ThatchZyme logo

First proven
Thatch Degrading Enzyme

GENERAL INFORMATION

ThatchZyme spray contains a concentrated water-soluble enzyme to aid in the decomposition of organic matter in turf thatch.


APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS

ThatchZyme spray can be applied to golf course turf, sports turf, sod, residential lawns, and garden landscaping. Apply only as directed.


Warm and Cool Season Turf:  Mix well before use. Apply 0.4 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. in 2 gallons of water biweekly or 0.8 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. in 2 gallons of water monthly. For best results, water ThatchZyme into the thatch layer and apply throughout the growing season.

General Information

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN


Based on currently available data, this product is not classified as a GHS hazardous substance. However, observe good industrial hygiene practices. Wash hands after handling. Wash contaminated clothing after use. Avoid direct exposure to workers or other persons during product application. Not for human or animal consumption. Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at: http://www.aapfco.org/metals.html.

Under the proper storage conditions the unopened product should remain viable for 12 months from date of manufactured stamped date. Use entire contents upon opening.

Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage or disposal. Limit exposure to high temperatures and sunlight for an extended period.

Non-refillable container. Do not reuse or refill this container. Empty container completely into application equipment. Recycle empty container, or dispose of in local landfill, or by incineration, or by other procedures allowed by state and local authorities.

ZymeCO™ warrants that the product conforms to the chemical description given on this label and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated when used in accordance with label directions under normal conditions of use. ZymeCO™ makes no other warranties, express or implied, including warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. User accept all risks arising from any use of this product. To the extent allowed by law, ZymeCO™ shall not be liable to the user of this product for any consequential, special, incidental or indirect damages.


You have 45 days to return items for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Items must still have their original tags.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Based on currently available data, this product is not classified

as a GHS hazardous substance. However, observe good industrial

hygiene practices. Wash hands after handling. Wash contaminated

clothing after use. Avoid direct exposure to workers or other persons

during product application. Not for human or animal consumption.


Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at: http://www.aapfco.org/

metals.html.

The impact of ThatchZyme on thatch

Within 12 weeks the thatch layers were significantly reduced in the ThatchZyme treated area (16 tee) versus the control area (4 tee) on 20+ year old bentgrass/poa tees.

ThatchZyme trials on thatch management

Data

ThatchZyme is the first PROVEN sprayable tool for managing thatch, backed by university field trials and tested on golf courses across the country.

View trials →

Tested

Tested on Golf Courses 
across the US

Proven

Proven in
University Field Trials

Simple

Simple to spray
once-monthly program

How it works

ThatchZyme is the first proven sprayable tool for managing thatch. It harnesses the power of Laccase, a well-researched thatch-degrading enzyme, to accelerate the breakdown of thatch. 


Laccase works at the molecular scale by targeting lignin—the tough, slow-to-decompose part of thatch. While soil fungi naturally produce Laccase, its production is suppressed by nitrogen fertilization and other cultural practices leading to concentrations too low to keep pace with the rapid buildup of turfgrass thatch. 


ThatchZyme solves this deficiency by supplying an effective dose of this crucial enzyme into the thatch zone. The result? Effective, non-disruptive thatch management that integrates seamlessly into your existing spray programs.

How to use

Spray ThatchZyme monthly at 1 quart per acre during the active growing season and for managing thatch. It harnesses the power of water after application to get the enzymes in contact with the thatch/OM zone.


ThatchZyme is compatible with common liquid fertilizers, surfactants, and soil sprays. We recommend three consecutive monthly applications to begin. The best results are obtained from season-long spray programs. We recommend evaluating performance by performing OM246 soil testing and evaluating visual changes using a flat soil profiler.

Soil Health

"At the end of the day it is what you desire as the Superintendent, this will supplement your practices in achieving your objective when higher organic levels are present. You will have healthier and stronger playing surfaces."

Jarrett Kramer, Blue Course Superintendent

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FAQ

  • How is ThatchZyme different from all the other products claiming to reduce thatch?

    ThatchZyme is the first enzyme-based spray proven in the field to actively break down thatch and organic matter. Unlike microbial products, which rely on live organisms to survive and perform in unpredictable soil conditions, ThatchZyme delivers a reliable, measurable dose of active enzyme every time you spray.

  • What’s in ThatchZyme?

