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Hi Gary,
We have been applying x2 additional treatments this year to customers who have been open to it - a liquid tank mix which includes a residual wetting agent.
It's important that this is the right product, but that the first application is made while there is still adequate moisture in the soil, eg March - April. We advise customers that these applications are far more effective when watered into the soil.
What we have learnt this year is that as ever, it comes back to customer participation. If customers take our advice they will gain the benefits of a healthier lawn and less water use.
In these conditions however, the type of customer who isn't prepared to water there is very little difference unfortunately in a treated vs untreated lawn... however the recovery will be far stronger with the correct products sat ready to go.
In all, l feel wetting agents are nicely suited to the customers that are prepared to water, even if just a handful of times per year in drier periods. In an age of environmental pressures this is my personal preference. We can't have perfect at all times and if we do it takes time and resources.
We will be recommending wetting agents widely following mechanical work this autumn to look to rewet the soil as quickly and as consistently as possible before winter arrives. It's going to be a very important September - November period.
PS, we're in the West Midlands. Very dry and brown this year for a change but some rain on the way this week. Will it be enough to wet the soil? I doubt it at this stage unless water has been applied already. It's all a matter of choice.
Thanks Jack for your considered response. I've already learnt a lot just from your reply.
I'm very new to the idea of wetting agents and thought 1. They where all pretty much the same. And 2. You only need to apply them ideally before a predicted dry spell. Followed by a good watering of the ground. I'd no idea you needed to apply when there was already moisture in the soil. I would of thought by doing this you'd worsen the effects of a prolonged rain fall as the soil / roots would hold on to the water much more / longer?
Clearly I've still got a lot to learn.
Thanks again for your input. It's much appreciated.
Hi Jack,
fantastic feedback there, Are you treating with a wetting agent from March onwards on a monthly basis or just a one off when scarifying etc, and then every two weeks in the drier months? . What's works best on your opinion??
I have used wetting agents before but gave up on them , but you have me interested again!!
best
Paul
Hi Paul,
The product we've been applying is a residual liquid, so at a high rate of 25L/Ha it gives us a 10-12 week longevity before reapplying after 9-10 weeks.
In a perfect world you would spoon feed at a more regular interval at much lower application rates but it needs to fit with our typical programme of visits, otherwise it becomes quickly unaffordable to customers.
It's always difficult to gauge exact results in that every lawn is different and customer maintenance during these testing times for the grass also varies widely.
We will widely recommend the use of a wetter following autumn scarifying / renovations given soils have been allowed to dry for a long period of time and seed germination is expected. Even if it's not booked we will keep the products on the van and explain to customers in person.
Thanks a million for this invaluable info!
have a nice day!
Paul
Can someone recommend a product and also is it best to wate a week or so before using a liquid feed.
Personally Jes l would speak to suppliers so the product can meet your needs and budget. There are many wetting agents out there but as above it's not always productive.
If a fertilser product was compatable for tank mixing with a wetting agent and within the required water rates then l would tank mix and irrigate following.
Some rain expected in the Midlands next week but not much. Hopefully this is the final hot week. Lawn renovations start next week for us.