The dense turf of zoysia grass is often used in parks, golf courses, and other places of high foot traffic. Core aeration in the early summer can help to keep zoysia grass from forming a dense mat of thatch that prevents water and fertilizer from penetrating the soil. Mowing zoysia grass often and taking off no more than a third of the grass height is better than allowing the grass to grow tall and then scalping it.
Light
Zoysia grass needs full sun to maintain a plush, dense carpet on your lawn. As shade increases, the grass will become thin, which allows weeds to grow and compete, further stressing the grass.
Soil
One of the benefits of zoysia grass is the wide variety of soils it tolerates. Even acidic soils are not a problem, although, if the soil pH is below 6.0, you might need to apply lime. Good drainage will help zoysia to create a deep root system that increases its drought tolerance.
Water
Zoysia grows best with one inch of water per week, but it is drought tolerant. Water deeply to encourage a deep root system that can endure brief droughts. If your soil is compacted or is predominately clay, adjust water irrigation appropriately to the dry side. Watering early in the morning allows grass to dry quickly and potentially prevent fungal diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Zoysia grass is a warm-weather grass. It grows best in very warm to hot weather, above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It will stop growing when the first frost hits and remain dormant and brown throughout winter. Zoysia tolerates a wide range of humidity levels. In cooler climates, zoysia turf grass is the last turf grass to turn green in the spring, and it is the first turf grass to turn brown and go dormant in the fall.
Fertilizer
Before applying fertilizer, have a soil test performed so you know precisely what nutrients your soil requires. Soil test results can help to reduce overfertilizing. Soil testing labs provide more complete and accurate results than do-it-yourself home methods. Soil testing labs provide a complete analysis of soil composition including percent of organic matter and major and minor nutrients as well as pH level. Your local cooperative extension office usually provides soil testing services. Zoysia grass requires two to four pounds of nitrogen per thousand square feet of lawn, more for sandy soils, and less for clay. Resist the urge to over-fertilize, as this will cause a dense layer of decomposing roots and stems, known as thatch, to build up quickly under the live grass. Raking with a tine rake in the fall helps to break up any accumulating thatch.
Zoysia Varieties
The two zoysia species used for lawns are:
Zoysia japonica (Japanese or Korean lawn grass), the only species of zoysia grass that is commercially available as seed. It has a coarse texture. Varieties include Z. japonica ‘Meyer’, commonly known as Meyer zoysia grass, or Z-52, which was developed and released in the 1950s. It has improved cold tolerance. Z. japonica ‘Zenith’ is a variety with medium-coarse blades,. Z. japonica ‘Compadre’ is a popular choice for athletic fields because it is wear-tolerant.Zoysia matrella (Manila grass), has a finer texture than Z. japonica, it is less cold tolerant and grows more slowly so it does not need frequent mowing. ‘Emerald’ is a high-quality lawn of soft, thin blades.
How to Grow Zoysia From Seed
Although zoysia lawns are most commonly established by strip sodding, sprigging, or plugs, you can also sow zoysia seed. Do this in the spring, which is the opposite of cool-weather-grass planting. Newly seeded zoysia lawns can take up to two seasons to produce dense turf.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zoysia grass is seldom bothered by pests or diseases. Lawn grubs from Japanese beetles or June beetles might feed on zoysia roots in early summer. A few grubs won’t cause any noticeable damage, but, if you have a large outbreak, you can apply treatments before they turn into adults. Large patch is a fungal disease that affects warm-season grasses, including zoysia grass. It can be brought on my excessive nitrogen, thatch, and overwatering or poor drainage.