    ThatchZyme is powered by Laccase, a specialized enzyme that breaks down lignin. the tough, decay-resistant material that binds thatch together. Laccase works by opening up the thatch structure, making it easier for natural microbial activity to complete the decomposition cycle. The result: less mechanical disruption, improved playing conditions, and a more efficient thatch management program.

  • Is there any academic research on ThatchZyme?

    Yes. Laccase has been the subject of over a decade of academic and applied research confirming its role in lignin and thatch degradation.

  • Has ThatchZyme been field tested?

    Extensively. It has been tested across a variety of turfgrass systems to confirm both safety and effectiveness for turf managers. See our data here.

  • Is ThatchZyme a live biological product?

    No. ThatchZyme is not a live organism. Microbes are used during production to create and concentrate the Laccase enzyme. By formulating only the active enzyme, ThatchZyme delivers precise, predictable results without the variability of live biology.

  • What if ThatchZyme dries on the leaf surface? Do I need to water it in immediately?

    No problem, drying will not affect ThatchZyme after it’s been sprayed, just water it into the thatch zone when you can before the next mowing. 

  • How often should I apply ThatchZyme?

    ThatchZyme works in a monthly program and you will want to apply it for three months, it can be applied more frequently (bi-weekly) and rates/intervals can vary based on whether one is managing thatch ongoing or trying to correct a large thatch layer issue. 

  • Can I tank mix ThatchZyme with other products?

    Yes. ThatchZyme is compatible with most fertilizers, surfactants, and pesticides commonly used in turf management. As with any tank mix, we recommend performing a standard jar test to confirm compatibility before full-scale application.

  • Is there any phytotoxicity risk?

    None that we’ve seen up to 4x our 1qt/A rate.

  • Are there seasonal limitations to using ThatchZyme?

    The laccase enzyme will be active at any temperature above freezing and its activity increases with higher temperatures, as does the surrounding microbial activity.

  • How can I tell if ThatchZyme is working?

    Monitor changes in thatch thickness over time using core samples or profile measurements. Regular organic matter (OM%) soil testing is a key tool for tracking progress and should be used alongside visual assessments of the soil profile.

In the news

ZymeCo 2025 University Turfgrass Field Trials

By Phil Dwyer, VP Sales & Marketing • July 15, 2025
As a company born from and dedicated to scientific product research, ZymeCo has embarked upon our 2025 field season again working with top University Turfgrass Research programs.

ThatchZyme FAQ

By Phil Dwyer, VP Sales & Marketing • June 17, 2025
ThatchZyme Frequently Asked Questions: Everything you need to know about the first proven thatch degrading enzyme product by ZymeCO.

Jarrett Kramer, Superintendent of Congressional Country Club, speaks about his success with using ThatchZyme

By Phil Dwyer, VP Sales & Marketing • June 3, 2025
Jarrett Kramer, Blue Course Superintendent (formerly Gold Course Super.) at the prestigious Congressional Country Club located in Bethesda, MD has firsthand experience with ThatchZyme trials. His insights highlight practical, results-driven use of the product in real-world conditions.

There's a spray for thatch

By Golf Course Industry • May 8, 2025
Dr. Phil Dwyer joins Superintendent Radio Network to discuss a less invasive way of handling an issue that might be impacting your course’s playing surfaces.

Smarter Turf Starts Here: Why ThatchZyme® is the Future of Thatch Control

By Jenny Phillips, Director of Marketing • May 7, 2025
ThatchZyme is an innovative, enzyme-based turf management product designed to address the persistent issue of thatch accumulation on golf courses and other high-maintenance turf areas.

Introducing ZymeCO: Where Nature Meets Innovation

By Jennifer Phillips, Director of Marketing • April 17, 2025
We’re excited to announce a new chapter in our journey: Colorado Biofactory is now ZymeCO. This change isn’t just about a name—it marks the evolution of our vision and our commitment to redefining what’s possible through enzyme technology.

Introducing sprayable thatch control: ThatchZyme®

By Phil Dwyer, VP of Sales and Marketing • April 8, 2025
ThatchZyme delivers the only sprayable active enzyme proven to manage turfgrass thatch. It works for you by targeting the hard to degrade parts of thatch and accelerating its breakdown.

Spring Solutions Madness features ThatchZyme®

By Golf Course Industry • March 17, 2025
Miss the GCI Spring Solution Madness? Phil Dwyer discusses how ThatchZyme simplifies thatch management with an easy, sprayable solution. Powered by our proven laccase technology, it revolutionizes organic matter management with less labor and minimal disruption. Learn more here.