Often I get emails from readers asking me, “Does it really matter what products I throw down in my lawn this season?”

The answer I always give is a resounding, “Yes, it is very important to give your yard a proper diet all year long.”

Lawn Treatment Basics

Grass is a living plant, just like trees, shrubs and other greenery, but for some reason, we as homeowners often don’t treat it as such. In any event, your lawn needs a well balanced treatment and maintenance program designed for maximum root and shoot development.

A healthy diet for you yard includes nitrogen, postassium, a little phosphorous, and micro-nutrients, like iron. Too many of the store bought one-size-fits-all fertilizer products and programs either lack some of the vital ingredients or contain too much of others.

Balance in Lawn Treatment Is Key

Nitrogen is the most common ingredient that is out of balance in lawns. Nitrogen is what makes the grass green and gives it a spurt growth, but too much can cause over-growth which actually serves to harm the yard over time. Think of nitrogen like candy: too much gives a rush that ends in a crash.

It’s the same with too much nitrogen.

The final piece of advice I always give is that organic lawn fertilizers are important, but traditional synthetics should also be used during the year. Use the synthetic nutrients in spring, and the slow releasing organics during the long, hot summer.

The key is to keep a balance, just like in your own daily diet.

Now that spring is here, you are no doubt getting out into the lawn and taking survey of how it has survived through the winter. While you are out, I want you to consider the lawn thatch layer.

What Is Lawn Thatch?

Thatch is the layer of dead grass, roots and other organic materials that reside in a pack just above the soil line surrounding the grass crowns. Every lawn has thatch, and every lawn needs thatch–but everything in moderation.

This packed layer is needed because it keeps soil moisture from evaporating, and also shades turf roots during hot summers. Too much, however, can cause problems with water actually reaching the soil and can cause a spongy effect that creates dead and bare spots over time.

How to Reduce Thatch in the Lawn

If your thatch layer is over 1/2 inch thick, it needs to be reduced. The best way to do this is by aerating the lawn. Lawn aeration is a process where a core pulling machine pokes holes across the lawn. These holes take out chunks of soil but also punch holes in the thatch, effectively reducing its overall density.

If you have a severe thatch issue, you can also rent a power raking machine, known as a de-thatcher. These machines work very well, but do leave quite of bit of raking cleanup for you! I usually only recommend you do this in the most extreme cases.

If you haven’t been outside yet this season, get out now and make aeration one of your first tasks for the season–for the good of your thatch layer and your lawn.