Turf Grass Management - Zoysia

Zoysia Grass

Establishment: Seed, Sod, Plugs, Sprigs

Plant strengths: Part shade, heat and multiple soil types.  

Maintenance:

·      Mowing Height – Ideally ¾” to 2” but for most home owners 2”-2.5” is a reasonable height.

·      Mowing Frequency – Weekly during growing season, bi weekly in transition to dormancy, no mowing required during dormancy.

o   In upstate SC (Greenville, SC) we typically see the grass start greening up mid – end of March, and start going dormant end of October – beginning of November.

o   On average, you can expect 28-32 mows over the course of the year.

·      Nitrogen per year: 2-3 lbs. per 1000 square feet.

·      Disease tendency: Low

·      Weaknesses:

o   Fungus – this turf type is notorious for developing fungal infections, treatable by a professional pesticide applicator with a fungicide.  

o   Thatch – this turf type can develop thatch issues, so dethatching and core aeration are recommended every year.

·      Industry best practices: Dethatch, hire a professional fertilizer and weed control service, core aerate every year.

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Check out https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/zoysiagrass-maintenance-calendar/ for more information on zoysiagrass!