Caring for zoysia grass is a great way to bring life to your outdoor space and the rewards are plentiful! Zoysia grass is often praised for its low maintenance needs and its ability to withstand harsh climates.
The lush, green grass can transform an outdoor space, creating a beautiful lawn that can be enjoyed all year round. And while zoysia grass is known as a low-maintenance option, there are still steps you must take to ensure it grows healthy and strong. Here’s how to care for your zoysia grass so you get the most out of your lawn.
The Benefits Of Growing Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its low maintenance and attractive appearance. It is a warm season grass, meaning it grows best when temperatures are above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zoysia grass stays green all year long and has an added benefit of being able to tolerate drought-like conditions better than other types of grasses. Zoysia is also more resistant to disease and pests than other types of grasses, making it an ideal choice for those looking to keep their lawn healthy and looking great all year round.
Properly Water Your Grass
Watering your zoysia grass is key to keeping it healthy and lush. It’s important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal issues. Aim to water your zoysia grass deeply but infrequently – once a week should be enough if there’s no drought. To test the moisture level in your soil, insert a finger into the top few inches of soil. If it feels dry, then it’s time to water. During extended periods of drought, you may need to increase watering frequency.
It’s best not to let your zoysia grass dry out too much between waterings; otherwise it can become stressed and more susceptible to pests and diseases. Water in the morning for best results; this gives the turf a chance to absorb the water before nighttime sets in.
Use a sprinkler or irrigation system if you have one available; this will ensure that every area of your lawn receives an even amount of water. Avoid watering late at night or during the hottest parts of the day, as these conditions can lead to evaporation before the grass can absorb the needed moisture.
Mow Your Grass To The Correct Height
Mowing your zoysia grass is an important part of caring for it and keeping it looking its best. It’s important to mow the grass to the correct height, as this will help maintain a healthy root system and keep weeds at bay.
When mowing zoysia grass, you should aim for a height of 1½ – 2 inches. Mowing the grass too short can damage the plant and can leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases. On the other hand, leaving the grass too long can cause scalping when mowing. This happens when the mower blade cuts off more than one-third of the leaf blade, leaving an uneven surface which can be damaging to both the health of your lawn and its appearance.
The frequency with which you need to mow your zoysia grass depends on a few factors; like how much sun and water it gets, how often it has been fertilized, etc. In general though, most types of zoysia should be mowed every 5-7 days during peak growing season (typically spring through summer). During winter months when growth slows down significantly, you may only need to mow once per month or so.
It’s important to use sharp blades when cutting zoysia grass because dull blades will tear rather than cut cleanly through the leaves which can leave brown patches in your lawn. You also want to make sure that you’re pushing/pulling your lawnmower at an even speed across your lawn in order to achieve an even cut every time.
Remove Weeds As Soon As They Appear
Weeds can be invasive, taking away valuable resources and water that should be going to your zoysia grass. As soon as you spot any weeds in your lawn, it’s important to remove them. The best way is to pull them out by hand, making sure to get the entire root system. Alternatively, you can use a weed killer or herbicide, but these come with their own set of risks.
It’s also important to remember that some weeds are resistant to certain herbicides, so always read the label carefully before applying it and follow the instructions. If you choose to pull the weeds out by hand, make sure you keep an eye on the area for any regrowth. With regular care and maintenance, you can keep your zoysia grass looking its best all year round!
Fertilize Twice A Year In Late Spring And Early Fall
Fertilizing your zoysia grass twice a year is essential to help maintain its lush, green color and strong root system. In late spring and early fall, apply a fertilizer that is specifically designed for zoysia grass. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging as different fertilizers may have different application rates.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that you are applying the fertilizer evenly throughout the lawn. If you notice any areas of the lawn darker in color than others after applying the fertilizer, adjust your application rate or use a spreader for more even coverage. Fertilizing your zoysia grass can help keep it healthy and looking great all season long!
Aerate Your Soil Every Two Or Three Years
Aerating your soil every two or three years is a great way to keep your zoysia grass healthy. Aeration helps promote healthy root growth and enables air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass more easily.
Soil aeration can be done through a variety of methods such as spiking, coring, and slicing the soil. Spiking involves pushing metal spikes into the ground to create small holes in the soil. Coring involves removing plugs of soil from the surface that are then replaced after aeration.
Slicing involves running a tiller over the area to slice through compacted layers of soil. All these methods help break up compacted soils so that air and water can penetrate better, allowing for healthier roots and denser turf growth.
Reseed Bare Areas In The Spring Or Fall
Reseeding bare areas in your lawn with Zoysia grass is a great way to maintain a lush and attractive lawn. Re-seeding helps strengthen the stand of existing grass by combating diseases, pests, and drought. The best time to reseed is during the spring or fall. The cooler temperatures and moist soil conditions are ideal for successful germination.
To begin, mow the existing grass as low as possible with a reel mower to help prepare the soil for seeding. If you have an area that is too large to hand-rake, use an aerator to remove small plugs of soil. This will also help increase water absorption and nutrient availability in the soil.
Next, spread a thin layer of starter fertilizer over the entire area at half of the recommended rate found on the package instructions. Rake lightly over the surface to loosen up any clumps or debris and provide a clean surface for seeding.
Now you are ready to spread Zoysia grass seed over your entire lawn using a broadcast spreader or manually by sprinkling it evenly across the area. After seeding, rake lightly again before covering with a light layer of mulch such as straw or hay if needed. Make sure all seed is covered but not too deep so it can receive adequate light for germination.
Once your seed has been covered, water thoroughly twice per day until new grass reaches about two inches tall then reduce watering frequency to once every other day until fully established (about 8-10 weeks). Finally, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once established following directions on product label for application rates.
Inspect For Signs Of Pests And Diseases Regularly
Inspecting for pests and diseases is an important part of properly caring for Zoysia grass. Regularly examine the blades of grass for any signs of distress such as discoloration, wilting, browning, or yellowing. These symptoms can indicate a problem with pests or diseases.
Check the soil around the grass for insects or other organisms that could be causing damage to the roots. Also look out for any fungal growth, like mushrooms, growing near the grass which can indicate root rot. Look along edges and in shady areas since these are more prone to pest infestations than open sunny areas.
If you find any signs of disease or pests, contact a professional lawn care service to get advice on how to treat it. Different diseases require different treatments and some may require special fungicides or pesticides that should be applied by a professional in order to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Finally, make sure to clean up fallen leaves and debris from your lawn regularly as well as mow your Zoysia grass at its recommended height in order to help prevent disease and pest infestations from occurring in the first place. Taking these preventative measures will ensure that your Zoysia grass stays healthy and vibrant throughout the year!
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your Zoysia grass is both simple and rewarding. With regular watering, mowing to the correct height, removing weeds as soon as they appear, fertilizing twice a year in late spring and early fall, aerating your soil every two or three years, reseeding bare areas in the spring or fall and inspecting for signs of pests and diseases regularly, you can ensure that your Zoysia grass remains healthy and vibrant. With these easy steps, Zoysia grass will be an attractive addition to any landscape.