Thatch is a layer of living and dead grass shoots, stems and roots that accumulates between the green blades of grass and the soil surface. When it remains ½ inch or less, thatch is beneficial, acting as a natural mulch, insulating turf from temperature changes and providing a protective cushion.

However, when thatch builds up too much it can cause problems. Excessive thickness can increase pest and disease activity, block fertilizers and insecticides from working properly and restrict the flow of oxygen and moisture to the soil and grass roots.

To maintain healthy turf, dethatching will begin this fall. The process starts with mowing the turf to a height of 2 inches and marking irrigation heads to prevent damage. A verticutter, a machine equipped with vertically mounted blades, will then cut through the thatch in two directions to ensure thorough removal.

Although the work may temporarily disrupt the appearance of the turf, each section will be cleaned before moving on. After dethatching, the turf will be fertilized, reseeded and irrigated to promote regrowth. The grass may look rough during the process, but it will recover and thrive with renewed vigor in the spring. We appreciate residents’ patience as crews complete this important process. Temporary unsightliness now will mean healthier, greener lawns by spring.

Work is expected to begin Wednesday, October 1, between Gate 5 and Gate 6 in Third Mutual. The project is anticipated to take about three months to complete, with work carried out through fall and early winter in advance of the spring growth season. Expect to see blue flags pop up throughout the areas to be dethatched, indicating the location of irrigation heads. You may also see green flags in the turf, indicating areas treated for grubs as part of the process.

Please remove all personal items such as solar lights, statuary, holiday decorations etc. from the turf areas to avoid potential damage.

Schedules will be posted on TeamUp.

Thank you for your understanding as we carry out this necessary work to keep Village grounds healthy and vibrant.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below. 

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, September 19, the right exit lane at Gate 1 will be closed for approximately six to eight hours while staff repair directional markings to improve roadway clarity and safety for drivers.

The work will involve removing the existing directional arrow, preparing and resurfacing the lane with a slurry coat, and painting a new direction marker.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time and exercise caution when approaching Gate 1 during the scheduled closure.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we complete this improvement to keep Village roadways safe and easy to navigate.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below. 

Though often well-intentioned, feeding wildlife draws coyotes closer to homes. When coyotes lose their natural caution around humans, they pose a threat to both people and pets.

Feeding birds, squirrels and other wild animals is also prohibited. Birdseed on the ground attracts songbirds but also coyotes and their prey. Squirrels, no matter how cute, can carry rabies and plague. What starts as a kind gesture quickly becomes a neighborhood hazard.

Feeding wildlife is illegal in California. Within the Village, both Third and United mutuals prohibit feeding or attracting animals, and the City of Laguna Woods Municipal Code also forbids it. Laguna Beach Police Department Animal Services responds to reports of wildlife feeding and enforces these rules.

If you see wildlife feeding in progress, call Security Services at 949-580-1400. Calls may be anonymous. You can also report wildlife feeding or leash-law violations anonymously to the Compliance Division hotline at 949-268-CALL.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below. 

“If the tree outside my unit is dropping leaves, should I water it?”

The short answer is no.

When heat and dry soil set in, trees often respond by shedding some of their leaves. You’ll notice that the fallen leaves usually come from the lower and inner canopy, while the outer and upper leaves remain green. This is not random damage—it’s a survival strategy.

Local trees evolved in climates with wet winters and springs followed by dry summers. To conserve water, they let go of older, shaded leaves that aren’t pulling their weight in photosynthesis. Before the leaves drop, the tree reclaims nutrients, which is why they turn yellow first.

Watering with a hose during hot weather can actually harm the tree. Shallow surface watering trains roots to stay near the top of the soil, leaving the tree more vulnerable to future heat. It can also leave moisture around the trunk, inviting rot and disease.

Instead, Village irrigation systems are designed to provide deep, occasional watering that reaches a foot or more into the soil—right where tree roots thrive.

Landscaping Picks Up Garden Clippings

Laguna Woods Village offers a weekly garden clippings pickup service. To participate, contact Resident Services at 949-597-4600 or email residentservices@vmsinc.org before noon on Thursday and provide your address to schedule a Friday morning pickup. Place your garden waste in a single, accessible pile near the curb, but not until Thursday evening. Do not dispose of garden clippings in the organics recycling bins.

For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.