Quick Answer: Zoysia grass may turn brown due to a variety of reasons, including lack of water, poor soil quality, disease or insect infestation, or excessive foot traffic.
Have you noticed your once lush and vibrant zoysia grass turning brown? It can be disheartening to see your carefully nurtured lawn lose its beauty. But fear not, we’re here to help you understand why this is happening and provide some simple solutions.
One common reason for zoysia grass turning brown is insufficient watering. Like all plants, zoysia grass needs water to thrive. If you haven’t been giving it enough water, or if your lawn’s irrigation system is faulty, the grass may suffer and turn brown. Conversely, overwatering can also result in brown patches and fungal diseases.
Another factor to consider is the quality of your soil. Zoysia grass prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil lacks nutrients or has a high clay content, it can inhibit the grass’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients, leading to browning.
Additionally, diseases and insect infestations can cause zoysia grass to turn brown. Common culprits include brown patch disease, zoysia patch disease, and pests like grubs or chinch bugs. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help mitigate these issues.
Lastly, excessive foot traffic can put stress on your zoysia grass, causing it to turn brown. Consider installing stepping stones or creating designated walkways to minimize damage.
In this blog article, we will delve deeper into each of these factors, providing practical tips and solutions to help you revive your once lush zoysia lawn. Let’s get started!
Why is Zoysia Grass Turning Brown?
Zoysia grass is a popular choice for lawns due to its resilience and ability to adapt to a variety of climates. However, there may be times when you notice your zoysia grass turning brown. This can be concerning, as a brown lawn is not only aesthetically unappealing but can also indicate underlying issues with the health of the grass. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why zoysia grass may turn brown and provide practical solutions to help you restore its vibrant green color.
Poor Watering Practices
One common reason for zoysia grass turning brown is improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can stress the grass and lead to discoloration. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to watering your zoysia grass:
- Frequency: Zoysia grass requires deep, infrequent watering. Watering deeply encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil and promotes a healthier, drought-resistant lawn. Water your zoysia grass once or twice a week, providing approximately an inch of water each time.
- Timing: Water your zoysia grass early in the morning, preferably between 4 am and 9 am. This allows the grass to dry out during the day and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
- Consistency: Be consistent with your watering schedule. Avoid watering too frequently or sporadically, as this can stress the grass and lead to browning.
- Weather conditions: Adjust your watering frequency based on weather conditions. During periods of rainfall, reduce or skip watering to prevent overhydration, while during dry spells, increase watering to keep the grass hydrated.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Zoysia grass requires a balanced supply of nutrients to maintain its vibrant green color. If your grass is lacking essential nutrients, it may turn brown. Common nutrient deficiencies that can affect zoysia grass include:
- Nitrogen deficiency: Nitrogen is crucial for promoting healthy growth and green color. If your soil lacks nitrogen, the grass may become pale and yellowish-brown. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer according to the recommended dosage to address this issue.
- Iron deficiency: Iron is necessary for chlorophyll production, which gives grass its green color. If your zoysia grass has yellowing patches, it could be a sign of iron deficiency. Applying an iron supplement or iron-rich fertilizer can help rectify this.
- Other micronutrient deficiencies: Zoysia grass may also suffer from deficiencies in micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Conduct a soil test to identify any deficiencies and apply a suitable fertilizer to restore nutrient balance.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases can wreak havoc on zoysia grass, causing patches of brown, dying turf. Common fungal diseases that affect zoysia grass include:
- Brown Patch: This fungus thrives in warm and humid conditions, causing circular brown patches with a “smoke ring” appearance. To prevent and treat brown patch, ensure proper soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides as recommended.
- Large Patch: Large patch fungus affects zoysia grass during cooler months, resulting in large brown patches that can spread rapidly. Improve soil drainage, reduce nitrogen levels, and apply fungicides labeled for large patch control to manage this disease.
- Dollar Spot: Dollar spot fungus forms small, silver dollar-sized patches of brown grass with tan or white lesions. Proper watering, mowing, and applying fungicides as needed can help prevent and control the spread of dollar spot.
