Zoysia grass is a popular warm season lawn grass known for its ability to stand up to heat, drought, heavy foot traffic and a variety of other challenges. Often called the “miracle grass”, zoysia is one of the few lawn grasses that can be grown successfully from seed. With the right care and maintenance, a zoysia lawn will provide a lush, green carpet of grass throughout the hot summer months.
Choosing the Right Zoysia Grass Variety
There are several different varieties of zoysia grass to choose from, each with their own characteristics and ideal growing regions. The most common types include:
Empire Zoysia
- Fine-bladed with dark green color
- Tolerates shade, drought, salt and heavy foot traffic
- Suitable for southern lawns from Texas to the Carolinas
Meyer Zoysia
- Coarse-bladed with blue-green color
- Tolerates drought, salt and moderate foot traffic
- Recommended from the Carolinas to California
Zenith Zoysia
- Hybrid between Zoysia japonica and Zoysia tenuifolia
- Fine-bladed with emerald green color
- Excellent resistance to disease and insects
- Good cold tolerance for transition zone lawns
Emerald Zoysia
- Fine-bladed with dense growth habit
- Dark green in color
- Good shade and drought tolerance
- Suitable for southeastern lawns
When selecting a zoysia variety, consider your climate, amount of sunlight, soil type and foot traffic levels. A local garden center can provide advice on choosing the right cultivar for your specific needs.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Proper soil preparation is key to establishing a healthy zoysia lawn from seed, plugs or sod. Here are some tips:
- Test the soil – A soil test will determine pH and nutrient levels. Zoysia grows best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
- Improve drainage – Zoysia lawns require good drainage. If the soil is compacted, work in 2-4 inches of compost to improve water permeability.
- Remove debris – Eliminate any roots, stones, sticks and other debris that could impede growth.
- Level the surface – Fill in low spots and uneven areas to create a smooth surface for planting.
- Fertilize lightly – Apply a balanced starter fertilizer according to soil test results and product instructions.
Taking the time to prepare the soil will allow the zoysia grass to establish a healthy root system right from the start.
How to Plant Zoysia Grass Seed
Though zoysia is often propagated through plugs or sod, it can also be established from seed. Here is an overview of planting zoysia seed:
When to Plant
- Spring – In cooler climates, plant zoysia seed in spring after the last frost date. This gives it time to establish before summer heat.
- Summer – In warm climates, seed zoysia in early to mid summer for fall establishment.
Seed Application Rate
- The recommended seeding rate for zoysia is 1-2 lbs per 1000 sq ft.
- Use the higher rate if establishing on a slope for better coverage.
Planting Depth
- Sow zoysia grass seed at a depth of 1/8 – 1⁄4 inches. Zoysia needs light to germinate.
- One method is to apply half the seed, lightly rake into soil, then apply remaining seed.
Post-Planting Care
- Keep soil moist until germination, which takes 14-21 days. Mist seedbed lightly several times per day.
- Once established, water zoysia deeply and infrequently to promote deep roots.
- Mow once grass reaches 3-4 inches tall and maintain at 1-2 inch height.
With proper soil prep and attentive care during establishment, zoysia from seed can produce a beautiful dense lawn.
How to Lay Zoysia Sod
For those desiring an instant lawn, laying zoysia sod is a great option. Follow these tips for proper zoysia sod installation:
When to Lay Sod
- Spring – After the last frost when nighttime lows remain above 55°F
- Summer – Once consistent summer heat has set in
- Fall – At least 6 weeks before first frost for root establishment
Prepare the Soil
- Loosen the top 2 inches of soil and clear away debris that could hinder leveling.
- Water the soil deeply the day before laying sod so it’s slightly moist but firm.
Layout and Stagger
- Unroll or lay down the sod strips snugly with edges touching.
- Stagger the seams in a brick-like pattern to avoid straight lines.
Secure and Fill Gaps
- Use sod staples to secure any sections that are not flat.
- Work soil into the seams with a trowel or roller to close gaps.
Post-Installation Care
- Water daily for 2 weeks, applying 1-1.5 inches per week in multiple sessions.
- Avoid foot traffic for at least 2 weeks to allow roots to establish.
- Fertilize 4 weeks after installation and mow once sod is rooted.
Proper watering and protection while roots develop will ensure a lush, resilient zoysia sod lawn.
