Zoysia grass is a popular warm-season turfgrass celebrated for its dense growth habit and fine texture, giving it a luxurious, carpet-like appearance. It is known for its superior durability and tolerance to heat and drought conditions. Maintaining its high-quality density requires specific care that differs from cool-season grasses. Understanding the requirements for mowing, watering, and feeding this turf is the foundation for a healthy, vibrant lawn.
Mowing Practices for Zoysia
Mowing Zoysia is a high-frequency task requiring consistent attention to prevent turf stress. For established residential lawns, the ideal mowing height ranges between one and two inches, which is generally lower than many other turf types. This low height encourages lateral growth, creating the thick, uniform look the species is known for.
Mowing frequency must strictly adhere to the “one-third rule,” meaning no more than one-third of the grass blade height should be removed in a single session. During peak summer, this often necessitates mowing every five to seven days to prevent excessive removal and resulting stress on the plant. A sharp blade is important, as a dull edge tears the grass blades, leading to frayed tips that can turn brown and invite disease.
A sharp rotary mower is sufficient for most home lawns, though a reel mower is recommended for a precise cut at the lower height range. In early spring, a low initial cut, often called scalping, helps remove dead winter growth. This promotes faster green-up and prepares the turf for the growing season.
Strategic Watering Techniques
Proper irrigation encourages deep root growth and maximizes Zoysia’s drought tolerance. The most effective strategy is to water deeply and infrequently, aiming to provide a total of about one to one and a half inches of water per week, including rainfall. This encourages roots to grow downward, making the grass more resilient during dry periods.
Shallow, frequent watering should be avoided because it keeps moisture near the surface, resulting in a weak root system susceptible to heat stress. The best time to apply water is early morning (4 a.m. to 10 a.m.), as this minimizes evaporation. Morning watering also allows the grass blades to dry fully before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Zoysia may enter dormancy during extended dry spells, but it will show signs when irrigation is needed. A reliable indicator is the “foot-printing” test: the grass blades remain matted down after being walked upon instead of quickly springing back up. When this occurs, a deep watering is necessary.
Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
Fertilizer timing must align precisely with Zoysia’s active growth phase to ensure optimal health without excessive growth or thatch. Since Zoysia is a warm-season grass, the first feeding should not occur until the lawn is fully greened up in late spring or early summer (May or June). Applying nitrogen too early can encourage premature top growth susceptible to late frosts.
During peak summer, the grass benefits from a fertilizer emphasizing nitrogen to support density and color. Zoysia generally requires two to four pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, divided into two or three applications during the growing season. Using a slow-release nitrogen source provides a uniform supply of nutrients over several weeks, preventing sudden growth flushes.
The final fertilizer application should occur in early fall, about six weeks before the first expected frost, and should focus on potassium. Potassium strengthens the plant’s cell walls and improves cold tolerance as it prepares for winter dormancy. Conducting a soil test every few years is the most accurate way to determine specific nutrient deficiencies and appropriate pH adjustments.
Managing Common Lawn Issues
Zoysia grass produces a significant amount of stolons and rhizomes, which contributes to its dense appearance but also makes it prone to developing a thick layer of thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead and living organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and the grass blades. When this layer exceeds a half-inch, it can prevent water and air from reaching the roots.
To manage thatch buildup, physical maintenance like aeration and dethatching (verticutting) is periodically required. Aeration relieves soil compaction by pulling small plugs of soil, improving the movement of water and nutrients into the root zone. Dethatching physically slices through the thatch layer to remove excess material and encourage new growth.
Weed control relies on pre-emergent herbicides, applied in early spring before soil temperatures consistently reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates a chemical barrier that stops summer annual weeds, such as crabgrass, from germinating.
Zoysia is susceptible to diseases like dollar spot and large patch, often appearing under high humidity or improper watering. When signs of disease or insect pests (e.g., sod webworms or grubs) are identified, prompt treatment with a fungicide or insecticide is necessary. Regular monitoring and cultural practices are the first line of defense.