What is thatch and how to prevent it?

As part of a regular lawn care program, it is recommended to check your lawn for dense layers of roots and decaying plant matter which resides between the grass plant and the soil, also called thatch, which causes thinning and makes the lawn more susceptible to disease and weeds. While a normal layer of thatch will protect the crown of the grass plant and prevent soil compaction, heavy thatch buildup will prevent rain and fertilizers from penetrating the thatch layer. This robs your lawn of the water and nutrients needed to grow a thick and healthy turf.
Checking for thatch in your lawn

You can check for thatch by lifting a section of the lawn and measuring how much decaying matter there is and where the roots are in relation to the soil. One-fourth to ½-inch of thatch is considered about right.

Koi Pond Design Ideas

Your Koi pond design should be unique, relaxing, and reflect your lifestyle. With a few creative pond design ideas, it can be a backyard oasis that creates aesthetic harmony and functional bliss.

Idea One – Angular Ponds

These ponds make use of concrete with sharp, angular lines to create a crisp aesthetic. Clean lines balance the gentle curves of the fish, and stiff plant life creates perpendicular lines that look fresh and modern.

Idea Two – Informal Ponds

Informal ponds are characterized by more natural-looking stone and rock, brush-type plant life, and even pebble or sandy bottoms. They are defined by their natural look and sloping sides, which are reminiscent of natural ponds.

Idea Three – Waterfall Ponds



Characterized by waterfalls, these ponds differ in almost every other way. A waterfall pond can be large or small, informal or formal, angular or rounded. The waterfall creates a focal point in the pond and allows for further aeration and healthier Koi.

Idea Four – Multilayered Ponds

While many of these ponds include waterfalls, their main central idea is to create water flow that is pleasant to the eye. These ponds begin on a higher level, and water travels down over colored rocks, through attractive flowers or plants, and ends up in a main basin where Koi reside.

Idea Five – Natural Ponds

While all natural ponds are informal, not all informal ponds are natural. With this more costly design, pond owners create a pond that reflects the natural habitat found in their area including water life, plant life, and sediment. Before choosing this design, check to make sure that Koi fish are a natural population in local waters.