Thatch is an organic layer of living and dead plant matter that accumulates between the bottom of grass blades and the surface of the soil. An excessive layer of thatch occurs when the plant matter builds up faster than it can be broken down. A thatch layer that accumulates in excess of half an inch will begin to cause various problems to a lawn. Excess thatch provides an ideal environment for grubs and fungal diseases. A dense layer of thatch can also absorb lawn care applications, such as grub control and fertilizer, rendering them ineffective. Healthy roots are essential to a healthy lawn. Thatch build up can deprive roots of water and oxygen that are unable to penetrate its layer to the soil below. Do you think your lawn may have excessive thatch? Contact Thomson Lawn Care for a free evaluation.