How To Grow Zoysia Grass

Are you thinking about how to grow zoysia grass? We will answer this, but let’s first learn what it is. Zoysiagrass is a cold-tolerant, warm-season grass that is an excellent choice for areas with hot summers and cold winters. It is green during the summer but turns straw-like brown after the first frosts of autumn. It remains brown until the temperatures warm up in spring. Zoysiagrass has a slightly coarse texture and strong stems. 

Its robust leaves and shoots make it well-suited to withstand pedestrian traffic. It is an ideal surface for sports fields and paths. When properly maintained, zoysiagrass can create the perfect lawn.

Zoysiagrass grows slowly, unlike other warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass or St. Augustinegrass. Although it requires regular mowing during the hottest seasons of growth, it does not need maintenance every five or six days, unlike other grasses that are more vigorous in warm weather.

What Is Zoysia Grass?

Zoysiagrass is a warm-season turfgrass with a light green appearance, popular for both residential and commercial lawns. While it thrives in temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees 

Fahrenheit it can go dormant if temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for regions with long, warm seasons and shorter, mild winters.

Unlike other warm-season grasses, zoysiagrass can endure cold winter temperatures and emerge from dormancy to continue growing in the spring. Zoysiagrass is also robust; it can withstand heavy foot traffic, is drought-tolerant, and can grow in shaded areas. Its thick growth is supported by a stolon-based root system, which is superior to most weed species.

3 Types of Zoysia Grass

There are three kinds of zoysia grass:

1. Zoysia japonica: The most widely available variety of zoysia grass, Zoysia japonica (also known as Japanese lawn grass or Korean lawngrass), is the most tolerant. It has the best drought and cold tolerance and is also the fastest-growing. Varieties include El Toro, Meyer, and Zenith Zoysia. It is also the only cultivar available as zoysia grass seeds, rather than plugs or sod.
2. Zoysia matrella: Also known as Manila grass, Zoysia matrella has finer leaves and a denser appearance than Zoysia japonica and Zoysia tenuifolia. It requires more maintenance than Zoysia japonica, is less cold-tolerant, and grows more slowly. Varieties include Diamond and Zeon.
3. Zoysia tenuifolia: Also known as Korean velvet grass, Zoysia tenuifolia is characterized by its delicate, fine texture. It tends to form mounds or clumps rather than a smooth lawn, which reduces its popularity as a lawn grass but makes it suitable as an ornamental plant due to its smaller size. The most commonly used cultivar is Emerald Zoysia.

How and When to Plant Zoysiagrass

Grow zoysiagrass in sod or plugs in spring or summer. A few varieties are available to start with seeds. However, seeds tend to have a rough or coarse texture and are generally unsuitable for lawn use. 

Before laying sod or planting plugs, make sure the soil is prepared. Start by testing the soil and following recommendations for adding amendments. If necessary, amend the soil to a depth of six inches.

Sod planting is the most costly method for establishing zoysiagrass but provides a fully functional lawn with complete coverage in a short time. It is recommended to water the lawn frequently throughout the day until the sod has rooted into the soil, usually within two weeks. After the roots have been established, reduce watering to a few times per week.

Plugging is another common method for starting a new zoysiagrass lawn. Small clumps, called plugs, are planted six inches apart across the lawn. The plugs are irrigated and fertilized like an established lawn to encourage them to spread and cover the exposed soil. 

Zoysia grass grows slowly, so the plugs take about two seasons to cover the entire area. During the initial two growing seasons, weeds may establish themselves between the plugs.

Zoysiagrass Care Tips

• Light

Zoysiagrass thrives in full sun and can tolerate some shade. It needs at least eight hours of sunlight per day to form a thick lawn for optimal growth. While it can still grow in areas with slightly less than 8 hours of direct light, the coverage will not be as thick as in fully sunny areas.

• Soil and Water

Zoysiagrass requires well-drained soil and about 1 inch of rainfall per week for healthy growth. It thrives in sandy and loamy soils and is tolerant of salt spray and saline soils. Avoid planting zoysiagrass in clay or poorly drained soil, as it can struggle in these conditions. If your soil is clay-based, consider using alternative grasses like Bermudagrass.

