Do I need to use a wetting agent on my lawn?

Wetting agents are type of surfactant, like detergent, that attracts water to the soil surface and helps it soak in. These fantastic products can help you use water more effectively and efficiently, which is great not just for your lawn but for the environment, too.

What is hydrophobic soil?

Hydrophobic (literally “water hating”) soils are those that repel water. These soils cause water to run off or pool at the surface rather than being absorbed, which can cause serious problems for your gardens and lawns. It is a common problem in sandy or older soils, and can also affect soils that haven’t been watered or fertilised regularly.

How do I tell if my soil is hydrophobic?

The best way to tell if you have hydrophobic soil is simply to pour water onto a few areas. If it doesn’t soak up quickly, the soil is likely hydrophobic.

Why is my soil hydrophobic?

Soil becomes hydrophobic when organic matter decomposes, leaving a waxy coating on the soil particles. As long as the soil remains hydrated, this doesn’t cause too much of a problem, but long periods of dryness can expose the hydrophobic surface and stop the water from penetrating.

How do I fix hydrophobic soil?

Wetting agents can be used regularly on your garden and lawn to solve the problem of hydrophobic soil. Wetting agents act like a detergent to reduce the surface tension of the water, thereby helping it soak into the soil.

Wetting agents come in both granular and liquid forms. Granular wetting agents are best for garden beds and pre-lawn installation, as they can be mixed into the soil. Liquid wetting agents can also be used on garden beds and existing lawns. For liquid wetting agents, we recommend a hose attached bottle product, then you simply attach it to your hose and water the product in.

We recommend Lawn Solutions Lawn Rescue, which contains not only a liquid wetting agent but also a liquid fertiliser. Apply Lawn Rescue at the beginning of December in Melbourne, at the same time as your summer slow-release fertiliser. This is a fantastic way to prepare your lawn for the hot temperatures of summer, helping ensure that the water you apply to your lawn is used effectively by the soil.

If you have any questions about hydrophobic soil or wetting agents, or any other lawn questions, please contact our friendly staff on (03) 9730 1128 or email contact@lilydaleinstantlawn.com.au.