“Hydretain” – Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Hydretain?  How does it work?

A. Hydretain is blend of patented hygroscopic and humectant compounds that is applied to the root zone of plants.  This coats the roots and converts subsurface humidity into usable water for the plants.

Q. How is Hydretain applied?

A. Until recently, Hydretain was only applied by a spray or drench.  For lawns, diluted Hydretain is sprayed onto the grass and then watered in so that it reaches the root zone.  For ornamental plants, shrubs and trees it is drenched into the root zone.

Q. When should Hydretain be applied?

A. Hydretain can be applied anytime during a plant’s life cycle.  However, the best time to apply Hydretain is before hot dry weather or drought conditions set in.

Q. How long does Hydretain last?  How often should it be applied?

A. Hydretain lasts up to 3 months before it biodegrades.  Re-apply at least every three months or more often for even greater water conservation.

Q. Is Hydretain safe?  Will it harm my pets?

A. Hydretain is primarily made from food-grade ingredients and natural plant extracts.  It is non-toxic.  It will not harm your pets.

Q. Is Hydretain beneficial to my bedding plants, shrubs and trees?  Fruit trees and vegetable gardens?

A. Hydretain has been proven effective through University of Texas and Florida trials and independent use on most types of ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, grasses and food producing agricultural plants.

Q. When will I see results?  What type of results should I expect?

A. Hydretain becomes effective when it is drawn up against plant roots, generally within one to two waterings after the initial application.  Results may vary, a 35% to 50% reduction in normal watering requirements is expected.

Q. Will Hydretain hold too much water if we get a heavy rain fall?  Will Hydretain wash through the soil with heavy rainfall?  

A. Hydretain has little moisture holding capacity.  Its function is to convert soil humidity into plant useable droplets when water is no longer available to plant roots.

Hydretain may wash through the soil if heavy rainfall follows closely after application, before Hydretain has time to attach to plant roots.  Hydretain is usually drawn up against roots within the first one to two required waterings after application.

Q. Is Hydretain safe to use with other lawn care products?

A. Yes, as a general rule Hydretain may be used with most other lawn care products. Hydretain has been shown to help improve the uptake of nutrients and assist in the function of pesticides and fungicides.

Q. Is Hydretain beneficial if I don’t water at all?

A. Hydretain has proven to reduce watering requirements by as much as 50% or more, however, if no watering is done and there is no rainfall, eventually plants and turf will go into normal drought stress.