What causes thatch in lawn?

Thatch buildup occurs when the microbes in the soil cannot break down the organic matter as fast as it accumulates. This typically only occurs when there is a lack of microbial activity in the soil. Excessive thatch is often caused by improper watering practices; usually too much or too frequent lawn watering.Click to see full answer. Beside this, how do you stop thatch buildup?To prevent thatch buildup, use a high quality, slow release nitrogen fertilizer, such as a GreenView Fairway Formula Fertilizer, and mow to keep the grass about 3 inches tall.Secondly, is thatch good for your lawn? Thatch is a layer of living and non-living plant material that forms between the grass plant and the soil as the turf grows. Thatch, contrary to common belief, is good for a lawn and is normal. A healthy thatch layer is generally considered beneficial up to ½” in thickness or less. Also Know, when should I remove thatch from my lawn? The lawn should be dethatched when it is actively growing and the soil is moderately moist. The best time of year for dethatching is the same as for aerating: early spring or early fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer (after the second mowing) for warm-season grasses.How do I know if my lawn has too much thatch? Walk on the lawn to see if it feels firm or spongy. The first thing that gives you a hint at whether or not your lawn needs to be dethatched is the feel of it. Walk around for awhile and see if the ground feels firm. If it feels spongy, or almost bouncy, that’s a sign that the thatch has gotten too thick.