[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Paperboy;84***7

Answer that one Bonanza!
I think that golf courses know what they are doing.

I just have been given some info specifically regarding thatching zoysia grass.
This information was originally posted by "Mrsanborn."

After raking this tiny yard with a bow rake, I put 9 bags of thatch to the curb. I use a mulching mower. Read the following and decide for yourself. I do have one recommendation. Hire someone to do it.

"Zoysia grass is normally dormant and brown during the winter.

Zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.) is a warm-season turf species prized for its drought tolerance and an ability to withstand heavy traffic and slight shade well. A healthy zoysia grass lawn will be quite dense, which allows it to handle wear and avoid weed problems. Zoysia grass lawns do tend to produce excessive thatch, the layer of living grass stems tangled with dead plant material that accumulates between the soil surface and the green portion of the grass stems. Thinning this thatch layer regularly will help maintain turf vigor.

About Thatch
A thin thatch layer is beneficial, helping to conserve soil moisture and limit weed seed germination. However, where a thatch layer more than about 1/2 inch thick develops it can block air, moisture and nutrients from efficiently reaching grass roots. A thick thatch layer leaves the turf vulnerable to scalping, drought stress and invading weeds. It can also encourage pests and fungal problems.

Dethatching Timing and Frequency
Dethatching is generally warranted whenever a thatch layer is more than 1/2 inch thick. A thick thatch layer will give the lawn a bouncy feel. If your lawn exhibits scalping or unexpected drought stress symptoms, check the depth of the thatch layer. Zoysia grass will recover from dethatching best when it is actively growing in mid-to-late spring or early fall and generally benefits from annual dethatching. If you plan to apply pre-emergent herbicide, wait until after dethatching to avoid disrupting the herbicide."

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