Does Your Turf Make the Cut? Managing Thatch Buildup in Turf

From perfectly flat soccer fields to precisely formed golf course slopes, turf playing surfaces must be prepared with great care. It’s critical to maintain these fields and courses to specifications, and grass and soil health and composition are a large part of that. 

Plants and soil are living organic things, and they grow and change in response to their environment. As a result, what worked one season to keep a playing surface durable and aesthetically pleasing might not work the next. The variables for optimal turf growth and health are measured in ranges, not one-size-fits all quantities. The key is to stay flexible and understand all of your options so you can dial in the right balance of additives, fertilizers, and mechanical maintenance.

Thatch is a great example of this process – it’s neither categorically beneficial nor harmful in most settings, and there is a happy middle ground for which to strive. In this blog we’ll look at thatch basics and options for managing it.

What thatch is and why it forms

Turf grasses continually put down new roots, send up new stems and blades, and die back over their life cycle. It happens gradually and we may not notice the individual grass plants we see are changing over time. Evidence of this growth is in the layer of dead and decaying plant parts that settle below the new growth.

This material generally decomposes on its own; however, when the decay process slows down and the material builds up a layer of thatch is created. Thatch is made of the cellulose and lignin components of grass plants along with leaves and organic debris that end up on the turf.

While the build up is the result of a slowed decay process, it usually doesn’t have a single cause. Often it’s the result of a combination of improper soil pH, excessive fertilizers, grass monoculture, and other factors, as described in this article from Penn State Extension.

Benefits and hazards of thatch in turf

How you approach thatch in your turf depends largely on its thickness. Up to about ½ inch of depth is not necessarily harmful. In fact, some benefits include:

  • Greater impact absorption when athletes fall on playing fields
  • Added durability in heavy traffic areas such as golf courses
  • Greater soil insulation and regulation of soil moisture and temperature

Thatch that is more than ½ inch thick can cause problems such as:

  • Blocking the flow of water, leading to dry patches and incomplete irrigation
  • Poor drainage and absorption of fertilizers and pesticides
  • Harboring pests and/or diseases and fungi
  • Mower scalping, in which mower wheels sink into the thatch and cut grass too low
  • Blocking seeds from the soil, causing new grass to takes root in the thatch layer instead of the nutrient and moisture rich soil

Options for keeping thatch under control

Depending on your geographical area and the grass cultivars that comprise your turf, you’ll perform turf maintenance at different times of year. In general though, there are several options for keeping to the desired thickness in any climate.

As with all things agriculture, there isn’t a single method you can rely on to the exclusion of all others. Combining these thoughtfully will have the biggest impact. Some highly effective options include:

Core aeration. A specialized machine cuts and removes small plugs of soil/turf to improve air and water flow, while also breaking through the thatch layer.

Soil pH. Testing soil pH and nutrient levels and adjusting them as needed improves the overall health of your soil and aids breakdown of decaying plant matter. Adding lime to adjust pH is critical to thatch management – always follow application directions that come with soil test results and allow time to retest. 

Grass types. Consider planting a mixture of grass types that are appropriate to your hardiness zone and use patterns (e.g., zoysia, Kentucky bluegrass, rye, tall fescue, and others). Different cultivars break down at different rates and may be impacted by different pests, diseases, or fungi, all of which lessen the amount of thatch that may form. 

Topdressing. Spreading a layer of sand, compost, topsoil or other material, depending on the pH and composition of your soil, can improve overall health and drainage, leading to better breakdown of the thatch layer.

Vertical mowing. This process involves a special cutting machine that uses a row of close set blades set perpendicular to the ground. The blades, or tines, cut through the thatch and usually also a shallow layer of the soil, pulling up chunks of thatch to help break it up. 

Vertical cutters from 1st Products, the VC-40 and VC-60, are equipped with features that count. Options wide or narrow width and blade spacing, easey depth adjustment, and the ability to turn the machine during operation come standard.

Your Source for Better Turf and Thatch Management

At 1st Products we engineer the tools you need to grow healthy, beautiful turf that stands up to tough use season after season. From the golf course to the football field, to the baseball diamond and beyond, our line of mowers, cutters, and aerators is reliable and durable. Check out our turf equipment or get in touch for a free quote today!

 

10ft MULTI-drill | ND-120

STARTING AT $24,340.28

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

5ft MULTI-drill | ND-60

COMING SOON

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • 3pt. Lift
  • Cat I/II Hitch
  • Quick Hitch Compatible
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

CM7000-LD

This round module spear can be adapted to loaders, tele-handlers and many other types of lifts.

  • Length- 33” (without spears)
  • 103” (with spears)
  • Width- 65”
  • Height- 56” (storage position)
  • Weight- 841 lbs.
  • Hitch: Mounting Plate Required
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity: 7000 lbs.
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements:
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

CM7000-L

This 3 pt. lift round module spear is great for staging modules in the field or at the gin.

