When To Plant Zoysia Grass
Zoysiagrass Species
The three principal species of zoysiagrass used inside the United States are Japanese or Korean lawn grass (Zoysia japonica), Manilagrass (Zoysia matrella) and Korean velvet grass (Zoysia tenuifolia).Japanese lawn grass is coarse with hairy leaves. It grows faster than other varieties and it is far more cold tolerant. While some zoysia types are available as seed, people available as sod and plugs grow into higher-quality turf. 'BA-189,' El Toro' and 'Zenith' are amongst the many varieties available. 'Companion' and 'Zenith' may also be available as seed.
Manilagrass, introduced for the United States in 1911, grows in shade as well as complete sun. Manilagrass is grown as far north as Connecticut, however it turns brown after the primary challenging frost and doesn't turn green again till late spring. 'Diamond,' designed by Texas A&M University in 1996, tolerates salt and shade, but has low cold tolerance.
Korean velvet grass is often used as an ornamental ground cover instead of lawn grass. The grass grows in soft, tufted clumps with a mounded appearance. Even though it might be mowed, it really is generally left unmowed. The dark-green grass spreads very slowly and it is the least cold tolerant of the zoysia species. 'Emerald,' a hybrid of Korean velvet grass and Japanese lawn grass, combines the best qualities of the two species, with a fine texture, cold tolerance and more quickly growth.
Installation of Zoysia Grass
If desired, spray the area with glyphosate or another nonselective herbicide two weeks before removing all grass, weeds and other vegetation. Wear a dust mask, gloves, safety goggles, long pants, long sleeves, socks and closed-toe shoes when you use herbicides. These herbicides kill all plants; use caution near desired plants, shrubs and trees. Make sure read and follow all directions on the product label and keep out of reach of children and pets.Have the soil tested to determine what amendments may be necessary for the health of the lawn. Spread lime or sulfur and fertilizer according towards the soil test results; then apply 1 inch of compost over the soil. If you're not having the soil tested, add a 5-10-15 fertilizer according for the package directions. Till to a depth of six inches with a rototiller.
Rake the soil smooth and remove any sticks, roots, rocks and other debris. Roll a lawn roller over the soil. Fill any low spots with topsoil or compost and roll once more. Water the soil the night before you lay the sod, adding 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water towards the entire area; the soil must be moist once the sod is put in. Lay the sod in rows, butting the ends tightly together and staggering the seams when installing adjoining rows. Use a clean, sharp utility knife to cut the sod to fit around the edges of any hardscape. Once the sod is set up, roll it with the lawn roller to ensure solid contact between the moist soil and the sod's roots. Apply 1 inch of water for the new lawn.
Care and Maintaining Zoysia Grass
Continue to water the newly set up sod every morning to keep the top inch of soil moist. Right after the sod has rooted, between two and six weeks following installation, reduce water to 1/4 inch every three days for nine days, then 1/2 inch twice in 10 days, then 1 inch of water weekly. Adjust watering as needed to accommodate rainfall or watering restrictions.Begin mowing once the zoysiagrass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Remove approximately 1/3 of the grass at each mowing and leave the clippings on the grass. Maintain the zoysia grass between 1 and 2 inches tall. Korean velvet grass doesn't need mowing, but if an easy lawn is your objective, set the mower to at least 1/2 inch.
Fertilize in spring and fall with a 1-2-1 complete fertilizer that supplies 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. To enhance growth, additional fertilizer might be applied monthly during the growing season, as indicated by the soil test results. Always apply fertilizer to dry grass; then water thoroughly.
