Thatch is the layer of dead and decaying organic matter between soil and turfgrass plants. Too much thatch is detrimental to lawns and other sites, and although it does serve a purpose on athletic fields, it’s important to control the thatch depth on lawns. Excessive thatch forms when plant growth exceeds the ability of microorganisms to break down the organic matter before it accumulates. The stem nodes, crowns, fibers of vascular tissues and roots are the most resistant to decay and make up the bulk of the thatch. (continue)