  • Length- 33” (without spears)
  • 103” (with spears)
  • Width- 65”
  • Height- 56” (storage position)
  • Weight- 1265 lbs.
  • Hitch- CAT III, IVN, or IV
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity: 7000 lbs.
  • Module Clearance Height: 30” or Higher (depending on tractor)
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements:
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

CM7000-HL

Carry cotton high over stalks to prevent tearing and ripping.

  • Length- 58” (without Spears) 146” (with spears)
  • Width- 74”
  • Height- 58” (Storage position)
  • Weight- 2891 lbs.
  • Hitch- CAT III, IVN, or IV
  • Hydraulic Cylinder- 
  • Bore: 6”
  • Stroke: 20”
  • Max Working Pressure: 3000 psi
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity- 7000 lbs.
  • Module Clearance height: 
  • 60” Lift Links @ 39” or higher (depending on tractor)
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements: 
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

12ft MULTI-drill | ND-144

STARTING AT $25,308

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

8ft MULTI-drill | ND-96

STARTING AT $14,052

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

6ft MULTI-drill | ND-72

STARTING AT $12,699

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

5ft MULTI-drill | ND-60T

STARTING AT $10,602

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Self-Contained Lift
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability
  • Designed to operate with UTV or compact tractors.

AG144 AGRI-vator - 12'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 2825 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 3 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AG96 AGRI-vator - 8'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 2045 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 2 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AG72 AGRI-vator - 6'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 1630 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 3 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AE40E AERA-vator Tow Behind

If you have tight spaces that need maintaining, the AE-40E: AERA-vator is the turf aerator for you. As a tow-behind used in conjunction with small mowers or other vehicles, its versatility is unmatched.

  • WEIGHT: 577 lbs.
  • OVERALL WIDTH: 47″
  • WORKING WIDTH: 40″
  • ENGINE: 11 HP Honda w/ 6:1 Reduction
  • END DRIVE: 2- Power Rated Belts
  • TINES: 9/16″ x 3 ¾ Forged and Hardened
  • TINE VIBRATION FREQUENCY: 825 Cycles/Min @ 3600 RPM
  • OUTSIDE-TO-OUTSIDE TINE TRAVEL: 1 3/8″
  • VIBRATION DEPTH: 3 ¾” including tine Nut
  • AERATION DENSITY: 8 holes per sq/ft.
  • ROTOR BEARINGS: Double sealed tapered Roller
  • FINISH: Black & Grey Acrylic
  • VOLTAGE: 12 V
  • TONGUE DRAFT PULL: 100 lbs. (Operation)
  • WEIGHT CAPACITY: 400 lbs.

Groundmaster® 360: AERA-vator

The Groundmaster® 360 works with four of the 1st Products 60” shafts (AERA-vator 60” Shaft, Slicer 60” Shaft, Multi-tine 60” Shaft , Coring 60” Shaft) enhancing and complimenting the versatility of the GM®360. Order below or click here for more information about the Groundmaster commercial aerator.

  • Weight 479 lbs
  • Working Width60″
  • Overall width 66″
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:3 Rt. Angle
  • End Drive (4) BX 46 Belts (left end)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @2000 PTO RPM=800 Cycles/Min
  • Lift manual or optional Hydraulic Top Link
  • Finish Black Acrylic w/ Grey Trim
  • Power Source see specs of Toro Groundsmaster 360
  • Universal Shaft System

Universal AERA-vator 60T

The UA60T AERA-vator is a self-contained, towable 60” AERA-vator that trails easily behind any UTV or commercial grade mower. Its features are desirable for any school, municipality or sports complex. The self-contained aerator is powered by a 23hp engine and operated by a remote lanyard. The Universal Shaft System is integrated into the UA60T for added versatility.

  • Weight 1041 lbs
  • Working width 60″
  • Overall Width 94″
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:3 Rt. Angle
  • End Drive (4) BX Belts (left end)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @3600 Engine RPM=800 Cycles/ Min.
  • Engine Gas Honda 28 HP Horizontal Shaft
  • Finish Black Acrylic w/ Grey Trim
  • Lift Hydraulic
  • Electric 12V Electric Clutch Actuated
  • Operation Controller Tethered Handheld
  • Operation Position rear or offset
  • Transportation DOT approved for Highway use (for transport only)
  • Provided with Certificate of Origin

DO40 AERA-vator Mini Skid Steer

Our 1st Products DO-40: AERA-vator is a versatile soil aerator attachment for your mini-skid steer /compact utility loader and is the perfect tool for construction and renovation projects. The DO-40 side to side tine movement levels heavy traffic areas and prepares a great seedbed with less prep work. With the optional seeder, seed placement is broadcast on top of the rotors allowing seeding in both forward and reverse, reducing turnaround time.

  • Weight- 312 lbs.
  • Drive- Hydraulic motor
  • End Drive- 2” BX42 belys (left end)
  • Side to Side tine travel- 1 3/8”
  • Vibrating depth- 3 ¾”
  • Overall Width- 44”
  • Working width- 40”
  • Aeration density- 9 holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines- 9/16”x 3 ¾” forged and hardened
  • Rotor Bearings- Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Finish- Black Acrylic w/ Gray Trim
  • Minimum of 1800 PSI @ 8 GPM

VC40/VC60 Sprig Digger

The VC40 and VC60 can both be converted into a sprig digger simply by changing the VERTI-cutter shaft to the Sprig Digger shaft. Both have a 40″ working width.
 
