Please Take a look at this useful calendar for zoysia grass maintenance from NC State
University. The article # is
AG-432: Zoysiagrass Lawn Maintenance and here is the link:
Calendar Guide ---
Please adjust your
maintenance schedule to reflect the seasonal
difference in timing between your location
and the North Carolina (location in Calendar
Guide) recommendations.We have also
provided instructions on maintaining
new Zoysia plantings.
How to "KILL" Zoysia
Grass Or Remove It From Your Yard
Zoysia is a very invasive grass once it is established and is in fact as hard
to eliminate as bermuda grass. For those who wish to
remove it the above link offers some advice. Below is a link
to an extension web site on how to kill Bermuda grass.
Similar advice and techniques apply to killing Zoysia.
http://ag.arizona.edu/turf/tips797.html
FALL - OVER SEEDING OF ZOYSIA GRASS
Many are satisfied to park the mower in
the fall and watch Zeniths golden brown winter color. But for those who wish to see
a green lawn
all year you may wish to over seed with
ryegrass or
tall fescue.
The reseeding directions
are to cut the grass one-half inch closer than normal in
mid-September, catching all the clippings or sweep well to
remove them, apply Ryegrass seed using a heavier than usual rate to get
the seed into the dense turf and water frequently to establish
-- You must work to transition the grass back to dominance in
the spring by proper mowing to reduce the cool season grass as
temps warm. Most experts recommend against over seeding
Zoysia, but often the desire for a green color wins out
against this advice.
HAVE LAWN QUESTIONS YOU NEED
ANSWERED?
VISIT GARDENWEB.COM's -
LAWN FORUM
New Lawn Care:
-
Water your new lawn to keep it moist for a period of 2 weeks or until
sod is rooted. (Do not waste water by over watering!)
-
Mow as soon as your new lawn is rooted - at the recommended height (see table
below) - Or mow in 3-5 weeks when height is 2-3 inches (weeds and/or grass).
-
Fertilize your lawn once rooted.
*For More Information on the immediate needs of a new zoysia lawn visit this
page
Care Of Established Zoysia Grass Lawns
Diseases In Zoysia Varieties
Some Zoysia varieties are subject
to dollar spot, leaf spot, brown patch and rust. Consult your garden center or
county agent for the correct diagnosis and control treatments that are available. All
living matter is subject to insects and/or disease problems. The most serious disease
likely to damage Zenith is Brown Patch (rhizotonia fungus). Leaf rust is a lesser problem.
Common Pests Of Zoysia Grass
Nematodes, mole and crickets are most problematic in
the south along with grubs and billbugs in the rest of the growing areas.
Pre-fumigating soils known to contain nematodes is the best option for controlling
this pest with the addition of organic matter because nematodes grow best in sandier drier
soils. Grubs and billbugs (moles and crickets in the lower South) are soil borne insects
with can cause serious damage. Consult your extension agent for control recommendations.
Early spring treatment for billbugs should be done when the first adults are seen.
Contact garden centers with trained staff or county agents for insect diagnosis and
control recommendations suggested. Be sure and read the label
of any product you use.
Mowing Zoysia Grasses
Zoysia grasses are best cut at the height of one to
two inches. Zoysia has a high silica content in which the blade becomes
tougher the longer the leaf is allowed to grow. Zoysia has a stiffer blade
texture than most lawn grasses requiring the blade to be sharpened more often to
obtain the maximum clipping action. Zoysia can be mown 1 to 2 times a week if
watered and fertilized more or every 7-14 days on a low fertilization and
watering schedule. Trial tests have documented that Zoysia can be mown up to 10
times less (per season) than Bermuda grasses. This can be a considerable savings
in maintenance expense and a great plus for the environment.
Begin mowing when weeds and/or Zoysia
seedlings are 2˝ to 3 inches high and mow as frequently as necessary for good appearance.
The best cut-height is 1." – 2" and in full sun 2" 2.5" in
shadier areas. Sharp reel mowers produce the most professional looking turf
and are required for lower mowing heights. Zoysia can be mown
down to heights as short as 1/2 inch with professional mowers.
Maintain a sharp blade and proper cut height to reduce scalping.
MOWING HEIGHTS
| Mow when grass is this tall |
2" |
5 cm |
| Set cutting height of mower to |
1 1/2" |
3.7 cm |
|
Watering Your Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is more drought resistant in the cooler regions and
when fully established has a deep root system and should only be watered when showing
signs of needing it. Normal rates of water for good growth are 1
inch per week. Indication of water stress is when the blades start to curl
inward. Any grass grown in southern regions of less than average rainfall will need
watering more often due to heat and sun evaporation. Water in
early afternoon on new plantings or early morning on establish turf
grasses for the best results. (Early morning lets the grass
dry off and helps to reduce diseases.
Fertilization And pH Requirements Of Zoysia Grasses
Requirements are generally lower for Zoysia than many other
lawn grasses. Applications of 2 - 4 lb. per 1000 sq. ft. annually when
watering is sufficient. When watering for a higher growth rate more fertilizer will
be needed to maximize growth potential. Fertilization levels are also determined by
the fertility of the soil Zoysia is grown on. The ideal pH is 6.0-6.5 and lime
may needed periodically.
Follow these simple suggestions to enjoy
your new lawn.
|
| |
| Season |
Fertilizer
(lbs/3000 SF)*
|
Weed Control** |
| Early Spring |
Weed and Feed |
Pre-Emerge |
| Late Spring |
20 lbs 16-4-8 + Iron |
As Needed |
| Early Summer |
20 lbs 16-4-8 + Iron |
As Needed |
| Late Summer |
20 lbs 16-4-8 + Iron |
As Needed |
| Fall |
30 lbs 5-10-15 + Iron
|
Pre-Emerge |
| ** Apply Weed and Feed combinations
that are specifically labeled for
Zoysiagrass in the spring and fall - follow label
instructions! |
|
NEVER use any type of weed control that is not
recommended for Zoysia.
Thatch Removal
Periodically (every other year) it may be necessary to remove accumulated
thatch and debris. This is best accomplished in the late winter - just before
turf turns green. Scalp or de-thatch with a commercial machine and remove
debris.
|
Zoysias.com
Growing
a beautiful tomorrow!® |
