Zoysia grass plugs are small, established starter plants used to develop a lawn, offering an alternative to seeding or laying sod. These plugs allow the warm-season grass to spread horizontally through rhizomes and stolons, gradually filling in the bare ground. Zoysia is valued for its dense, carpet-like growth habit and superior resistance to drought once established.
Identifying Reputable Sources
The source of Zoysia plugs significantly impacts the quality of the planting material and the ultimate success of the lawn. Local garden centers and independent nurseries allow buyers to physically inspect the plugs before purchase. Assessing the health of the foliage and the density of the root system ensures the purchase of vigorous, freshly dug stock ready for immediate planting.
Conversely, large chain big-box retailers offer convenience and often lower pricing. However, stock turnover might be slower, meaning the plugs could be older or less well-maintained, sometimes leading to reduced viability. If choosing this route, look for recent deliveries and avoid trays that appear dry, yellowed, or have sparse root growth protruding from the cells.
Specialty online growers often represent the highest quality option, as they focus exclusively on turfgrass and frequently offer a wider selection of specific Zoysia cultivars. These dedicated growers typically harvest the plugs closer to the shipping date, ensuring the material is fresh upon arrival at the buyer’s doorstep. While shipping costs are a factor, these vendors usually provide a quality guarantee, which is a significant assurance when dealing with perishable live plants.
When purchasing online, research customer reviews addressing the condition of the plugs upon delivery and the company’s adherence to shipping timelines. A reputable seller packages plugs carefully to maintain moisture and prevent damage during transit, often using insulated containers. Choosing a turfgrass specialist helps ensure the plugs are genetically true to the advertised variety and disease-free.
Key Purchasing Considerations
Selecting the appropriate Zoysia cultivar is a foundational decision, as varieties are genetically adapted to different conditions. ‘Meyer’ Zoysia, for instance, is known for its cold tolerance, making it suitable for transition zones. Finer-bladed cultivars like ‘Emerald’ or ‘Zenith’ offer a more manicured look but may require more maintenance or be less tolerant of heavy foot traffic.
Matching the cultivar to the specific regional climate and the intended use of the lawn ensures the grass will thrive with minimal intervention. Homeowners should consult local agricultural extension office recommendations to verify which varieties perform best in their particular soil type and sun exposure. This initial research prevents the costly mistake of planting a warm-weather variety in a cooler region or vice versa.
Accurately calculating the required quantity of plugs is another consideration to avoid purchasing too few or too many. The standard recommendation is to space plugs 12 to 18 inches apart, which balances cost with the speed of establishment. For example, a 12-inch spacing requires approximately one plug per square foot, while a wider 18-inch spacing requires fewer plugs but will take longer to fully establish a dense turf.
The optimal time to buy and install Zoysia plugs is during the late spring or early summer months when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting during the peak warm growing season allows maximum time to establish a robust root system before cooler weather. Purchasing too late risks poor rooting and increased winter damage.
Preparing for Plug Arrival and Installation
Careful site preparation is necessary before the plugs arrive. This includes completely removing all existing weeds and competing vegetation, either mechanically or through appropriate herbicide application. Existing grass or weeds compete aggressively for water and nutrients, significantly slowing the Zoysia’s spread.
A soil test should be conducted to identify nutrient deficiencies and determine the soil’s pH level. Zoysia prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0); amendments like lime or sulfur can be incorporated prior to planting. Loosening the top few inches of soil facilitates easier root penetration and faster establishment.
Upon arrival, plugs should be handled carefully and planted as quickly as possible to prevent desiccation. If immediate planting is not possible, trays must be kept consistently moist and stored in a shaded area away from direct sunlight and drying winds. Allowing root systems to dry out, even briefly, severely compromises viability.
The installation process involves digging holes deep enough to accommodate the entire plug, ensuring the crown of the plant sits level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting too deep will suffocate the crown, while planting too shallow will expose the fragile roots. Following planting, the newly installed plugs require consistent and frequent watering to encourage root growth until the plants are visibly established and actively spreading.