Pre-emergent herbicides that normally remain on the surface are more mobile in thatch. They move into the thatch layer and can damage established turfgrass roots. Roots confined to the thatch layer are subject to the stresses of temperature extremes and drought. Pre-emergent herbicides that normally remain on the surface are more mobile in thatch. They move into the thatch layer and can damage established turfgrass roots.
Dry thatch is difficult to rewet.
Nutrients are not available in thick thatch layers. Some forms of nutrients are more volatile in thatch and are lost into the atmosphere. Others pass through the thatch before they can be absorbed by the roots. Thatch buildupThatch develops when the production of new plant tissue is greater than the rate of decomposition. Thus, any factor that influences grass growth rate or organic matter decomposition affects thatch accumulation.