Zoysia grass is a popular choice for lawns due to its dense growth and resilience. A robust root network allows the grass to access water and nutrients efficiently, contributing to its drought tolerance and ability to withstand environmental stressors. Understanding these roots and how to support their development is fundamental to maintaining a thriving Zoysia turf.
Characteristics of Zoysia Grass Roots
Zoysia grass features a dense, fibrous root system, forming the foundation for its durable turf. It relies on specialized horizontal stems: rhizomes and stolons. Rhizomes are underground stems, while stolons are above-ground stems. Both produce new shoots and roots at their nodes, enabling the grass to spread and create a thick, interconnected lawn.
These spreading mechanisms allow Zoysia to establish a dense carpet of grass, which suppresses weeds by outcompeting them for resources. This lateral growth also contributes to the grass’s ability to recover from damage, as new growth emerges from these stems. This extensive network helps Zoysia exhibit strong drought tolerance and enhances its overall durability.
Root Depth and Spread
Zoysia grass develops a moderately deep root system, generally reaching depths of 6 to 12 inches. Its propagative roots (stolons and rhizomes) are typically shallow, found within the top 2-3 inches of soil. The deeper roots are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, allowing the grass to tap into moisture reserves during dry periods.
The lateral spread of Zoysia grass is primarily driven by its rhizomes and stolons, enabling it to fill in bare spots and create a uniform, dense turf. Factors influencing root depth and spread include soil type, watering practices, and overall lawn health. Well-draining soil encourages deeper root growth, while compacted soil can restrict it. Zoysia is known for its aggressive spreading habit, which can eventually take over other grass types.
Managing Zoysia Roots for Optimal Health
Promoting a strong, healthy Zoysia root system involves specific care practices. Watering deeply and infrequently is a primary strategy, as it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, enhancing drought resistance. Provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, ensuring the soil is wet to a depth of 6-8 inches during each watering session. Watering in the early morning minimizes evaporation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Aeration is another important practice, particularly for Zoysia grass, which can be prone to thatch buildup and soil compaction. Core aeration involves removing small plugs of soil, which helps alleviate compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. This process promotes deeper root growth and enhances the lawn’s ability to absorb nutrients and water. Aeration also helps manage thatch.
Dethatching, when necessary, prevents excessive thatch buildup, which can restrict air, water, and nutrient movement to the roots. A thatch layer thicker than half an inch can lead to shallow root growth and increase susceptibility to disease and drought. Dethatch Zoysia during its active growing season, typically late spring or early summer, to allow for quick recovery. Fertilization also supports root health; established Zoysia grass generally requires less fertilizer than other species. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers with an NPK ratio around 16-4-8 or 15-0-15 support steady root growth. Soil testing can provide insights into specific nutrient needs and soil pH, which ideally ranges from 6.0 to 7.0 for Zoysia.