Caring for an Established Zoysia Lawn
Once zoysia grass is established, either from seed, plugs or sod, maintaining optimal growth conditions will keep it looking its best. Here are some tips:
Watering Tips
- Water early in the morning to avoid evaporation loss.
- Apply 1-1.5 inches per week in multiple sessions, avoiding runoff.
- Use a rain gauge or moisture meter to determine water needs.
- Let the soil partially dry between waterings to encourage deep roots.
Fertilization Guidelines
- Fertilize 3-4 times per year, starting in spring after grass greens up.
- Use a balanced fertilizer with macro and micronutrients specific to grass.
- Follow product instructions based on turf density and growth rate.
- Avoid over fertilization which leads to excessive growth and disease.
Mowing Best Practices
- Maintain a height between 1-2 inches, never cutting more than 1/3 of blade at once.
- Use sharp mower blades for a clean cut and to avoid tearing leaf blades.
- Mow frequently, removing no more than 1/3 of the total blade height.
- Leave grass clippings which decompose and recycle nutrients back into the lawn.
Proper mowing, watering and fertilizing practices will keep zoysia looking lush, green and healthy through the hottest summer weather.
Controlling Weeds in Zoysia Grass
The dense growth habit of zoysia grass helps prevent most weed invasions. However, some common grassy and broadleaf weeds can occasionally break through and require control measures:
Pre-emergent Herbicides
- Apply in early spring to prevent crabgrass, goosegrass and other annual grassy weeds.
- Dimension, Barricade and Balan are good pre-emergent options for zoysia.
Post-emergent Herbicides
- Spot treat visible weeds with selective post-emergent herbicides.
- Products containing quinclorac, sulfentrazone, 2,4-D and other active ingredients kill weeds without harming zoysia.
- Always follow product labels and application instructions.
Hand Pulling
- Manually remove small weed invasions by grasping at the base of the plant and pulling up.
- Use a pre-emergent herbicide on the exposed areas to prevent regrowth.
Catching weeds early is key before they have a chance to establish and spread. Following a proper fertilization, mowing and pre-emergent weed control program will help minimize weed problems in zoysia lawns.
How to Battle Zoysia Grass Diseases
Zoysia grass has good genetic disease resistance but can still occasionally encounter fungal or bacterial problems. Here is an overview of potential diseases and treatment options:
Large Patch
- Caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani
- Symptoms include circular dead patches up to several feet wide
- Improve drainage and fertilize in fall to prevent disease
- Azoxystrobin, myclobutanil, propiconazole fungicides provide control
Rust
- Caused by Puccinia and Uromyces fungus species
- Reddish-brown spores appear on leaf blades
- Apply preventative fungicides containing azoxystrobin, mancozeb or chlorothalonil
- Improve air circulation and fertilization
Dollar Spot
- Caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homeocarpa
- Small round beige patches form on grass leaves
- Use propiconazole, myclobutanil or chlorothalonil fungicides
- Correct low nitrogen levels and improve air circulation
- Leaf Spot and Melting Out
- Bipolaris, Curvularia and Bipolaris fungi
- Small spots and lesions spread across blades
- Apply propiconazole, thiophanate-methyl, mancozeb
- Don’t over-fertilize and improve drainage
Prompt identification and treatment of fungal diseases will help prevent major turf loss in zoysia lawns. Consulting a professional is recommended for severe infections.
How to Renovate and Overseed Zoysia Grass
Over time, zoysia grass may thin out and need reseeding or renovation. Here are tips for repairing zoysia lawn damage:
When to Overseed or Renovate
- Spring or early summer for warm season grasses like zoysia.
- Allow new seedlings 6-8 weeks to establish before frosts or extreme heat.
Mowing and Dethatching
- Mow lawn down to 1 inch and remove built up thatch layers before overseeding.
- Expose soil in damaged bare spots by raking vigorously before seeding.
Seed Application
- Apply zoysia seed at rate of 1 lb per 1000 sq ft in bare areas.
- Consider slit seeder machine for better seed-to-soil contact.
Post-Seeding Care
- Lightly water 2-3 times daily to keep seedbed moist for 2 weeks.
- Reduce watering frequency as grass matures.
- Fertilize 4-6 weeks after emergence when grass reaches 2-3 inches tall.
For severely damaged lawns, complete lawn renovation may be required. This includes killing off remaining grass before re-establishment.
