewalk and I think I'm getting a bit of soil movement to that edge. Also, I laid the sod and I may have laid it a bit too proud (obviously I did. Ugh)

 

N-ext D-thatch is the only one I know of

 

on SA, I recommend liquid dethatch plus thin layer of sand topdressing. I'm no pro by any means, but I find SA pulls up too easily by hand to sustain verticutting, so i would not risk it on my own yard. For large patches of thatch, take a rake, and loosen the thatch before you throw sand on it.

As high as you are above the concrete, you may need to cut back your sod. you won't dethatch 1/2" off the turf level

Thanks Darth. I'll try the liquid dethatch. Do you have a preference?

The yard slopes toward that sidewalk and I think I'm getting a bit of soil movement to that edge. Also, I laid the sod and I may have laid it a bit too proud (obviously I did. Ugh)

That's pretty common, homeowner or 'professional.' Mine is worse than yours. Laid I'm sure by a company before I owned the house. Some people actually like the way that looks, especially after a good edging. I don't think it's an issue right now, as long as the roots are established below the thatch. Your lawn looks pretty good, I personally wouldn't mess with it b/c of perceived thatch issues. Lots of people with SA grass would happily trade their issues for your thatch!