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Benefits of using wetting agents on your lawn

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Benefits of using wetting agents on your lawn Last Updated: 17/06/2024

A lush, green lawn is the pride of any homeowner. But achieving and maintaining a healthy lawn can be a challenge, especially during hot and dry weather. That's where wetting agents come in. These soil conditioners can make a significant difference to the health and appearance of your lawn. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using wetting agents on your lawn and how they can improve your garden maintenance routine.

Before before wetting agent application
after wetting agent application AFTER

What Are Wetting Agents?

Wetting agents, also known as soil surfactants, are substances that help water penetrate and spread evenly throughout the soil. They work by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more easily and reach deeper into the soil. This helps to prevent water from pooling on the surface and encourages it to reach the roots of your plants.

wetting-agents-after

How Do Wetting Agents Help Lawns?

Wetting agents are particularly beneficial for lawns because they help to evenly distribute water throughout the soil. This is especially important during hot and dry weather when water can evaporate quickly and leave your lawn parched. By using a wetting agent, you can ensure that your lawn is receiving the water it needs to stay healthy and green so it's summer ready.

Wetting agents also help to prevent water runoff, which can be a common issue on sloped lawns. By allowing water to penetrate the soil more easily, wetting agents reduce the amount of water that runs off the surface, preventing erosion and water waste.

On the contrary, wetting agents can also be useful on areas of lawns that are prone to waterlogging, because the surfactants will help push the pools of water lower into the soil, especially when combined with other treatments such as aeration.

How Long Do Wetting Agents Take To Work?

Many penetrant wetting agents can achieve a soil depth of 30cm in less than 30 minutes after application. However, it typically takes about 10 days for the effects to become noticeable. During this time, the surfactants work to break down any water-repellent barriers in the soil, allowing for better water absorption and retention. As a result, you may start to see improved plant growth, reduced dry spots, and overall healthier turf within a week or two of application.

treated lawn

Improved Garden Maintenance

One of the main benefits of using wetting agents on your lawn is that it can make your garden maintenance routine more efficient. By ensuring that water is reaching the roots of your plants, you can reduce the need for frequent watering. This can save you time and effort, as well as reduce your water usage, as you will get far better use from the water you do apply.

Wetting agents can also help to improve the effectiveness of fertilisers and other lawn treatments. By allowing these products to penetrate the soil more easily, they can reach the roots of your plants and provide better results.

Healthier Lawns

Proper hydration is essential for a healthy lawn. When water is unable to reach the roots of your plants, it can lead to dry, brown patches and even plant death. Wetting agents help to prevent this by ensuring that water is evenly distributed throughout the soil, providing your lawn with the moisture it needs to thrive.

Additionally, wetting agents can help to improve the overall health of your lawn by promoting deeper root growth. When water can reach deeper into the soil, it encourages roots to grow deeper as well. This results in a stronger, more resilient lawn that is better able to withstand drought and other stressors.

How We Use Wetting Agents On Your Lawn

Wetting agents can be applied to your lawn in a few different ways. The most common method is to mix the wetting agent with water and apply it using a knapsack sprayer. This allows the wetting agent to be evenly distributed over your lawn.

Another option is to use a granular wetting agent, which can be spread over your lawn using a spreader. We typically use a knapsack sprayer as we find it to be the most effective method, plus they can be applied in conjunction with your seasonal feed and weed treatments for convenience.

lawn operator spraying

Conclusion

Wetting agents are a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. By helping water to penetrate and spread evenly throughout the soil, they can improve the health and appearance of your lawn. When used in conjunction with proper watering techniques and regular maintenance, wetting agents can help you achieve the lush, green lawn of your dreams.

To book in for a wetting agent treatment, find your nearest lawn care expert.

For Further Information

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