Winterizing and Spring Zoysia Lawn Care
Zoysia grass will turn tan and go dormant after first fall frosts. Here are some winterizing tips to prepare it for spring:
Fall Preparation
- Stop mowing once grass slows growth and turns brown after frosts.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide in fall to prevent winter weeds.
- Fertilize in early fall with balanced fertilizer to strengthen roots.
Winter Care Practices
- Leave dormant zoysia unmowed but remove any fallen leaves or debris.
- Avoid heavy traffic in frozen conditions that could damage crowns.
- Delay spring cleanup until grass resumes growth to avoid removing healthy tissue.
Spring Transition
- Lightly rake dead material from zoysia once green-up begins.
- Gradually reduce watering frequency as grass comes out of dormancy.
- Fertilize in late spring once grass is actively growing and has been mowed 2-3 times.
Proper fall preparation and attentive spring care will ensure your zoysia lawn returns healthy and green after winter dormancy.
Troubleshooting Common Zoysia Lawn Problems
If your zoysia lawn underperforms or looks unhealthy, here are some common issues and remedies:
Problem: Patchy Areas or Thin Turf
- Solutions: Overseed bare spots, improve drainage, fertilize
Problem: Weed Infestations
- Solutions: Apply pre and post-emergent herbicides, hand pull weeds
Problem: Excess Thatch Buildup
- Solutions: Dethatch and aerate lawn, adjust mowing height
Problem: Fungal Disease Damage
- Solutions: Identify disease, treat with fungicide, improve air flow
Problem: Poor Drought Tolerance
- Solutions: Water deeply and less frequently, raise mowing height
Problem: Compacted Soil
- Solutions: Aerate lawn, top dress with compost, improve drainage
Consult a turfgrass specialist for zoysia lawn issues that do not respond to basic care and maintenance practices. Catching and correcting problems early is key to reviving the health and vigor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoysia Grass
What type of grass is zoysia?
Zoysia is a warm season grass that spreads through rhizomes and stolons to form a lush, dense turf. There are several different zoysia species and cultivars used for lawns.
How do you plant zoysia grass?
Zoysia can be established from seeds, plugs, sod or sprigs. Seeds must stay consistently moist to germinate. Plugs, sod and sprigs can provide instant turf coverage but require careful watering while roots establish.
When should you plant zoysia grass?
In northern climates, zoysia is planted in late spring after frosts have passed. In southern lawns, early summer planting allows zoysia to mature before hot midsummer temperatures arrive.
Does zoysia grass spread?
Yes, one of the traits that makes zoysia popular is its aggressive spreading nature to form a thick carpet of turf. Proper mowing, fertilizing and watering encourages zoysia’s natural growth habit.
Is zoysia grass good in shade?
Most zoysia varieties tolerate partial shade, getting 4-6 hours of sun per day. Empire zoysia is one of the most shade tolerant cultivars. Too much shade will result in thinning and decreased vigor.
How do you fertilize zoysia grass?
Apply a balanced fertilizer made specifically for zoysia and warm season grasses in the spring, early summer and fall. Slow release nitrogen sources are preferable to prevent rapid growth. Always follow product labels.
When should you aerate zoysia grass?
The best times to aerate zoysia are early summer and/or early fall when grass is actively growing. Core aeration relieves soil compaction and allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate roots.
How do you winterize a zoysia lawn?
Discontinue mowing once zoysia turns brown and apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent winter weeds. Fertilize in early fall to strengthen roots before dormancy. Avoid foot traffic on frozen zoysia to prevent damage.
When does zoysia grass turn green in spring?
Zoysia breaks dormancy and resumes growth once soil temperatures reach 55-60°F, usually a few weeks after the last expected frost. Healthy zoysia should show consistent green-up 4-6 weeks after spring green up begins.
Conclusion
From proper variety selection to year-round care and troubleshooting advice, this guide covers everything you need to know to grow and maintain a lush, green zoysia lawn. Zoysia’s fine texture, resilience and spreading growth habit make it a prized warm season turfgrass. With a little attentive care, your zoysia grass will thrive despite heat, drought and heavy use to provide a beautiful carpet of turf.
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Grow a stunning zoysia lawn with this comprehensive guide covering soil prep, planting, care, maintenance and troubleshooting for zoysia grass success.