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The 8 most frequently asked questions about lawns and TerraCottem

03/04/2025 - 13:22

Looking to create a strong, lush lawn that stands up to drought and heavy use? TerraCottem might be just what you need. This smart soil conditioner helps your lawn make better use of water and nutrients - right from the roots. But how does it work? When should you use it? And what kind of results can you expect? In this article, we answer the 8 most frequently asked questions about lawns and TerraCottem. You'll find everything you need to give your grass a healthy, resilient start - with less water, less hassle, and more results.

Why should I use TerraCottem in my lawn?

Let’s start with the most obvious benefit: TerraCottem significantly improves your soil’s water retention. This is particularly important in the warmer months, when water resources are strained and lawn irrigation is increasingly being questioned.

Better water retention means:

• Less need for extra irrigation, as water stays where it matters most - in the root zone. Less water wasted through evaporation.
• Lower water bills and reduced dependence on tap or well water. Better for the environment, too. And the rainwater you collect can be used elsewhere.

Jeamie Hendrickx, landscape architect (reading tip: "Project in the spotlight: an oasis of greenery in every garden")

"With TerraCottem, I save up to 50 per cent on watering. We often arrive at a new site where the grass is completely withered, not able to recover from a heat wave. I then explain to the client that TerraCottem forms a natural buffer, that it retains water and nutrients, so that the plants or grass can make use of this in the event of a prolonged drought and restore more quickly."

But water retention is only part of the story. TerraCottem’s unique mix of root-growth stimulators helps your lawn develop:

• More roots and deeper roots.
• Roots are the foundation of a strong grass. The better the roots are developed, the stronger the sward.

The result? A lawn that’s far more resilient and resistant to drought.

Plus, TerraCottem improves nutrient retention too:

• Fewer nutrients wash away into the subsoil.
• Reduced need for additional fertiliser.
• That’s good for your wallet - and for the planet.

Which TerraCottem is most suitable for use on a lawn?

You have two great options, depending on your needs:

• TerraCottem turf. Specially developed for grass, this is the go-to choice for lawn lovers and turf professionals. It works on the same principle as the universal blend but includes extras like zeolite and a tailored grass fertiliser - giving your lawn an added boost. Groundskeepers and greenkeepers love it for a reason.
• TerraCottem universal. Our most widely used formula. As the name suggests, it’s suitable for all types of plants - including lawns. It comes in convenient 5 kg, 10 kg tubs, and 20 kg bags, making it easy to get the right amount for your garden. Landscapers often choose universal because it supports both grass and other plants - one product for all your greenery.

If your focus is purely on lawn performance, go with turf. For a mixed garden or general use, universal is the more versatile choice.

When should I apply TerraCottem?

Simple: before sowing grass seed or laying turf.

You only need to apply TerraCottem once - at the start of your lawn’s life. It’s incorporated into the root zone, right where it does its magic: buffering water and stimulating root development.

Tools you’ll need:

• A fertiliser spreader (ideally not a centrifugal one).
• A rotary cultivator or garden tiller.

That’s all it takes to give your lawn the best possible foundation - right where it counts.

Can I also use TerraCottem on an existing lawn?

Technically, yes - but it’s not the easiest or most effective option.

TerraCottem works in the root zone, so it needs to be mixed evenly into the topsoil to do its job. That’s why we recommend applying it during lawn installation or renovation, before seeding or laying turf.

For existing lawns, special equipment can inject TerraCottem into the top layer. However, reseeding is often cheaper than an ‘injection’ afterwards. Want to learn more? Just send us an email at info@terracottem.be - we’ll be happy to advise.

How deep should TerraCottem be incorporated?

For best results, mix TerraCottem homogeneously into the top 20 cm of soil - not as a separate layer. This allows the roots to grow deeper and denser, giving you a lawn that’s:

• more resistant to foot traffic and wear;
• more drought-tolerant;
• quicker to recover from dry or hot conditions.

In short: a deep root system = a tough, resilient lawn.

How do I apply TerraCottem?

It’s straightforward:

1. Spread TerraCottem evenly over bare soil at the recommended dosage. You can do this by hand or with a fertiliser spreader (avoid centrifugal types).
2. Incorporate the product into the top layer using a garden tiller or rotary cultivator. Work it in both directions to ensure even distribution.

Want to see it in action?

Check out our helpful how-to videos:

Can I use TerraCottem for any type of soil?

Yes. TerraCottem works on all soil types. However, the soil conditioner was specially developed to improve ‘challenging’ soils. So, the poorer the soil, the sandier, the greater the effect of the product.

How long does TerraCottem remain active?

TerraCottem soil conditioners contain different components, each with their own lifespan:

• The hydroabsorbent polymers (water crystals or hydrogels) remain effective for at least 8 years.
• The fertilisers and growth stimulators provide a boost for one full growing season - enough to establish a strong, healthy lawn.

Even after the fertilisers are consumed, the polymers continue to improve the efficiency of any fertilisers you apply afterwards. Nutrients are better retained in the root zone, meaning less waste and longer-lasting results.

Still Have a Question?

• Check out our FAQ page for more answers.
• Need expert advice? Our bio-engineer Davy is here to help - just send your question to info@terracottem.be.

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