Although zoysiagrass is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering to stay green during dry periods. Water the grass thoroughly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, and irrigate as needed during drought conditions. If using irrigation, apply 1/2 inch of water each time you water. Once the roots are well-established, the lawn can withstand dry spells.

• Temperature and Humidity

Zoysiagrass grows best in hot and humid conditions. It thrives when temperatures consistently exceed 80 degrees, encouraging healthy leaf and root growth. In the fall, zoysiagrass transitions quickly from green to straw-brown with the first frost. 

This dormancy period can be quite abrupt, especially in regions with long, cold winters. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass may be more suitable in these areas, as they retain their green color during cooler temperatures. Zoysiagrass is not affected by humidity and tolerates moist environments, provided the soil is well-drained.

• Fertilizer

Zoysiagrass grows slowly and requires less fertilizer than most warm-season grasses to maintain an attractive appearance. Conduct a soil test before applying fertilizer to ensure you’re using the correct amount and avoid over-fertilizing. Excessive fertilizer can harm both the grass and the environment.

Be patient when applying fertilizer, as it should only be done once the grass is fully green and actively growing in the spring. 

Stop fertilizing by August to allow the grass to enter dormancy for the winter. Grass clippings are a natural source of nutrition—spread them on the lawn after mowing to decompose and release nitrogen into the soil.

• Mowing

Mow zoysiagrass regularly to maintain a lawn height of around 2 inches. Use the one-third rule to determine when to mow and never cut more than one-third of the blade’s length at a time. When the mower deck is set to 2 inches, mow when the grass reaches about 3 inches. 

Zoysiagrass grows slowly compared to other warm-season grasses, so it may require weekly mowing during the peak growing season and every 10 days in the fall and spring.

The large stems and coarse leaves of zoysiagrass can make it difficult to mow. To ensure a clean cut, regularly sharpen your mower blades. Alternatively, a reel-type mower can be a great option for cutting zoysiagrass.

How to Grow Zoysia From Seed

While zoysia lawns are often established through cutting strips, sodding, or plugs, you can also sow zoysia seeds. The best time to do this is in the spring, which is the opposite of planting cool-weather grass. Newly seeded zoysia lawns may require up to two seasons to develop a thick turf.

Prepare the Soil

Rake the soil lightly to prepare it for growth.

Spread the Seed

Use a spreader to evenly distribute the seeds, following the directions on the seed packet.

Aerate Established Lawns

For existing lawns, aerate and cut vertically to expose the soil’s surface, then spread the seeds.

Watering

Water several times a day for at least a month, as the seedbed needs to remain consistently moist for proper germination.

Overseeding a Thin Lawn

Overseeding is an excellent maintenance procedure that you can perform up to two times a year. It improves your lawn’s density, helps eliminate weeds, and creates an attractive lawn that withstands the elements and foot traffic. There are several methods to oversee, so you can choose the one that suits your needs, time, and budget.

• Timing

For the best results, overseed in late spring or early fall when temperatures are ideal for germination. If you are overseeding in the fall, ensure it’s done at least 60 days before the first frost.

• Mow Low

Cut your grass to about 1 inch to ensure the seeds reach the soil. Although mulching grass clippings is generally recommended for this task, it’s best to collect them in a bag to avoid covering the soil.

• Dethatch or Aerate

Dethatching and aerating are great regular maintenance steps that help maintain a healthy lawn. Aerating involves drilling holes in your lawn to loosen the soil, allowing water and air to reach the roots. 

Dethatching removes accumulated grass stems, shoots, and roots that can block air and water from reaching the soil, preventing lawn thinning. Dethatching before overseeding ensures the seeds reach the soil.

Depending on the size of your lawn, you can aerate manually or use a powered aerator, which can be rented from a local store. Start aerating and dethatching just before overseeding for the best results.

• Spread the Seeds

Once your lawn is ready, use a spreader to distribute the seeds evenly. If you don’t have a spreader or are unsure which one to use, refer to the seed packet for the correct spreader setting.

Common Pests & Diseases

Zoysia grass is rarely affected by diseases or pests. Grubs from lawns, which originate from Japanese beetles and June beetles, may feed on the roots of zoysia during the summer months, especially early in the season. The presence of a few grubs isn’t likely to cause much harm, but when dealing with a large number of them, treatments can be applied before they mature into adulthood.

