Wimbledon's immaculate green courts are maintained using a specialist wetting agent that reduces water surface tension, and lawn experts say UK gardeners can use the same technique to keep their grass healthy during warm summer weather.
How Wetting Agents Work
Jonathan Davis, a grass expert at Lawnsmith, explained that wetting agents are chemicals that reduce the surface tension of water. When applied to soil, they help rain and irrigation penetrate dry, compacted ground more effectively, allowing moisture to reach plant roots where it is needed most.
He compared the process to a classic experiment: balancing a coin on a full glass of water. Adding washing-up liquid breaks the water's surface tension, causing the coin to sink. Similarly, a wetting agent helps water move through dry soil.
Wimbledon's Secret
Neil Stubley, Wimbledon’s Head of Courts and Horticulture, told The Guardian: "It sounds a weird term but it makes water wetter." Reducing water's surface tension allows plant roots to access moisture more easily, helping grass stay healthy even during warm weather.
The tournament runs from June 29 to July 12, showcasing some of the finest grass surfaces in sport. Wimbledon groundskeepers use the treatment throughout the Championships to keep courts in top condition.
Benefits for Home Gardens
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), prolonged hot, dry weather can cause lawns to turn brown as grass enters a dormant state to conserve water. While many lawns recover after rainfall, extended drought can leave patchy areas. Applying a wetting agent before dry spells helps prevent this.
Davis said the treatment also helps households use water more efficiently during drought. "If water is reaching the roots effectively, it means less water gets wasted overall, so there's an environmental benefit too," he said.
The Environment Agency notes that dry summers increase pressure on water supplies and can lead to temporary hosepipe restrictions. Making lawns absorb water more efficiently reduces unnecessary waste.
Application Tips
Wetting agents are useful both before a heatwave and for reviving lawns that have already become dry and patchy. Davis recommends applying the product before watering or rainfall. "If just treating specific dry areas, spread it further than the initial patch to ensure thorough coverage," he said.
