Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Products
What is RestoreClay and how does it work?
RestoreClay is a powerful, all-natural liquid soil amendment designed specifically for dense, compacted clay soil. It combines beneficial microorganisms (including Azotobacter, Bacillus, Rhizobium, and Fungi) with humus-building compounds and a small amount of nitrogen. Together, these ingredients loosen compacted clay, improve drainage and aeration, stimulate healthy root development, and increase nutrient availability. It's a long-term solution — not just a quick fix — that builds on itself with every application.
What is Liquid Humate and how is it different from RestoreClay?
Liquid Humate is a concentrated liquid humic acid derived from premium Leonardite. It adds organic matter directly to the root zone, improving soil structure, boosting moisture and nutrient retention, and feeding beneficial microorganisms. While RestoreClay focuses on restructuring clay soil using microbes and nitrogen, Liquid Humate works by enriching the soil with humus — the dark, fertile organic matter found in healthy topsoil. The two products complement each other beautifully: Liquid Humate feeds the microorganisms in RestoreClay, accelerating soil transformation. They can be used together or separately.
What is LawnMutt and how does it work?
LawnMutt is an easy-to-apply liquid soil amendment designed specifically for dog owners. Dog urine contains high levels of urea nitrogen, which can damage your lawn by disrupting its ability to absorb moisture. Healthy soil naturally converts harmful urea into lawn-friendly nitrate nitrogen — LawnMutt helps restore that ability. By improving soil health, LawnMutt enhances your lawn's capacity to process excess urea, preventing and repairing unsightly yellow spots naturally. It's safe for pets and people when used as directed.
What are the ingredients in RestoreClay?
RestoreClay contains a proprietary blend of naturally occurring organic acids, soil microbes (Azotobacter, Actinomyces, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Bacillus, Cyanobacteria, and Fungi), nitrogen (9-0-0 guaranteed analysis), and sulfur. MSDS sheets are available upon request — contact us at jeff@soundsoil.com.
What are the ingredients in Liquid Humate?
Liquid Humate contains 6% humic acid derived from Leonardite. It has a guaranteed analysis of 0-0-0 — it's not a fertilizer, but a soil conditioner that enhances your soil's ability to retain and process nutrients.
How is RestoreClay different from fertilizer?
Fertilizer feeds your plants; RestoreClay improves the soil environment so your plants can actually use that fertilizer more effectively. Think of it this way: fertilizer is the fuel, and RestoreClay is the engine tune-up. A well-conditioned soil processes and stores nutrients far more efficiently, so you get more out of every fertilizer application. RestoreClay is used alongside fertilizer, not instead of it.
Application
How do I apply RestoreClay?
- Calculate your coverage: Apply 1 oz. of RestoreClay per 100 sq. ft. (e.g., 20 oz. for a 2,000 sq. ft. lawn).
- Choose an applicator: We recommend the Ortho Dial-N-Spray hose-end sprayer. Avoid Miracle-Gro applicators — they apply unevenly. For small areas, a pressure sprayer or watering can works well.
- Apply and water in: After applying, water for a few minutes to wash the product off leaves and into the soil.
- Repeat in 4 weeks: Most soils show noticeable results after two applications.
How do I apply Liquid Humate?
- Lawn/Garden: Apply 1 oz. per 100 sq. ft. (or 10 oz. per 1,000 sq. ft.) every 4 weeks. Shake well before use.
- Large areas: Use a hose-end applicator set to 2 oz., mixing equal parts Liquid Humate and water in the bottle.
- Small areas or containers: Mix ½ oz. per gallon of water and apply during regular watering.
- Trees & shrubs: Mix 2–3 oz. per gallon and apply around the root zone, watering deep enough to soak at least 4 inches.
How do I apply LawnMutt?
- Pour one 16 oz. LawnMutt bottle into your hose-end applicator.
- Add 16 oz. of water to the applicator bottle.
- Set the green dial to 2 oz.
- Spray evenly across the lawn until the bottle is empty.
- Water for 5–10 minutes afterward to saturate the root zone.
- Repeat with the second bottle 3–6 weeks later.
You should begin seeing fewer urine spots and recovery of damaged areas. For severe damage, additional applications may be needed. Dead spots can be reseeded 7–14 days after treatment.
How often should I apply these products?
During the startup phase, plan on applying every 4 weeks for the first 3–4 months. Once your soil begins to respond, you can spread applications further apart. For long-term maintenance, 2–3 applications per year is typically sufficient for RestoreClay and Liquid Humate. For LawnMutt, apply every 6–8 weeks for continued prevention. The further into the program you get, the less frequently you'll need to apply — your soil gets better at doing its job over time.
Do I need to till or aerate the soil before applying?
