Zoysia Grass Maintenance – The 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.

Related Articles Of Interest:

• Growing Zoysia Grass – Maintenance Care Fertilizer and More
• Lawn Thatch
• Lawn Tune Up for the Southern Landscape
• Spring Lawn Care and Maintenance

Still Need Help? Type Your Keywords Here: