Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf known for its exceptional density and resilience, creating a thick, carpet-like lawn surface. This grass spreads via above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes, which allows it to naturally knit together into a robust turf. Transplanting zoysia, either for repairing damaged areas or expanding the lawn, is a highly effective method for establishing new growth. This process relies on vegetative propagation, ensuring the new sections carry the exact genetic traits of the parent lawn.
Preparing the Site and Timing the Transplant
The success of zoysia transplantation depends heavily on timing, as this warm-season grass requires active growth to establish new roots. The optimal period for transplanting is generally from late spring through early summer, typically when soil temperatures consistently reach 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting during this window allows the grass the maximum amount of time to root into the new soil before the cooler temperatures of fall cause it to enter dormancy.
Perform a soil test to understand the nutrient balance and pH of the receiving area. Zoysia prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.5. The soil should be loosened, possibly through tilling, to a depth of at least four to six inches to encourage deep root penetration and proper drainage. All existing weeds and debris must be cleared from the planting area, as competition from other plants can significantly hinder the new zoysia’s establishment and spread.
Harvesting the Zoysia Plugs or Sod
Acquiring the zoysia material involves selecting healthy, mature turf from a donor site, often a less visible area of the existing lawn. Two primary vegetative methods are used: cutting small plugs or removing larger sections of sod. Plug removal is typically used for expanding a lawn, as it minimizes damage to the donor site and maximizes the number of planting units. Plugs should be two to three inches wide and deep, ensuring they contain a substantial root mass and soil to support immediate growth.
A specialized plug cutter or a long-handled bulb planter is the most efficient tool for maintaining a uniform size and shape for the harvested pieces. If repairing a large, damaged area, cutting full sections of sod with a sharp spade or sod cutter may be preferable. The pieces must be handled carefully and kept moist until they are placed in their new location, as desiccation quickly leads to transplant shock and failure.
Planting and Securing the New Grass
The physical planting requires attention to detail to ensure successful establishment. For plugs, holes should be dug slightly shallower than the height of the plug, allowing the crown of the grass to sit level with or just slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Planting the plugs in a staggered, checkerboard pattern helps to achieve uniform coverage as the grass begins to spread. The typical spacing for plugs ranges from six to twelve inches apart; closer spacing speeds up the time it takes for the lawn to completely fill in.
To eliminate air pockets that cause roots to dry out, firmly tamp down the surrounding soil once the plug or sod piece is placed in its new hole. Applying pressure, often by stepping on the plug, secures the grass and prevents it from being dislodged during initial watering or light traffic. For sod pieces, the edges should be tightly abutted against existing grass or other sod sections to prevent gaps that could lead to drying or weed intrusion.
Promoting Establishment Through Initial Care
The first few weeks after planting require dedicated care for root establishment and spreading. Immediate, thorough watering is necessary right after planting to settle the soil and reduce transplant stress. For the next two to three weeks, frequent, light watering is needed to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, which encourages the roots to grow outward into the native soil. This initial watering should focus on providing about an inch of water daily, preferably in the morning to minimize disease risk.
A starter fertilizer application provides necessary nutrients to accelerate root development. These fertilizers typically have an N-P-K ratio that emphasizes phosphorus, such as a 12-12-12 or similar blend, which supports root growth. This can be lightly raked into the soil before planting or applied directly after the plugs or sod are secured. To protect the developing roots and runners, avoid heavy foot traffic and delay mowing until the transplanted grass is visually rooted and showing signs of active growth.