No — RestoreClay and Liquid Humate can be applied directly to unturned soil or areas with existing plants, like a lawn. That said, if tilling or aeration is possible, it can accelerate results by increasing surface area and allowing the product to penetrate deeper into the soil.
Can I apply these products on an area with existing plants?
Yes! Both products are safe for use around plants. We recommend watering for a few minutes after applying to wash the product off leaves and into the soil where it can work.
Can I spray over mulch?
Yes. Just water for a few minutes after application to wash the product through the mulch and into the soil below.
When is the best time to apply — before or after rain?
Applying before a rainstorm is ideal, as the moisture helps saturate the product into the soil. Just make sure the water isn't running off into a ditch or gutter, which would carry the product away before it can absorb.
Can I apply RestoreClay when overseeding my lawn?
Yes, but we recommend separating the two by about a week. Apply RestoreClay either 7 days before seeding or 7 days after. This prevents the soil biology from composting the seed before it can germinate.
Compatibility
Can I use these products with fertilizers?
Absolutely. RestoreClay and Liquid Humate are designed to work alongside fertilizers — they improve your soil's ability to process and retain the nutrients in fertilizer, so you get better results from both.
Can I use RestoreClay after applying a weed killer or herbicide?
Yes, and it's actually a great idea. Herbicides can be hard on the biological processes in the soil. Applying RestoreClay after a herbicide treatment helps restore your soil's biological health.
Does RestoreClay work with well water?
Yes. The application quantities are very small and all ingredients are natural, so there is no risk of damage to your water table or well.
Is LawnMutt safe for pets and children?
Yes — LawnMutt is safe for pets and people when used as directed.
Can I use LawnMutt with Liquid Humate?
Yes, and we recommend it! Liquid Humate enriches your soil with natural carbon, which helps the soil remove even greater amounts of nitrogen from dog urine. Together, LawnMutt and Liquid Humate make a powerful combination for lawn recovery and protection.
Will these products work on soil types other than clay — like bentonite or sandy soil?
RestoreClay is formulated for clay soils and works well on bentonite and similar heavy soils common throughout the Mountain West. Liquid Humate is effective on both clay and sandy soils — it softens hard clay and adds body and organic matter to sandy soil.
Sizing & Coverage
What size do I need for my lawn?
Both RestoreClay and Liquid Humate are applied at 1 oz. per 100 sq. ft. Here's a quick reference for Liquid Humate:
- ½ Gallon (64 oz.) covers up to 6,000 sq. ft.
- 1 Gallon (128 oz.) covers up to 12,000 sq. ft.
LawnMutt is available in three sizes based on lawn area:
- Small: 400–800 sq. ft.
- Medium: 800–1,600 sq. ft.
- Large: 1,600–3,200 sq. ft.
Each LawnMutt pack includes two applications. Not sure what size to order? Email Jeff or send a photo of your lawn and he'll point you in the right direction.
The SoundStart Program
What is the SoundStart Program?
The SoundStart Program is our free, managed startup program designed to make sure new customers get the best possible results. Every lawn and soil is a little different, and the startup phase can be the most challenging part. Jeff works with you one-on-one to create a personalized plan covering the right products for your yard, the correct application amounts, a frequency schedule, application methods, and what to expect along the way.
How do I enroll in the SoundStart Program?
Enrollment is free and easy. Email Jeff at jeff@soundsoil.com to get started. He prefers to kick things off with a quick phone call, but email works too. Visit our SoundStart Program page to learn more.
How long does the startup phase take?
As a general rule, plan on 3–4 monthly applications to get your yard started. Once the soil begins to respond, you can go longer between applications. The soil gets better over time with each treatment.
Subscriptions
How does the subscription service work?
Our subscription service automatically delivers your products on a schedule you choose, so you never miss a treatment. Subscribers save 10% on every order. Once you've established your application schedule through the SoundStart Program, a subscription is a convenient way to stay on track. You can manage your subscription at any time — visit our Manage Subscriptions page for details.
Shipping & Returns
How long does shipping take?
Please allow 24–48 hours for order processing. Once shipped, you'll receive a tracking number by email. We ship via USPS Priority Mail, and most orders arrive within 2–5 days. We ship within the United States only.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns of unopened products within 10 days of delivery. To initiate a return, contact us and ship the product to: 1874 Monterey Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility. Refunds are issued once we receive the product and typically reflect on your account within 3–4 business days. If your order arrives damaged, contact us right away at jeff@soundsoil.com or call (801) 971-0589 and we'll make it right.
Still Have Questions?
We love hearing from our customers. Reach out to Jeff directly at jeff@soundsoil.com or call (801) 971-0589. You can also use the chat on our website. We're here to help your soil — and your yard — thrive.