Homeowners who want a lush warm-season turf grass that tolerates drought and foot traffic without needing large amounts of fertilizer can meet these needs with a zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.) lawn. Plant this low, sod-forming grass from late spring to early summer for best results.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Zoysia is a genus of creeping grasses widespread across much of Asia and Australia, as well as various islands in the Pacific. These species, commonly called zoysia or zoysiagrass, are found in coastal areas or grasslands. It is a popular choice for fairways and teeing areas at golf courses. The genus is named after the Slovenian botanist Karl von Zois (1756–1799).
The blades of zoysia grass are light to medium green and create a thick carpet of turf in the lawn. Blades range from thin and fine to medium wide. The grass will turn brown as it goes dormant in the winter. It grows by both above-ground stems (stolons) and underground shoots (rhizomes), filling in bare spots. Zoysia is slow to establish from seed or plugs but will grow dense once roots take hold. The deep roots conserve moisture and help resist drought.
Zoysiagrass prefers sun but can handle light shade. The turf has low water needs to stay healthy, making it ideal for areas that see infrequent rain.
Zoysia can be found in lawns but also on the fairways and tees of golf courses. It can also be used on slopes to prevent erosion.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Sunlight is one of the most important factors in achieving a healthy Zoysia lawn. Zoysia is considered a warm-season grass. As such, it requires plenty of sunlight. At least 7 hours a day of full sunlight is recommended for most varieties. Some varieties will tolerate slightly less direct sunlight but will not achieve the density it might otherwise. Even shaded areas behind trees or between structures that would otherwise be considered full sun can contribute to the thinning of Zoysia grass. When it comes to Zoysia, with a few exceptions, there is no such thing as too much sun.
Temperature and Humidity
Zoysia grass is a warm-weather grass. It grows best in very warm to hot weather, above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It will stop growing when the first frost hits and remain dormant and brown throughout winter. Zoysia tolerates a wide range of humidity levels.
In cooler climates, zoysia turf grass is the last turf grass to turn green in the spring, and it is the first turf grass to turn brown and go dormant in the fall.
Watering
Zoysia grows best with one inch of water per week, but it is drought tolerant. Water deeply to encourage a deep root system that can endure brief droughts. If your soil is compacted or is predominately clay, adjust water irrigation appropriately to the dry side. Watering early in the morning allows grass to dry quickly and potentially prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
One of the benefits of zoysia grass is the wide variety of soils it tolerates. Even acidic soils are not a problem, although, if the soil pH is below 6.0, you might need to apply lime. Good drainage will help zoysia to create a deep root system that increases its drought tolerance.
Fertilizing
Before applying fertilizer, have a soil test performed so you know precisely what nutrients your soil requires. Soil test results can help to reduce over fertilizing. Soil testing labs provide more complete and accurate results than do-it-yourself home methods. Soil testing labs provide a complete analysis of soil composition including percent of organic matter and major and minor nutrients as well as pH level. Your local cooperative extension office usually provides soil testing services.
Zoysia grass requires two to four pounds of nitrogen per thousand square feet of lawn1, more for sandy soils, and less for clay. Resist the urge to over-fertilize, as this will cause a dense layer of decomposing roots and stems, known as thatch, to build up quickly under the live grass. Raking with a tine rake in the fall helps to break up any accumulating thatch.
Mowing
Your Zoysia lawn should be maintained at a height between .75″ and 1.5″. Some of the wider blade varieties can be maintained slightly taller. You must cut the grass frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is removed in one cutting. Always use a sharp blade. A dull blade tears the grass blade rather than making a clean cut. This not only makes the tips appear brown, but provides an entrance way for pathogens. While a sharp blade is important for all grass types, the turf density of Zoysia as well as its susceptibility to Zoysia patch fungus make this especially important.
How to Grow From Seed
Although zoysia lawns are most commonly established by strip sodding, sprigging, or plugs, you can also sow zoysia seed. Do this in the spring, which is the opposite of cool-weather-grass planting. Newly seeded zoysia lawns can take up to two seasons to produce dense turf.
- Rake bare soil lightly to cultivate.
- Broadcast the seed with your spreader according to the seed package directions.
- To overseed established lawns, aerate and vertically cut it to expose the soil surface, and then broadcast seed.
- Water several times every day for at least one month as the seedbed must stay constantly moist for germination to occur.
Pests and Diseases
Zoysia grass is seldom bothered by pests or diseases. Lawn grubs from Japanese beetles or June beetles might feed on zoysia roots in early summer. A few grubs won’t cause any noticeable damage, but, if you have a large outbreak, you can apply treatments before they turn into adults.
Large patch is a fungal disease that affects warm-season grasses, including zoysia grass. It can be brought on by excessive nitrogen, thatch, and overwatering or poor drainage.
III. Uses and Benefits
Zoysia are widely used for lawns in temperate climates. They are used on golf courses to create fairways and teeing areas. Zoysia grasses stop erosion on slopes, and are excellent at repelling weeds throughout the year. They resist disease and hold up well under traffic.
