Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) in Grass New Mexico

Description

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) is a warm-season grass species known for its dense, lush turf, excellent heat and drought tolerance, and low maintenance requirements. It’s commonly used in lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and landscaping projects in regions with hot summers and mild winters.

Description:

• Species: Zoysiagrass encompasses several species, including Zoysia japonica, Zoysia matrella, and Zoysia tenuifolia, each with different characteristics and growth habits.
• Foliage: Zoysiagrass has fine-textured, dense foliage that forms a thick, carpet-like turf. The leaves are typically dark green in color and have a wiry texture.
• Growth Habit: Zoysiagrass spreads through both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes, allowing it to form a dense, low-growing turf that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Heat and Drought Tolerance It is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and salt, making it well-suited for use in hot, sunny climates and coastal areas.
• Winter Dormancy: Zoysiagrass goes dormant and turns brown in the winter months in cooler regions but greens up again in the spring once temperatures warm up.

Planting Instructions:

Timing:

• Plant Zoysiagrass in the late spring or early summer, once soil temperatures have warmed to around 70°F (21°C) or higher for optimal germination and establishment.
• Planting during the warmer months allows the grass to establish roots and develop before the onset of winter dormancy.

2. Site Selection:

• Choose a planting site with full sun exposure for optimal growth and performance. Zoysiagrass can tolerate partial shade but prefers at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Ensure the soil is well-drained, as Zoysiagrass does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.

3. Soil Preparation:

• Prepare the soil by removing debris, weeds, and rocks from the planting area.
• Loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller to improve soil aeration and root penetration.
• Incorporate organic matter such as compost into the soil to enhance fertility and soil structure, especially in sandy or clay soils.

4. Seeding or Sodding:

• Zoysiagrass can be established from seed, sod, or plugs, depending on the desired timeline and budget.
• If seeding, sow the seeds at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for new lawns or overseeding existing turf.
• For sodding, lay the sod in a staggered pattern, ensuring tight seams between pieces to prevent drying out and promote rooting.
• If using plugs, space them approximately 6 to 12 inches apart in a grid pattern across the planting area, pressing them firmly into the soil.

5. Watering and Maintenance:

• Keep the newly planted Zoysiagrass area consistently moist during the establishment period, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
• Once established, Zoysiagrass requires infrequent watering, as it is highly drought-tolerant. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Mow Zoysiagrass at a height of 1 to 2 inches for optimal appearance and health. Avoid scalping the lawn, as this can weaken the grass and promote weed growth.
• Fertilize Zoysiagrass sparingly, following soil test recommendations to avoid excessive nitrogen applications.