Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass forms a uniform, dense, low growing, high quality turf that has a slow rate of growth. Zoysiagrass spreads by thick stolons and rhizomes that form a very tight, vigorous, tough, prostrate growing turf.

Adaptation

Zoysiagrass is a perennial, sod forming species that is widely adapted across the warm season growing area of the US. Most Zoysiagrass lawns discolor with the advent of 50 to 55 degree temperatures and remain dormant throughout the winter and early spring. Although zoysiagrass is often advertised for sale nationally, it is not adapted to northern cool season growing conditions.

Although Zoysiagrass does best in full sun, its primary advantage is warm season shade tolerance. With heat tolerance equal to bermudagrass and superior shade tolerance, it is the one of the best choices for southern shade lawns.

New varieties of seeded Zoysiagrass such as Zenith have changed thinking about establishment. Traditionally, Zoysia has been planted vegetatively by sprigs, plugs, or sod. Although cover can now be achieved in 12 to 14 weeks with seed, homeowners should be aware that a Zoysiagrass lawn requires up to 18 months for full establishment.

Culture

Thatch management is vital for a zoysia lawn, as it is more thatch-prone than other lawn grasses. Core aerating machines can be used to remove a plug of thatch and soil and leave it on the surface. The small holes they leave aid in root, water, and air penetration in the thatch layer and contribute to thatch decomposition.

Cool season weeds can also be a problem in early spring and late fall when the grass is dormant. Broadleaf weeds should be controlled in the fall. Grassy weeds can generally be controlled in spring with crabgrass preventer.

Grubs, bill bugs and chinch bugs can devastate zoysia if they are not controlled. Early detection and prevention are essential to avoiding serious damage.