Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.)
Description:
- Appearance: Zoysiagrass forms a dense, fine-textured turf with a rich green color. It has a slow growth habit, spreading by both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes.
- Growth Habit: Zoysiagrass has a creeping growth habit, spreading slowly to form a thick, carpet-like lawn. It forms a tight mat that suppresses weed growth.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 inches when unmowed, but can be maintained shorter with regular mowing.
- Adaptability: Zoysiagrass is well-suited for warm climates and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and has good tolerance to foot traffic, making it suitable for lawns, parks, and golf courses.
Description:
- Appearance: Zoysiagrass forms a dense, fine-textured turf with a rich green color. It has a slow growth habit, spreading by both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes.
- Growth Habit: Zoysiagrass has a creeping growth habit, spreading slowly to form a thick, carpet-like lawn. It forms a tight mat that suppresses weed growth.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 inches when unmowed, but can be maintained shorter with regular mowing.
- Adaptability: Zoysiagrass is well-suited for warm climates and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and has good tolerance to foot traffic, making it suitable for lawns, parks, and golf courses.
Description
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) is a warm-season grass known for its dense, lush turf, tolerance to heat and drought, and low maintenance requirements once established.
Description:
- Appearance: Zoysiagrass forms a dense, fine-textured turf with a rich green color. It has a slow growth habit, spreading by both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes.
- Growth Habit: Zoysiagrass has a creeping growth habit, spreading slowly to form a thick, carpet-like lawn. It forms a tight mat that suppresses weed growth.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 inches when unmowed, but can be maintained shorter with regular mowing.
- Adaptability: Zoysiagrass is well-suited for warm climates and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and has good tolerance to foot traffic, making it suitable for lawns, parks, and golf courses.
Planting Instructions:
- Timing: Zoysiagrass is best planted in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70°F (21°C) and there is no danger of frost.
- Site Selection: Choose a planting site with full sun to partial shade exposure and well-drained soil. Zoysiagrass is not tolerant of heavy shade or waterlogged soil.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to promote good root growth.
- Soil pH: Zoysiagrass prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil as needed to achieve the optimal pH level.
- Seedbed Preparation: Rake the soil to create a smooth, level surface. Remove any large clumps or debris that may interfere with seed germination.
- Seeding Rate: Zoysiagrass is typically seeded at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for new lawns.
- Seed Distribution: Divide the seed into two equal portions and broadcast half of the seed in parallel rows in one direction. Then broadcast the remaining seed in rows perpendicular to the first.
- Covering the Seed: Lightly rake the soil to cover the seed to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Avoid burying the seed too deeply, as it may inhibit germination.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which typically takes 14 to 21 days.
- Establishment: Once the grass reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches, gradually reduce watering frequency to encourage deep root growth.
- Mowing: Begin mowing when the grass reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Set the mower to a height of 1 to 2 inches and mow regularly to maintain the desired height.
Maintenance:
- Fertilization: Zoysiagrass requires minimal fertilization compared to other grass species. Apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly, if needed, to avoid excessive growth.
- Watering: Once established, Zoysiagrass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal irrigation. Water deeply but infrequently during periods of prolonged drought.
- Weed Control: Zoysiagrass forms a dense turf that suppresses weed growth. Hand-pull or spot-treat any weeds that may emerge.
- Thatch Control: Zoysiagrass lawns may develop thatch buildup over time. Core aerating and dethatching can help improve soil aeration and water infiltration.
