Landscape Maintenance The Key to Lush Lawns and Lower Water Bills in Summer: Hydretain July 19, 2024 Maintaining a green lawn and healthy plants is important for property owners across North Texas. This can be a tough challenge during dry spells in the summertime. Water costs increase significantly as you try to keep lawns looking lush, yet brown and dry spots often persist. Sometimes watering restrictions are even imposed when there are drought conditions. At Southern Botanical, we offer a solution for helping your lawn and landscape retain moisture during hot, dry months while reducing your water bills. What is Hydretain? Hydretain is a product designed to manage root zone moisture effectively. It reduces watering needs by up to 50% by retaining natural moisture in the soil. Safe and environmentally friendly, it helps your landscape thrive during heat, drought, and when there are watering restrictions. Unlike traditional wetting agents or superabsorbent polymers, this product utilizes a unique blend of hygroscopic and humectant components. These components attract moisture from the soil, forming microscopic droplets that plants can absorb, reducing evaporative loss and ensuring plants receive the moisture they need. How Does Hydretain Work? This solution works by acting like tiny water magnets, drawing moisture vapor from the soil and converting it into liquid droplets that plants can use. When water is applied through rainfall or irrigation, much of it is lost to gravity and evaporation. Hydretain captures this moisture vapor before it escapes, turning it back into usable water for plants. This process helps maintain healthy, well-hydrated landscapes, even during periods of drought stress. Hydretain Granular vs Liquid Hydretain is available in both granular and liquid forms. Liquid Hydretain can be applied through spray, drench, fertigation, or injection, making it versatile for various landscapes. Granular Hydretain can be spread using standard equipment and is ideal for new plant installations or topically on existing landscapes. Both forms must be watered into the root zone to be effective. When to Apply Hydretain Hydretain can be applied at any time during the growing season. For optimal results, it should be applied before drought conditions or extended dry periods. This allows it to retain natural moisture from rainfall. If applied during droughts, supplemental water via irrigation systems or hand watering should be applied. How Long Does Hydretain Last? Each application lasts up to three months. Reapplying every three months can maintain consistent root zone moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and ensuring plants remain healthy and hydrated. Is Hydretain Worth It? Hydretain offers numerous benefits for landscapes, making it a worthwhile investment. Reducing watering needs by up to 50% helps conserve water and reduce irrigation costs. Additionally, it improves plant health and resilience, resulting in lush, vibrant landscapes. “Our commercial clients enjoy a range of advantages with Hydretain,” says Southern Botanical’s Agronomy Manager, David Smith. He emphasizes significant financial savings through reduced irrigation needs, improved resistance to drought stress, and less loss of plant material during dry periods. Smith adds, “Hydretain plays a crucial role in Southern Botanical’s agronomic plan, offering water-saving properties, assistance in drought stress management, soil enhancement, and promotion of microbial activity. The product is environmentally friendly, biodegrading into a food source for microbes.” Contact a Landscape Professional For professional assistance with Hydretain applications, contact Southern Botanical. Our experienced team can help you achieve a beautiful, thriving landscape while conserving water and saving you money. “Hydretain is ideal for individuals who want to save money, reduce stress levels (client and plants), and conserve water,” says Smith. “This product offers multiple advantages for our landscapes, proving to be a valuable asset in agronomic programs.” Learn more about how we can enhance your landscape with this innovative water management solution by contacting us today.