Thatch is the layer of debris made up mostly of grass clippings that accumulates above the soil and below the blades of grass.  This isn’t just a thin layer of freshly cut grass clippings.  To see it clearly, simply dig out a scoop of your lawn (don’t worry, you can put it right back when your done) and look at it from the side.  You should be able to clearly see the soil, the thatch and the top growth of grass.  The thatch layer will look like a tightly knit layer of brown debris.  A healthy lawn will have a layer of thatch about a half inch thick.  Having no thatch layer isn’t the goal either, because that can make the lawn more susceptible to drought and heat stress.  Thatch not only provides nutrients, it also helps shade and protect the crowns of the grass plants and helps conserve moisture.  Lawns with a healthy layer of thatch do not need dethatching.  We can review your lawn to see if dethatching needs to be done.