A lawn specialist has disclosed a lesser-known treatment that can help gardeners achieve grass resembling the immaculate courts of Wimbledon. As the prestigious tennis tournament runs from June 29 to July 12, 2026, experts highlight the importance of wetting agents for maintaining lush lawns during warm weather.
What Is a Wetting Agent and How Does It Work?
Jonathan Davis, a lawn specialist at Lawnsmith, explains that wetting agents lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate dry, compacted soil more effectively. This ensures moisture reaches grass roots instead of running off the surface. He compares the mechanism to placing a coin on a full glass of water: adding washing-up liquid breaks the surface tension, causing the coin to sink.
"A wetting agent is a chemical that reduces surface tension of water. When applied to soil, it helps rain and water penetrate the turf and spread more efficiently," Davis said.
Benefits for UK Gardens During Summer Heat
With much of the UK experiencing another warm summer, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) notes that hot, dry conditions can turn lawns brown as grass enters a dormant state to conserve water. While most lawns recover after rainfall, prolonged drought may cause patchy sections. Wetting agents can mitigate this by improving water absorption.
Davis adds that the treatment also promotes water efficiency: "If water is reaching the roots effectively, it means less water gets wasted overall, so there's an environmental benefit too." The Environment Agency warns that arid summers strain water supplies and may lead to hosepipe bans, making efficient lawn watering crucial.
Wimbledon's Use of Wetting Agents
The method is not just for home gardens. Wimbledon groundskeepers employ a specialist wetting agent to keep the tournament's world-renowned courts in top condition. Neil Stubley, Wimbledon's Head of Courts and Horticulture, told The Guardian: "It sounds a weird term, but it makes water wetter." He noted that lowering water's surface tension helps plant roots absorb moisture more easily, keeping grass healthy in warmer conditions.
Application Tips for Best Results
For optimal results, Davis recommends applying the wetting agent before rain or watering. "Apply it to your turf before watering or rainfall," he said. "If just treating specific dry areas, spread it further than the initial patch to ensure thorough coverage." The product can also help revive lawns that have already become dry and patchy by improving water absorption once moisture returns.
By using wetting agents, gardeners can achieve greener, healthier lawns while conserving water, mirroring the techniques used at Wimbledon.
