How to Get Rid of Thatch in a Golf Green

Thatch grass is the result of too much of a good thing. In general, adding compost material to your grass and garden allows the decaying material to provide needed nutrients. However, too much of it ends up creating a sublayer of dead and dying grass that forms on the surface of the soil just below the grass line. Although aerating (punching a few small holes 3 to 4 inches deep into the affected area) can clear up minor thatching issues, more serious problems need to be dealt with using a thatch rake.

Things You'll Need

  • Thatch rake
  • Leaf rake
  • Grass seed
  • Fertilizer (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a thatch rake to remove the thatch from below the putting surface. Rake gently over the thatch area, trying to keep the surface sod as intact as possible.

    • 2

      Remove the thatch debris with a leaf rake and discard it.

    • 3

      Spread a light layer of quick-growing grass seed that matches the grass your greens are made of over the area where you removed the thatch.

    • 4

      Apply a small amount of fertilizer in the area where you planted the seeds, if necessary. Do not apply fertilizer in the heat of summer as it will cause the grass to burn.

    • 5

      Keep the seeded area moist until the grass has regrown.

    • 6

      Cut and roll the putting green grass as normal.