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Ever watched water bead up and run straight off your lawn instead of soaking in? You're not imagining things! Your soil might be hydrophobic, and it's more common across Victoria than you'd think.
At Coolabah Turf, we see this regularly, especially in sandy soils and high-traffic lawns. But the good news is, it's completely fixable once you know what's happening.
What Is Hydrophobic Soil?
Simply put, hydrophobic soil develops when soil particles get coated in waxy compounds that repel water instead of absorbing it. Rather than soaking down to where your turf roots need it, water just runs off or channels through cracks, leaving large areas bone dry.
You'll see this most often in sandy soils, new housing estates, and lawns that dry out repeatedly during those warm Victorian summers.
Your lawn might be hydrophobic if water pools or runs off instead of soaking in, you're seeing patchy dry areas despite regular watering, or your turf wilts quickly on warm days. Often these symptoms get mistaken for poor irrigation or dodgy turf, but the real culprit is hiding below ground.
Why Does It Happen?
During prolonged dry periods, organic compounds from plant material and roots coat sand particles. Once dry, these compounds become water-repellent, creating a frustrating cycle: dry soil repels water, turf struggles, roots weaken, soil dries faster, and the problem gets worse. It's usually triggered by infrequent watering, extended dry spells, compacted soil, or low organic matter, particularly in sandy profiles common across Melbourne's growth corridors.
How to Fix Hydrophobic Soil
1. Apply a Soil Wetter
A quality soil wetting agent breaks down that waxy coating and lets water penetrate evenly. It's often the fastest fix, especially during warmer months. Apply it in early morning or late afternoon and water in thoroughly. To find out more about how this secret weapon can benefit your backyard, head here. To browse the extensive range of aftercare products Coolabah Turf has on offer, including Amgrow Wettasoil, check out our online store.
2. Water Deeply, Not Often
Swap short, frequent watering for deep, infrequent sessions. This encourages deeper root growth and helps recondition your soil profile. Make sure you are watering long enough to penetrate below the turf roots, and avoid letting the soil completely dry out between waterings.
3. Improve Your Soil Structure
Where possible, work in organic matter, use quality underlay soil when preparing new lawns, or add soil conditioners during renovation. This improves moisture retention and gets beneficial microbes working for you.
4. Aerate Compacted Areas
Core aeration relieves compaction and improves oxygen flow, helping water move more freely through the profile, which is particularly helpful for high-traffic lawns.
Prevention for New Turf
When installing instant turf, prepare your soil thoroughly, apply starter fertiliser and conditioners as recommended, and water consistently during establishment, remembering to never let the soil dry out completely in those first few weeks. Every Coolabah Turf order includes complimentary starter fertiliser to support strong root development from day one, helping your lawn establish faster and more evenly.
The Takeaway
Hydrophobic soil is common, but it's not a dealbreaker, and it is fixable! With the right watering approach and soil treatments, your lawn can bounce back quickly and perform exactly as it should, giving you the backyard you deserve.
If your lawn isn't responding the way it should, don't guess - get in touch. Our team is always happy to help diagnose lawn issues and recommend practical solutions that actually work.
📞 Call 1800 055 515 or speak with a Coolabah Turf professional today. Great lawns start from the ground up.
