Despite the fact that fairly cost-free from most pests and diseases,
zoysia grass is not with no faults. One of several most typical
zoysia grass problems would be the buildup of thatch layer, which can be brought on from the undecomposed organic matter. This buildup types just above the soil line. Even though raking can often alleviate the issue, normal mowing helps to stop thatch from accumulating all through the lawn. Additionally, it helps to limit the quantity of fertilizer utilized on zoysia grass.
Commons Zoysia Grass Problems
Brown Patch
Also named "large patch," brown patch is the most typical zoysia grass problems. Caused by the
fungus Rhizoctonia solani, a brown patch shows up mostly inside the spring as discolored areas ranging from six inches to a number of feet in diameter. Grass blades on the edges of impacted patches also can turn a brilliant orange color. The zoysia grass disease is hard to control after it requires hold, although using a fungicide on healthy grass can keep patches from spreading. To help prevent outbreaks, steer clear of making use of nitrogen fertilizers inside the fall or spring and give sufficient lawn drainage.
Dollar Spot
Dollar spot, also known as fairy ring, is one of the common zoysia grass problems. This spot is caused by the fungal species Lanzia and Moellerodiscus. It got its name because of the symptomatic bleached silver dollar-shaped rings, though irregular spots and bigger areas also take place. Prevention includes maintaining mowers, sprinklers, and other yard equipment clean and avoiding nitrogen soil depletion and overwatering. To treat outbreaks, use a core-type aerator to enable water, air and nutrients to penetrate the soil. However, fungicides are not usually effective and need to be a last resort.
Leaf Spot and Crown Rot
Leaf spot and crown rot are caused by many different fungi, with symptoms like a gradual thinning from the turf canopy, small brown spots on grass stems, dark dry rotted roots, and yellowed leaves. Causes of this zoysia grass problems include low potassium or excess nitrogen in the soil or using phenoxy herbicides. Steer clear of over-mowing and raise cutting heights during hot, dry weather, and use a soil test kit to keep soil nutrients in balance. In extreme outbreaks, a fungicide could be needed. Check along with your neighborhood extension service or nursery about optimum soil conditions and suggested fungicide products.
Rust
Zoysia grass is the only warm-season turfgrass consistently broken by rust. Rusts are caused by fungi inside the genus Puccinia and peak on zoysia grass in Might and once again in July. The tell-tale symptoms are small yellow flecks on the leaves that rapidly turn into yellowish-orange raised pustules. Impacted leaves ultimately wither and die. Control outbreaks with frequent mowing until symptoms disappear, and discard or compost diseased clippings.
Insects
White grubs, chinch bugs and
billbugs are the most common zoysia grass problems and damaging insect pests in zoysia grass. Soil-borne microscopic worms named
nematodes could also influence zoysia lawns. The primary symptom of infestations usually appears like drought damage, with yellow areas that turn brown and die out. Examine the soil underneath the turf in late summer and early fall to catch outbreaks early, and use a advised insecticide as required. A dense, healthy turf with suitable fertilization, mowing, and watering is the best defense against insect grass problems.
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