Zoysia grass is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and landscapers alike for its durability, lush green appearance, and resilience to varying weather conditions. This warm-season grass thrives in regions with hot summers, making it an ideal choice for lawns in many parts of the United States and other parts of the world. But like any grass variety, zoysia requires proper care to reach its full potential. Here’s everything you need to know about zoysia grass and how to take care of it.
UNDERSTANDING ZOYSIA GRASS
Zoysia grass is a slow-growing, dense grass variety known for its lush green color and thick texture. It originates from Asia but has been widely adopted across the globe due to its exceptional drought resistance, ability to handle heat, and tolerance to heavy foot traffic. Zoysia’s thick, carpet-like quality also helps it crowd out weeds, giving it a natural advantage over other grasses in terms of lawn health.
ZOYSIA GRASS BENEFITS
There are some key benefits to growing a zoysia lawn.
Heat and Drought Tolerance: Zoysia is highly resistant to heat and can withstand long periods of drought once established. This makes it an excellent choice for regions with hot summers and irregular rainfall.
Low Maintenance: Zoysia grows slowly, meaning you won’t have to mow it as frequently as other grasses. It also requires less fertilizer and can withstand a variety of soil types.
Weed Resistance: Zoysia's dense growth naturally prevents weed establishment, helping you maintain a clean, uniform lawn with minimal effort.
Durability: It handles high foot traffic well, making it suitable for lawns that see a lot of activity.
ESTABLISHING A ZOYSIA LAWN
You've decided zoysia grass is the turf species for you. Now what? Here are some tips for how to get started with your zoysia lawn.
1. Choose the Right Zoysia Variety: Zoysia comes in several varieties, with the most common being Zoysia japonica (Japanese zoysia), Zoysia matrella (Manila zoysia), and Zoysia tenuifolia (Korean zoysia). Choose a variety that is best suited to your climate and soil type. For example, Zoysia japonica is more cold-tolerant and works well in regions with mild winters, while Zoysia matrella is more heat-tolerant and suitable for hotter regions.
2. Prepare the Soil: Proper soil preparation is crucial for establishing a healthy zoysia lawn. Follow these steps:
- Loosen the Soil: Use a rake or garden hoe to loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. This helps zoysia’s roots penetrate more easily. If you have compacted soil, core aeration can help promote root growth and improve water and nutrient absorption. Zoysia grass, like other lawns, benefits from aeration if the soil becomes compacted.
- Test Soil pH: Zoysia grass thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Use a soil test kit to check the pH. If the soil is too acidic, add NutraLime OP® Hi-Mag Lime to raise the pH, or add Elemental Sulfur pH Down if the pH is too high.
3. Select the Method of Planting: There are three main ways to establish a zoysia lawn: from seed, sod, or plugs. Each method has its pros and cons.
- From Seed: Zoysia seed is slow to germinate and establish, so this method requires patience. This method is best for large areas for a lower upfront cost. Seed zoysia in late spring to early summer when the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F (18°C). Evenly spread the zoysia seed using a broadcast spreader, lightly rake the soil to cover the seed and keep it in contact with the soil. Water gently and frequently to keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which can take up to 2-4 weeks.
- From Sod: Sod provides an instant lawn but is more expensive. This method is for faster results, smaller areas, or if you need immediate coverage. Lay sod in late spring or early summer when the grass is actively growing. Stagger the seams of the sod like bricks to avoid visible seams and press the edges of the sod pieces tightly together to eliminate gaps. Roll the lawn with a roller to ensure good soil contact and water thoroughly after laying the sod.
- From Plugs: Zoysia plugs are small pieces of grass that are spaced apart and grow into a full lawn over time. This is a budget-friendly option, larger areas, or if you have time to wait for the grass to spread. Plug in the Spring to early summer when the weather is warm. Space plugs about 6 to 12 inches apart in a grid pattern. Dig small holes for each plug and insert them into the soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the plugs moist while they establish.
4. Watering: Zoysia grass requires consistent moisture during the establishment phase, especially if you’re planting from seed or plugs. Water the area daily (or multiple times per day if it’s very hot) until the grass is established. Once it’s growing, reduce watering to a couple of times a week
ZOYSIA GRASS CARE TIPS
Here are some tips every homeowner with a zoysia lawn can use.
Watering: Zoysia grass is drought-tolerant, but it still needs regular watering, especially during the establishment phase. Once zoysia is established, it can go without water for long periods, but during hot spells, it’s still crucial to ensure it receives adequate moisture. Deep watering once or twice a week should suffice for established zoysia, ensuring the soil reaches 6-8 inches deep. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal diseases. Brown or dry patches can indicate the grass needs more water.
Mowing: One of the key advantages of zoysia grass is that it grows slowly, meaning less frequent mowing. However, it still needs to be kept at an optimal height for best results. Aim for a height of 1 to 2 inches for a healthier, more vibrant lawn. Depending on growth conditions, you may need to mow once every 1-2 weeks. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to avoid stressing the grass.
Fertilizing: Zoysia grass benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season (spring and summer). Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as PGF Complete™ 16-4-8, during the growing season. Follow recommended guidelines for application rates. Apply fertilizer in the spring when the grass begins to green up, and again in late summer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter when the grass is dormant. Apply about 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually.
Aeration: Aerating your lawn can help promote root growth and improve water and nutrient absorption. Zoysia grass, like other lawns, benefits from aeration if the soil becomes compacted. Late spring to early summer, when zoysia is actively growing, is the best time for aeration. Aerate once a year, or every other year if your lawn is not subjected to heavy traffic.
Pest and Disease Management: While zoysia grass is fairly resistant to many pests and diseases, it’s not entirely immune. Common issues include chinch bugs, grubs, and fungal diseases like brown patch. Regularly inspect your lawn for pests and treat as needed with appropriate insecticides or natural solutions. Apply a grub prevention prevention product, such as GrubOut Plus Lawn Food 17-0-3, in the late spring to help avoid a grub infestation. If you find grubs in your lawn, apply DuoCide® to help treat them. Practice good lawn care, such as proper watering techniques and not mowing when the grass is wet, to reduce the risk of fungal infections. You may also apply Prophesy® to prevent and treat common fungal diseases.
Overseeding (If Necessary): Zoysia grass grows slowly, and during the cooler months, it can go dormant and may turn brown. If you prefer a green lawn year-round, overseeding with a cool-season grass, like ryegrass, can help maintain a green appearance throughout the winter months. If you choose to overseed, do it in the fall when the zoysia grass begins to go dormant and select a seed variety that complements zoysia grass for a seamless transition.
Dealing with Thatch: Zoysia grass is known for forming a thatch layer over time, which can reduce water and nutrient absorption. Light dethatching once a year or every couple of years is necessary to maintain a healthy lawn. Late spring to early summer is the best time to dethatch, when the grass is actively growing.
Follow the warm-season lawn care calendar for recommended timing of product applications.
Zoysia grass is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, durable, and beautiful lawn. While it’s a hardy grass, understanding the basics of watering, mowing, fertilizing, and pest management will help you maximize its potential. With the right care, your zoysia lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood, providing a lush, green oasis that thrives year after year.
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