Did your lawn seem unhealthy this past year, even though you took great care to feed, water and tend to it? You may need to dethatch. Thatch is matted, fibrous material between the soil and surface of the turf. Typically, it is caused by the accumulation of decomposing grass clippings and debris tangled with grass stems and roots. And that thick mat can prevent grassroots from absorbing essential nutrients!

How do you know if your yard needs dethatching? First, examine your turf where the roots meet the soil. It’s ok to have a small brown layer (a little thatch is normal), but if that layer is more than an inch thick, it needs to be broken up. The process of dethatching is a little messy but worth it! You are basically bringing the thatch to the surface. 

For a residential lawn, we recommend using a dethatching mower attachment that you can get at your favorite home improvement store. After the thatch is exposed, rake or mow it up, water, and fertilize for maximum absorption. It’s also the perfect time to add amendments, such as sulfur, gypsum or nitrogen. As a result, your grass should quickly recover and be much healthier in the future! 

Visit the Learning Center on our website, dlcresources.com/learning-center for additional information about turf transition. 

The seventh annual Peoria Reads program begins on Wednesday, June 1. The free program was created to encourage Peoria’s youth and future workforce to read 20 minutes a day over the summer. Participants may visit the Peoria Main and Sunrise Mountain Libraries to pick up a bookmark to begin tracking their reading. Completed bookmarks can be turned in for a chance to win prizes in two drawings. Prizes includes gift cards, book sets, and digital reading tablets donated by the Friends of the Peoria Public Library. Additional drawing entries are available by attending the following free events: 

Saturday, May 28, 12-5 p.m. 

Sunrise Pool: 21321 N. 86th Dr. 

“Dive Into Reading” with Peoria Aquatics 

Thursday, June 16, 9-10 a.m. 

Sunrise Mountain Library: 21109 N. 98th Ave. 

“You Have the Right to Read” with the Peoria Police Department 

Thursday, June 30, 9-10 a.m. 

Peoria Main Library: 8463 W. Monroe Ave. 

“Reading is hot” with the Peoria Fire-Medical Department 

Thursday, July 14, 9-10 a.m. 

Peoria Community Center: 8335 W. Jefferson St. 

“Touch a Truck” with the Public Works Department 

Thursday, July 28, 9-10 a.m. 

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts: 10580 N. 83rd Dr. 

Junie B. Jones by TheaterWorks  

For more information, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/library.  

On Saturday, November 20, 2021, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Peoria Police Department in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is proud to host an interactive Motorcycle Safety class. 

There is no charge for this one-day class and it is open to the public.

The program will consist of a short classroom discussion to cover safe riding habits and overall motorcycle safety followed by hands-on course instruction. During the riding portion of the course, critical riding skills will be reinforced to promote the optimal response to dangerous riding situations.

Motorcycle riders wishing to apply for this course can fill out a short application at

peoriaaz.gov/motorcycleclass. This is not a course for new riders to get an endorsement. A valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement are required to attend this class. Selected participants will be notified prior to the class.

Seating is limited and program participants will be selected based upon application screening.