Insect Infestations
Insect infestations can cause damage to zoysia grass, leading to browning and thinning of the turf. Here are a few common culprits:
- Grubs: These white, C-shaped larvae of beetles feed on the grassroots, causing severe damage. If you suspect a grub infestation, apply an appropriate insecticide during the grub’s active feeding period.
- Chinch Bugs: Chinch bugs inject toxic saliva into the grass and suck out the juices, resulting in yellowing and browning. Look for small, black-bodied insects with white wings and apply insecticides labeled for chinch bug control.
- Sod Webworms: These caterpillars eat the blades of grass, leading to brown patches and thinning. Apply insecticides labeled for sod webworm control to suppress their population.
Environmental Stressors
Zoysia grass can experience browning due to environmental stressors, such as extreme heat, cold, or drought. Factors that contribute to environmental stress include:
- Extreme temperatures: Zoysia grass is known for its tolerance to heat and cold, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can still cause browning. Provide shade or additional watering during heatwaves and protect the grass from frost during cold snaps.
- Drought: Zoysia grass can withstand drought conditions better than many other grass species. However, during extended periods of drought, the grass may turn brown as a survival mechanism. Water deeply and infrequently during dry spells to help your grass endure.
- Compacted soil: Soil compaction restricts root growth, making it harder for zoysia grass to access water and nutrients. Core aeration can alleviate soil compaction and improve the overall health of your lawn.
In conclusion, zoysia grass may turn brown due to various reasons, including poor watering practices, nutrient deficiencies, fungal diseases, insect infestations, and environmental stressors. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing the appropriate remedies, you can help your zoysia grass regain its lush green color. Remember to water your grass properly, provide adequate nutrients, address any fungal or insect issues promptly, and protect your lawn from extreme environmental conditions. With proper care and attention, your zoysia grass can thrive and become the envy of the neighborhood.
Why is my Zoysia lawn brown after the frost?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is zoysia grass turning brown?
There could be several reasons why zoysia grass is turning brown. Here are some possible causes:
Why is my zoysia grass brown even though I water it regularly?
Despite regular watering, zoysia grass may turn brown due to overwatering. Overly saturated soil can suffocate the roots and lead to browning. Ensure that the grass receives the right amount of water, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Why is my zoysia grass turning brown in patches?
Patchy browning in zoysia grass can indicate fungal diseases such as brown patch or large patch. These diseases thrive in warm and humid conditions and can cause discolored patches in the lawn. Applying fungicides according to the manufacturer’s instructions can help control the spread of these diseases.
Why is my zoysia grass turning brown during summer?
Zoysia grass naturally enters a period of dormancy during hot summer months. This dormancy is a survival mechanism to tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions. It is normal for zoysia grass to turn brown during this time but it should recover its green color once cooler temperatures and regular rainfall return.
Why is my zoysia grass turning brown after mowing?
Mowing zoysia grass too short can stress the plants and cause browning. It is important to maintain the recommended mowing height for zoysia grass, typically around 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Avoid scalping the grass by cutting it too low, as this can weaken the plants and lead to browning.
Why is my zoysia grass turning brown despite fertilizing it?
Browning of zoysia grass may occur if the fertilizer application is incorrect or excessive. Over-fertilizing can cause nutrient imbalances and burn the grass, resulting in browning. It is essential to follow proper fertilization guidelines and use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for zoysia grass.
Final Thoughts
Zoysia grass turning brown can be attributed to several factors. One common cause is inadequate irrigation, as Zoysia grass requires regular watering to stay lush and green. Another reason could be poor soil health, such as nutrient deficiencies or compacted soil, which hinder the grass’s growth. Additionally, pest infestations, diseases, or extreme weather conditions like drought or excessive heat can also contribute to the browning of Zoysia grass. In order to maintain its vibrant green color, it is crucial to address these issues promptly and implement appropriate watering, fertilization, and maintenance practices for Zoysia grass.