Grounds Maintenance Blog

Understanding Thatch and Why It Becomes a Problem Thatch is a dense layer of dead grass, roots, and organic material that gathers between the soil surface and the living grass above it. A small amount is normal, but when the layer thickens it begins to cause difficulties for turf managers, property owners, and anyone responsible for maintaining open green spaces. A buildup of thatch restricts water movement, slows nutrient uptake, and traps moisture at the surface, creating favourable conditions for fungal problems. Turf may start to feel spongy, appear dull or uneven, and respond poorly to general maintenance. These issues often persist until proper thatch reduction or thatch removal takes place. What Is Thatch Reduction? Thatch reduction is the controlled thinning of this organic layer before it becomes overwhelming. The process is often carried out through scarifying equipment designed to cut into the turf and draw out loose debris. By tackling the issue early, the grass canopy main...

The Role of Tree Planting Services in Grounds Maintenance When managing commercial grounds or public spaces, tree planting services are a key component of a sustainable landscape strategy. Specialist contractors assess site conditions and follow best-practice planting methods to ensure trees are established properly. ALS Contract Services (ALS) bring over 35 years of experience to their UK-wide planting work. Correct planting plays an important part in long-term site upkeep, poorly planted trees may struggle to thrive, placing added burden on maintenance teams. As ALS emphasise, “correct planting is absolutely vital”. What Expert Teams Offer from Start to Finish A credible tree planting service covers everything from planning through to planting and after-care. For example, ALS specify that they provide “from a single tree to large scale planting”. Their process includes evaluating the environmental impact before the project is carried out, ensuring they don’t negatively affect biodiv...