Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf known for its dense, carpet-like growth, spreading through horizontal runners (rhizomes and stolons). This natural density helps the lawn resist weeds and tolerate heavy foot traffic across the southern two-thirds of the United States. However, this vigorous growth, combined with underlying soil settling, can lead to an uneven surface over time.
Lawn leveling is the process of applying a fine topdressing mix to fill low spots and smooth the turf’s contours. Correcting a bumpy Zoysia lawn prevents scalping, which occurs when a mower blade repeatedly cuts the grass too short over a high spot. An even surface also improves drainage consistency and enhances the lawn’s overall appearance and usability.
Optimal Timing and Pre-Leveling Preparation
Leveling a Zoysia lawn must occur during the grass’s most active growth period. As a warm-season species, peak growth occurs from late spring through mid-summer when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65°F. Applying the leveling mix during this window ensures the grass can quickly grow through the material.
Attempting to level the lawn when the Zoysia is dormant, typically in the cooler months, presents a high risk of smothering the turf. Since the grass is not actively growing, it cannot push new blades through the topdressing, leaving the material to sit directly on the grass crowns. This lack of recovery leads to thin or dead patches once the growing season returns.
Before applying any topdressing material, the lawn must be prepared to maximize the mix’s contact with the soil surface. This process begins by mowing the Zoysia shorter than its usual maintenance height, a technique often referred to as “scalping.” Removing excess leaf tissue allows the leveling mix to settle into the depressions more effectively.
Following the short mow, dethatching is beneficial if a thick layer of organic debris has accumulated. Zoysia’s dense growth often creates a significant thatch layer, which must be minimized so the topdressing can reach the soil base. Low spots must also be clearly identified and marked, often using flags, to guide the application.
Essential Materials for the Topdressing Mix
The ideal material for leveling a Zoysia lawn is not pure sand or pure topsoil, but a specifically formulated blend known as a topdressing mix. Using only sand lacks nutritional value and can sometimes become overly compacted, while pure topsoil may impede drainage. Therefore, a composite material provides the best balance of structure and organic matter.
A highly effective ratio for this leveling compound is approximately 70% medium-textured sand and 30% high-quality organic compost. The sand component, ideally silica or golf course sand, resists compaction and provides the firm base necessary for smoothing the surface. Its particle size is crucial for maintaining proper soil porosity.
The 30% compost component, often derived from humus, is incorporated to enrich the soil and encourage turf health. This organic matter introduces beneficial microorganisms and slow-release nutrients that help the Zoysia recover quickly. Blending these materials ensures the leveling process does not compromise the soil’s long-term fertility.
The sand and compost must be thoroughly mixed before application to ensure even consistency across the lawn. This homogeneity prevents pockets of pure sand or compost, which could lead to inconsistent growth or drainage issues. The finished mix should be finely textured and easy to spread without large clumps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Leveling Mix
Once the lawn is prepared and the topdressing material is mixed, begin by distributing the blend directly onto the low areas. The material is typically dumped in small piles near the marked depressions using a shovel or wheelbarrow. This targeted placement minimizes waste and focuses the effort where it is needed.
From the piles, the mix is systematically spread across the turf using the back of a leaf rake or a specialized lawn leveling tool. The goal is to move the material back and forth, allowing gravity and the spreading action to pull the mix into the dips and voids. This initial spread establishes a base layer in the lowest sections.
A fundamental rule for leveling Zoysia is the “thin layer” principle, which dictates that no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch of material should be applied in a single treatment. Zoysia blades require sunlight to photosynthesize and survive, so applying a layer thicker than this maximum depth risks suffocating the grass crowns. If a depression is deeper than a half-inch, multiple applications over several weeks are required.
After the material is broadly distributed, a leveling rake or straight-edge tool is used to finesse the surface. This tool is dragged across the area to shear material from higher spots and push it into adjacent low spots. The straight edge acts like a squeegee, ensuring a smooth transition between the treated area and the surrounding turf.
The final step involves working the mix down into the grass canopy to expose the tips of the Zoysia blades. This is accomplished using a push broom or a stiff-bristled street broom. Sweeping gently pushes the topdressing down around the stems and into the soil, ensuring the grass blades are visible and not fully buried.
Working the mix into the turf canopy confirms that the thin layer rule has been followed correctly. If the grass blades are completely obscured, too much material was applied, and some of the mix should be removed immediately. Visible grass tips ensure the lawn can continue to grow and recover quickly.
Post-Leveling Care and Recovery
Immediate care following the application is crucial for settling the material and encouraging rapid turf recovery. The area should be lightly watered immediately after leveling is complete. This light irrigation helps the fine particles of the topdressing mix filter down through the Zoysia canopy and into the soil.
Watering should be just enough to moisten the material without causing runoff, which could wash the mix out of the low spots. Over-watering must be avoided, as a saturated surface can displace the leveling material and reverse smoothing efforts. A gentle, consistent moisture level is ideal for the following days.
The Zoysia lawn begins its recovery process by growing new blades up through the thin layer of topdressing mix. Because Zoysia is a slower-growing warm-season grass, recovery may take a couple of weeks depending on temperature and moisture levels. Consistent warm weather accelerates the process significantly.
Regular mowing should only be resumed once the grass blades are clearly visible and growing vigorously through the new material. Mowing too soon can cause the equipment to drag or pick up the loose topdressing, disrupting the leveled surface. Once the turf has visibly greened up and is actively growing, the lawn can return to its regular maintenance schedule.