A fungal infection called a large patch can affect warm-season grasses, including zoysia. It is caused by excessive nitrogen, thatch buildup, poor drainage, or overwatering.

5 Tips for Maintaining a Zoysia Lawn

Zoysia lawns tend to be low maintenance compared to other types of lawns and typically require minimal care:

Water Regularly

Zoysia grass is drought-resistant, but it may turn yellow if not properly hydrated. Generally, 1 inch of water per week is sufficient to keep the grass green and healthy. If the grass starts to turn yellow, simply water it as usual, and it should return to a healthy green.

Mow Once a Week

Zoysia grass thrives when cut to a height of about two inches. This usually means mowing once a week during the growing season. Grass clippings after mowing need not be removed, as they decompose quickly and don’t form thick layers of thatch.

Fertilize Regularly

Like all turfgrasses, zoysia grass benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced 1-1 fertilizer (the ratio refers to the mixture of nutrients) throughout the growing season. 

For best results, follow a fertilization schedule with 3 to 5 applications during the growing period, starting in late spring and ending in late summer. Be cautious not to fertilize in early spring when the grass is just emerging from dormancy, as this could encourage premature greening.

Dethatch Annually

Grass accumulates organic matter near the soil surface, forming a layer called “thatch.” A small layer of thatch (about half an inch thick) can benefit the lawn by insulating the soil and helping conserve water. However, if the thatch exceeds an inch, it may block water and prevent new growth from reaching the soil, potentially damaging the lawn. 

To maintain a healthy lawn, use a dethatching rake or vertical mower to dethatch zoysia grass once a year or twice in the spring.

Watch for Pests or Diseases

Zoysia grass lawns are generally resistant to pests but can sometimes be targeted by chinch bugs or billbugs. You may need to apply an organic insecticide if the grass breaks off at the rhizome or shows irregular bite marks. 

The most common disease affecting zoysia grass is a large patch (also known as a large brown patch), which creates large, discolored areas. To prevent the spread of this fungal infection, avoid watering at night and keep the thatch layer no thicker than half an inch.

Patching Bare Spots

Various factors, such as spilled fertilizer, dog urine, heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, or insects like grubs, can cause bare spots. Regardless of the cause, these spots will not regenerate on their own and create prime spaces for weeds to take over. Here’s how to fix them:

To successfully repair bare spots, start by removing any debris. Using a rake or blower, clear away sticks, leaves, stones, and thatch from the area you’re repairing. This ensures good seed-to-soil contact.

In some areas, the soil may be exposed, while in others, you may need to remove dead grass. This allows you to start with a fresh seedbed. If the soil is exposed, you can use a shovel to level the area and create an even surface for new grass to grow. This step is especially useful if the area is oddly shaped or has sparse grass coverage.

Before applying seeds, loosen the top 1 to 2 inches of soil with a rake or hand tool to give your seeds the best chance of growing. If you remove dead grass and roots, fill the hole with nutrient-rich topsoil to make the surface level with the rest of your lawn.

The area isn’t large enough for most patch repairs, so a spreader is needed. When applying seed, ensure it’s spread evenly and not too heavily. Overapplying seeds can cause overcrowding, which lowers the germination rate.

Monitor the patch daily and ensure it stays moist but not too wet. Consistent moisture is crucial for successful germination. Under ideal conditions, you should see growth within 14 to 21 days.

It may look odd to have a patch of longer grass for a couple of weeks, but for best results, let the grass grow to about 2.5 inches before mowing.

FAQ

When is the ideal time to plant Zoysia grass?

The best time to seed zoysia grass is in mid-to-late spring (after the last frost) or early summer. It can also be planted in autumn, as long as there are at least 60 days before the first predicted frost.

Where can zoysia grass be grown most effectively?

Zoysia grass prefers full sun but can tolerate moderate shade. It is ideal for transitional and southern regions. It can withstand drought and heat, and its maintenance requirements are low.

What is the best fertilizer for zoysia grass?

The best fertilizer for zoysia grass has a balanced nutrient ratio suitable for its needs, such as 16-4-8 or 10-10-10. It’s also beneficial to choose one with essential micronutrients.

Which grass is better: zoysia or Bermuda?

Zoysia grass is ideal for areas with hot, dry summers and for those seeking an easy-care lawn. Bermuda grass is better suited for high-traffic areas as it grows quickly and is more durable.