  • Weight- 91 lbs
  • Blade- ¼” Hardox Banana Blade
  • Working width- 36”
  • Spacing- 3”
  • Rotation- forward

VC 60 VERTI-cutter

The VERTI-cutter’s patented swing-hitch allows the unit to turn during operation increasing maneuverability and the belt drive with 12” diameter blades provides a faster blade RPM (tip speed) improving quality of cut.

  • Working Width: 54”
  • Blades: 10GA Carbide Tip, 10GA Hardened Steel
  • Blade Spacing: Rollers 1.5 – 2″, Skids 2″ Only
  • Blade Depth Control: 0 – 1 7/8”
  • Blade Shaft: 1 5/8” Hex Stress Proof
  • Blade Rotation: Forward
  • Hitch: Patented 3 PT CAT.1 Trailing Hitch
  • Drive: 540 PTO Gearbox, 3 belts
  • Required HP: 20-45 Varies by Cutting Depth
  • Frame: All Welded Steel Construction
  • Weight: 900 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 70” w,46” l, 41” h
  • Gearbox: Heavy Duty 42 HP (31 KW)

VC 40 VERTI-cutter

1st Products introduces a smaller, compact version of the same quality. The VC40 offers tighter blade spacing from and ½”-2” spacing and an optional thinner blade, makes it the best VERTI-cutter for compact tractors.

  • Working Width: 35 1/2”
  • Blades: 10GA Carbide Tip, 16GA Carbide Tip, 10GA Hardened Steel
  • Blade Spacing: Rollers 1/2” – 2” (1/4” Increments)
  • Blade Depth Control: 0 – 1 7/8”
  • Blade Shaft: 1 5/8” Hex Stress Proof
  • Blade Rotation: Forward
  • Hitch: Patented 3 PT CAT.1 Trailing Hitch
  • Drive: 540 PTO Gearbox, 3 belts
  • Required HP: 20-45 Varies by Cutting Depth
  • Frame: All Welded Steel Construction
  • Weight: 800 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 51” w, 24” l, 44” h
  • Gearbox: Heavy Duty 42 HP (31 KW)

500-1750 lb Fertilizer Hopper

The new low profile box is wider and easier to fill. The variable speed ground drive allows for 75 quick-rate changes and requires NO TOOLS to adjust.

  • 2, 3, or 4 Outlets Stainless Steel Hopper and Auger
  • Mounts available for Flat, 3 1/2 – 4” Diamond, and Pittsburgh Cultivators (order kit bundles)
  • 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 row Tool bars available 
  • Removable Auger Trough for easy cleaning
  • Stainless Steel Latches
  • Ground, Hydraulic or Electric Drive
  • Variable Speed Ground drive- 60-1750 lbs/ac.
  • Hydraulic Drive- 70-1825 lbs/ac.
  • 500 lb Hopper capacity
  • Additional 500 lb and 750 lb extensions available for more capacity.
  • Stainless Steel screen 
  • Stainless Steel Bridges 
  • Box Covers
  • Flexible Hoses

Orchard Fertilizer Applicator

Designed to apply granular material to orchard rows, vineyards, and trees.

With adjustments to accommodate up to 12’ Rows, each hopper has its own variable rate electric drive that will apply 31lbs up to 2000 lbs per acre depending on row spacing. The Orchard Frame bar can be operated with 1 or 2 hoppers.

The 250lb. stainless’ hoppers capacity can be doubled to 500lbs. per hopper by adding the optional extension. The optianl stainless steel lid keeps yur material dry over night. The spouts and hoses can be adjusted for precise fertilizer placement.

  • Up to 12’ rows
  • Variable rate electric drive
  • 31-2000 lbs. per acre
  • 1 or 2 row
  • 250-500lb hopper capacity
  • Stainless Steel hopper and auger
  • Removeable trough for easy clean out
  • Optional stainless steel lid

250-500 lb Fertilizer Hopper

The Economy Fertilzer Applicator is the ideal setup for small acres such as food plots, home gardens, and vegetable growers. This all stainless steel hopper consists of 2 or 3 outlets, removeable auger trough for easy cleaning, 250 lb. capacity hopper. Add the 250 lb. extension to increase capacity to 500 lbs.

  • 2 or 3 outlet Stainless Steel Hopper and Auger
  • Removable Auger Trough for Easy Cleaning
  • Stainless Steel Latches
  • Flexible hoses for maximum elasticity 
  • Ground or Electric Drive available 
  • Ground drive- 42-600 lbs/ac (depending on row spacing)
  • Electric Drive 31-2000lbs/ac (depending on row spacing)
  • 250 lb. hopper capacity
  • Optional 250 lb. stainless extension available for more capacity
  • Optional Stainless Steel lid available
  • Mounts for Pittsburg, 2 ½ Diamond, and Flat Tool Bar included.
  • Side Dress 3-pt frame and Pittsburg Frame available separately.