UK summers are becoming hotter and drier, placing lawns under increasing environmental stress. When lawns cannot absorb, retain, or distribute water efficiently, they quickly develop dry patches, hydrophobic soil conditions, and drought-related yellowing. Lawn wetting agents are one of the most effective tools to combat these issues, improve lawn resilience, and maintain a lovely green lawn throughout the summer.
At Lawnscience, we only apply professional-grade wetting agents. Our treatment is a blend of different surfactants that help water move into soil and stay there. It helps lawns utilise every drop of moisture more effectively meaning it stays greener for longer. This page explains what wetting agents are, how they work, why they are essential during drought conditions, and how homeowners in the UK can benefit from Lawnscience’s professional treatments.
Lawnscience’s wetting agents should be applied three times a year starting in March, watch the video below to learn more.
Wetting agents are specialised soil surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water. Wetting agents improve the penetration of water into, and the distribution of water throughout the soil beneath the lawn. They address hydrophobicity, a condition that occurs in lawns as a result of environmental conditions. This can be exacerbated by poor soil composition and/or thatch buildup. In scientific terms, they modify hydrophobic coatings that accumulate on soil particles during dry weather, enabling water molecules to reattach and infiltrate the root zone. Basically, without wetting agents water can bead on the surface or run off instead of being absorbed, leading to inefficient watering, increased stress, and a yellow lawn. For tips on keeping your lawn green during heat, check out How to Keep Your Lawn Green in Summer.
Hydrophobic soil is a major cause of summer lawn decline in UK gardens. It occurs when organic residues from decomposing plant material become waxy and repel water. Combined with prolonged dry conditions, the soil can no longer re-wet naturally.
Common signs of hydrophobic soil include:
Hydrophobicity is particularly common in lawns laid on sandy soils or during hosepipe restrictions when homeowners water less frequently.
During drought, grass plants lose water faster than they can replace it through the roots. This is caused by significantly increased evapotranspiration of water from the soil and plant. This triggers a cascade of physiological stress responses such as reduced photosynthesis, leaf curling, decreased nutrient uptake, and eventual dormancy. Grass goes dormant and turns brown to protect its roots and crown from extreme heat and drought.
Wetting agents support lawns during drought by:
Lawnscience’s Wetting Agent treatment has been proven to reduce the amount of water a lawn needs to survive dry periods by up to 40%. That’s because the water the lawn does receive is used much more efficiently, saving you time and money!
If your lawn dries out fast and you want drought protection, our guide on How to Stop My Lawn Drying Out may also be helpful.
Homeowners often attempt to solve lawn drying issues with more frequent watering, but without wetting agents this is inefficient and wasteful. Professional-grade surfactants offer several advantages over DIY products:
Wetting agents are a preventative treatment that stop your soil becoming hydrophobic and drying out. You want the soil beneath your lawn to be using and storing water efficiently long before the hot weather hits.
That means the best time to start applying wetting agents is in March. This should then be followed by two more treatments in early and late summer to help you maintain a green lawn for as long as possible, while watering less frequently. Call us today to protect your lawn this summer!
Yes. Lawn wetting agents improve soil absorption and retention, allowing water to reach the roots more effectively. This reduces stress on your grass during hot, dry periods, helping your lawn stay green and healthy even in drought conditions.
Most professional treatments last around 8 weeks. We recommend applications in early spring, early summer, and mid-summer to maximise drought protection and maintain your lawn’s health during the hot and dry summer months.
Yes. Professional-grade wetting agents from Lawnscience are safe for children and pets once the product has dried. We usually ask you stay off the grass for 1-2 hours.
Wetting agents improve water penetration and help prevent new dry patches, but severe dry patches may also require aeration, overseeding, and a Stressbuster liquid fertiliser for full recovery. Combining wetting agents with these measures once there is a break in the drought conditions is the most effective way to restore your lawn.
Yes. Lawn wetting agents work on all types of grass and soil, including sandy, clay, or compacted lawns. However, professional application ensures proper dosage and coverage for maximum drought protection.
Yes. Because wetting agents improve soil moisture retention, lawns require less frequent watering, which is particularly helpful during UK hosepipe bans or dry summers. Regular watering is still required but the water you put down will be more effective and for longer.
Most lawns will show improved water absorption within a few days of treatment. Full benefits, including deeper root hydration and more even lawn colour, typically become noticeable within 2–3 weeks.
We always advise watering after application if no rainfall is present. About 15-20 minutes is perfect.
If you want your lawn to be the envy of your neighbours this summer, whatever the weather, then give us a call and we’ll pop round for a FREE lawn survey. Just click the button below and we’ll do the rest.
For additional summer lawn care tips and solutions, explore our related guides:
How to Treat Dry Patches on Lawn (UK Lawn Guide)
How to Stop My Lawn Drying Out (UK Homeowner Guide)
Why Is My Lawn Turning Yellow? (UK Lawn Guide)
Lawn Care in Hot Weather (UK Lawn Guide)
How to Keep Your Lawn Green in Summer (UK Lawn Guide)
Your Service Guarantee
Our aim at Lawnscience is to be your first choice, local lawn care provider. That is why we select friendly professionals, train them well, and provide a service guarantee.
We also offer our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with our treatments, If you are not completely satisfied with the results of a treatment, we will re-treat your lawn free of charge. We believe that we are the only UK lawn care provider to offer such a comprehensive guarantee.
Lawnscience supports the RHS through annual charitable donations
Think your lawn could benefit from a wetting agent?
Book a FREE lawn review today and let one of our fully trained lawn care professionals assess your grass. During your review, we’ll explain how wetting agents can improve hydration, prevent dry patches, and provide drought protection.
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