Scalping is the removal of dormant, straw-colored turf, and it promotes earlier green-up and helps prevent thatch and weed problems throughout the summer. March 15th through April 30th is a good time to scalp your yard.
Thatch is a layer of living and dead grass stems and roots. It is the natural consequence of a healthy lawn. For best results, dethatch your lawn about every one to two years, in March or April or in the early fall. Dethatching isn't recommended in the spring during the transition between dormancy and active growth because at this time the energy and nutrient stores in grass roots are low. Bermuda lawns in Lubbock, Texas are best maintained with an annual dethatching. Thatch, built-up plant material between green growth and the grass roots, is essential, but too much can deter healthy lawn growth.
