If your lawn never seems to look as green and healthy as you’d like—no matter how often you mow, water, or feed it—the problem might not be what you’re doing. Instead, it could be hiding just beneath your feet: the thatch layer.
In this article, we’ll explain what thatch is, why removing it is so important, and how (and when) to do it properly.
What Exactly Is Thatch?
Thatch is the dense layer of dead grass, roots, and organic debris that builds up between the green blades of grass and the soil surface. While a thin layer (less than ½ inch) can actually be good for your lawn—providing insulation and moisture retention—too much is bad news.
According to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), excessive thatch prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the soil. This means your grass roots struggle to grow, leaving your lawn patchy, weak, and more vulnerable to weeds and pests.
Why Removing Thatch Matters
Over time, a thick thatch layer:
- Blocks water and fertiliser from reaching the soil
- Encourages moss and weeds to thrive
- Creates disease-prone conditions by trapping moisture
- Stops roots from breathing, which weakens your grass
When you remove it, your lawn instantly gets better access to oxygen, nutrients, and water—leading to a much healthier, greener appearance.
👉 Want to keep your grass at its best all year round? Check out our Lawn Mowing Services in Cornwall.
When Should You Dethatch?
Timing makes a big difference. The best periods are:
- Spring (April–May) – when your lawn is actively growing and can recover quickly
- Early Autumn (September) – just before the growing season slows down
Avoid dethatching in winter (grass growth is dormant) or during summer heatwaves (it can stress the lawn).
How to Remove Thatch (Step-by-Step)
There are a few ways to tackle thatch, depending on how severe it is:
- Manual Raking
- Perfect for small lawns with light thatch.
- Use a sturdy springbok or thatching rake to pull up the dead layer.
- Tip: Work in one direction, then cross-rake the other way for best results.
- Scarifying (Mechanical Raking)
- Best for larger lawns or heavy thatch.
- A scarifier or lawn dethatcher digs into the turf to pull out thick debris.
- You can hire equipment locally at places like Travis Perkins or buy smaller models for home use.
- Professional Lawn Care Services
- If your garden is heavily compacted, overgrown, or you want guaranteed results, hiring a professional is the quickest solution.
- At Quilliams Mowing, we combine dethatching with Garden Clearance Services to give your outdoor space a true reset.
Aftercare: Helping Your Lawn Recover
Once the thatch is removed, your lawn will look a little rough—but don’t panic! With the right aftercare, it will bounce back stronger than ever.
- Mow lightly (avoid scalping)
- Fertilise with a nitrogen-rich feed (BBC Gardeners’ World recommends)
- Water well if the soil is dry
- Overseed bare patches to thicken your turf
The Bottom Line
Thatch is one of the most common reasons lawns underperform, yet it’s also one of the easiest to fix. By removing thatch at the right time, you’ll restore your lawn’s health, prevent future problems, and enjoy a greener, lusher garden.
If you’d rather skip the hassle and get professional results without the hard work, our team is here to help. We offer lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and full garden clearance across Cornwall—all backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
👉 Get your free quote today and take the first step towards a lawn you’ll love.
