Growing Zoysia Grass - Maintenance Care Fertilizer and More

Zoysia grass has been in the United States for decades. Many people now have zoysia lawns or the start of one and many more are seriously thinking of using this “different” type lawn grass. There are, however, a few things which must be known about this grass before you can honestly say that it is the one for you. Only when you know all the answers to your questions can you be in a position to get the full benefit from a zoysia lawn.

Zoysia is not a native grass; it was introduced to the United States from Korea early in the 1900’s. There are several species grown, the most hardy of which is Zoysia japonica. A research and experimental program was started on this particular species by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Golf Association Green Section. After some years of testing and crossbreeding, one strain was finally approved and selected for release to the public.

In honor of Dr. Frank N. Meyer, who actually discovered the grass in Korea, the name “Meyer” was added. Consequently, the official name of the approved grass is “Meyer Z-52″ zoysia. The Z-52 was the ID used during testing. Commercial growers have shortened the name somewhat to “Meyer” zoysia or “Z-52″ - they are talking about the same thing. Another zoysia called “Emerald” was developed along with a popular variety today called “Empire”.

Although zoysia is extremely winter hardy surviving as far north as Maine - like all zoysias, it is a warm-season grass. By warm-season is meant that it grows best when the weather is hot. This is in contrast to our traditional lawn grasses which are cool-season, growing best when temperatures range from 40° to 70°. Since zoysia is a warm-season grass it can successfully compete with crabgrass for control of the lawn area. Crabgrass, too, is a warm-season grass but is an annual which means it dies off completely in the fall and is started again from seed the following summer.

The warm-season aspect of zoysia also creates the one major disadvantage in the eyes of many people. It is green throughout the summer months but goes dormant in the winter. This dormancy, however, shouldn’t be confused with the complete death of the tops as in the case of crabgrass. Zoysia does not die in the winter, neither does it lose its leaves. The foliage remains intact, but changes to a straw-brown color.

Zoysia Goes Dormant

The length of time Meyer zoysia remains in this dormant state depends on the length of the winter season. Zoysia does not turn brown immediately after the first killing frost in the fall. It usually takes two or more heavy frosts to trip the plant into the dormant state. On the average, this is about ten days to two weeks before the date when there is a fifty-fifty chance that the day temperature will be below freezing and remain that cold for the balance of the winter season.

In the spring Zoysia will green up about ten days or two weeks after the date when the temperature is apt to be above 32°. For practically all locations south of Richmond, Va., Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, a dormant period of four months or less each year can normally be expected. In some sections along the Gulf Coast and in southern Florida, zoysia is dormant only briefly, if at all, during the year.

Naturally, the longer the growing season the more time the plant has to grow and spread. We can certainly expect a greater growth and spread when the “green period” extends over eight months than we can if the growing period is only three months. So don’t expect zoysia to spread as much in Maine as it would in Florida. However, if you have a summer home where you only want a green lawn for several months, you may think differently of a zoysia lawn in New England.

When zoysia grows, it actually creeps along the ground. The plant sends out runners on the soil surface which root and send up new plants as they go. Therefore, they make a thick mat of sod. It is the formation of this thick mat which gives zoysia power to crowd out other grasses and weeds.

Sun Loving Grass

Also going along with the fact that zoysia is a warm-season grass is the fact that it is a sun-lover. It does its best in full sun; in partial shade it will survive, but the rate of spread will not be as great. Zoysia will also stand a good deal of drought, standing up under many adverse summer conditions.

Since the current planted zoysia is a hybrid grass, it can be compared to many of our garden roses, iris, day-lilies and the like in that its seeds will not produce plants exactly like the parent. Therefore, it must be propagated vegetatively by planting some of the mother plants. Actually, all “named varieties” of zoysia that have been sold and will ever be sold originated from one plant - just as all many roses in gardens today, anthuriums, Spathiphyllum, Aglaonemas and others came from one plant.

The most common means by which parts of an existing zoysia lawn are transplanted to make a new lawn comes from plugs. Plugs are small sections of the lawn which have been cut out with a sharp tool similar to a cookie cutter. Sprigs is another method which are sections of the surface runners with roots and small plants attached.

Both methods have produced excellent stands of lawn. There are, however, advantages and disadvantages to both. On the basis of material costs, sprigging is the least expensive. More lawn area can be planted from a given amount of planting stock with sprigs than with plugs. Sprigs will also initiate new growth quicker and spread faster.

On the other side of the ledger, though, sprigs are more difficult to plant and maintain during their early stages. Once planted, sprigs must be watched constantly and will stand no neglect. The best results with sprigs are often obtained when they are planted by an experienced professional.

Plugs for the Inexperienced

Plugs, which are small sections of turf with soil attached, are more rugged, and better results are generally obtained when planted by less-experienced gardeners. Plugs are merely inserted in holes; sprigs are laid in trenches with the roots covered and tops exposed.

Time of planting differs from traditional cool-season lawns. Fall is the best time to plant lawns from seed because they will then have two cool seasons—that fall and the following spring before being subjected to the extreme heat of summer. Zoysia, since it grows strongest in summer, should also be planted before its period of active growth, which means spring or early summer in the early part of the “green period.”

A practical way to go about establishing a full zoysia lawn is to start out first with a small nursery plot. Take an area of 100 to 200 square feet and plant it completely with zoysia. In time this area will be completely covered, and from this nursery plot you will be able to remove planting material for the remainder of the lawn area. Also, such a nursery plot—which is a minimum expenditure—will then give you a good indication of zoysia’s growth and spread in your particular area.

Select a good sunny site for your plot and prepare the soil well - just as if you were going to seed it. The zoysia should then be planted out in the entire area, according to directions whether it be plugs or sprigs. Give the bed good care, watering the first few weeks, feeding at least twice the first year. Feeding with a plant food recommended for lawns—should be done during the summer when growth is at its peak. The tendency of zoysia is not to grow too tall; but mowing every few weeks will be necessary. Set your mower to cut very short, about 3/4 inch.

Once the nursery plot is covered which will probably take two or more growing seasons in some areas, planting material can be removed and put into the remaining lawn area. The plugs or sprigs should be put in the lawn area in the same manner as they were planted in the nursery plot. However, it is not necessary to completely prepare the soil, for planting can be done in the existing lawn.

Spreading Zoysia and the “Green Period”

How fast zoysia will spread and crowd out an existing lawn depends on several factors. First, of course, is the length of the “green period.” It will spread faster in the South than it will in the North. Another factor is the health and condition of the existing lawn. If it is a good sturdy turf, the zoysia will make less gain. Soil is still a third factor. Zoysia will survive on relatively poor soil, but the better the soil the more gain it will make.

Zoysia planted in an existing lawn should also be fed at least twice a year until it has taken over. Once the full stand is established, less feeding is required. Also, an interplanted lawn should be cut low - 3/4 inch - to benefit the zoysia. lf cut too high, the zoysia will be shaded from the sun.

Combination planting of cool-season grasses and Meyer zoysia has been tested in several areas like on golf courses. The growth habits differ, and there are many problems. It may also be limited to certain sections of the country where climatic conditions will favor both.

Zoysia is not the answer to all lawn problems. It has its good points: drought resistance, heat tolerance, sturdiness and toughness. It also has its bad points; short growing season in the North, browning during the winter and a fairly coarse texture. It does have its place in American gardens. How you can make the best use of it is a decision you, alone, can make.

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