Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf prized for its dense, carpet-like appearance and soft texture. Spreading via both above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes, it forms a thick canopy that naturally resists weeds. For homeowners seeking to maintain this lush aesthetic, proper mowing technique is the most important factor for ensuring the grass remains healthy and vibrant. Understanding the correct height and frequency for Zoysia is the foundation of a successful lawn care regimen.
Establishing the Optimal Mowing Height
The ideal height for Zoysia grass typically falls within a range of 1 to 2.5 inches, depending on the specific cultivar and the desired look. Finer-bladed varieties, such as Zeon, often look best maintained at 1 to 1.5 inches, frequently requiring a sharp reel mower. Coarser types, like Meyer, can be kept slightly higher, generally closer to 2 inches, using a high-quality rotary mower.
Cutting the grass too short (scalping) during the active growing season is detrimental because it stresses the plant and weakens its root system. This stress makes the turf more susceptible to weeds and diseases. Conversely, allowing the turf to grow excessively tall contributes to the accumulation of thatch, a dense layer of organic matter at the soil surface. Using a consistently sharp blade is also required, as Zoysia’s stiff leaf blades can be torn by a dull edge, leaving ragged tips that brown easily and provide entry points for pathogens.
Determining Mowing Frequency Based on Growth
Mowing frequency for Zoysia is determined by its vertical growth rate, not by a fixed calendar schedule. During the peak growing season (late spring and summer), Zoysia often requires mowing every 5 to 10 days. This interval ensures the grass is consistently maintained at its target height without removing too much leaf tissue at once.
Waiting too long between sessions forces the removal of an excessive amount of the blade, which can shock the plant and decline turf health. Although Zoysia grows slower laterally than many other warm-season grasses, its vertical growth is steady when temperatures are high and nutrients are available. Consistent, regular cutting promotes the dense growth habit that helps it naturally crowd out weeds.
Seasonal Mowing Adjustments
The frequency and height established during the summer must be adjusted as the seasons change. In the spring, before Zoysia fully emerges from winter dormancy, perform a single, low cut known as a spring scalp. This practice removes the dead, dormant material from the previous season, allowing sunlight to penetrate and warm the soil more quickly, which encourages an earlier green-up.
Once the turf is actively growing, the frequency increases as temperatures rise, reaching its maximum during summer. As the weather cools in early autumn, and nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 70°F, growth slows down. This signals the time to slightly raise the mowing height by about a half-inch to one inch. This increased height allows for a greater leaf surface area, helping the grass store carbohydrates in its root system before winter dormancy.
The One-Third Rule for Zoysia Health
The most important guideline for Zoysia is the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the total grass blade height during a single mowing session. For instance, if your target height is two inches, you must mow before the grass reaches three inches tall. This rule is the primary determinant of your actual mowing frequency, overriding any pre-set calendar schedule.
Adhering to this limitation prevents the plant from going into physiological shock, which occurs when a large portion of the photosynthetic tissue is suddenly removed. Violating the rule can result in noticeable turf discoloration and significantly increases vulnerability to disease and environmental stress. Maintaining this consistent removal ensures the grass retains enough leaf area to produce the energy required for strong root growth and overall health.