Established
Zoysiagrass requires less fertilizer than many other species for healthy,
attractive turf. A seasonal total
of 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet is ample. Excessive or untimely fertilizer applications can lead to
problems such as fewer roots, more thatch, diseases, and more top growth that
requires increased mowing.
For best results, soil testing is recommended before fertilizing.
A soil test will indicate major nutrient deficiencies and the acidity or
alkalinity (ph) of the soil. Slightly
acidic soil ph (6.0-6.5) is best. Lime
raises ph. Sulfur lowers it. Some form of iron or a micronutrient package may be needed if
yellowing occurs.
Established Zoysiagrass should be fertilized from approximately April
through August. One application in
Spring and one in Fall is usually sufficient.
For routine maintenance where soil test indicates no major deficiencies,
use a lawn fertilizer with approximate nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P): potassium
(K) ratio of 3:1:1 or 4:1:2. A
16-4-8 fertilizer has a 4:1:2 N:P:K ratio.
Where a soil test indicates low phosphorus or potassium levels or where
basic fertility levels are not known, use a fertilizer with a ratio that more
closely approximates 1:1:1 or 2:1:1. A
13-13-13 fertilizer has a 1:1:1 N:P:K ratio.
In
the early spring, Zoysiagrass lawns may be mowed short to remove dead leaf
tissue. This increases the green-up
rate and allows easier and more uniform mowing during the growing season.
The mowing height should then be raised to each individuals preference of
½” with a reel mower to 2” with a rotary mower.
General purpose of 2” is recommended.
When mowing, never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at any
one time. Clippings need not be
collected if they do not remain as clumps on the lawns surface.
Zoysiagrass is a
drought-tolerant lawn grass that requires less water than most other grasses to
remain green and actively growing during the summer months.
Each site is different and each irrigation system waters according to the
person setting and maintaining it.
Cultural practices, such as proper fertilizing, mowing and thatch
control, can go a long way toward building a drought tolerant lawn.
When watering, follow these simple rules: (1) Water in the early morning
to reduce disease incidence and (2) water deeply, wetting the soil to a depth of
4-6 inches.
Where lawns are subjected to traffic, aerify to improve penetration of
water and fertilizer for better root development.
A properly managed Zoysiagrass lawn is very competitive with weeds, but
from time to time weeds do become a problem.
A preemergent herbicide program can be very effective in controlling
weeds before they occur. First and
foremost, you must apply preemergent herbicide in early fall (September 15th)
before winter weed seeds germinate. Once
germination takes place, preemergent herbicides will not control them.
A second application should be made in early spring (February 15th)
to take care of summer annual weeds.
Water the application in thoroughly.
It takes at least one-half inch of water to move preemergent herbicides
into the soil and form an effective chemical barrier that will kill young weed
seedlings as they grow through the barrier.
Lack of proper watering is probably the most common reason for
preemergent herbicide failure.
Once you’ve applied the herbicide, try not to disturb the barrier.
If this chemical barrier is broken young seedlings will be able to grow
through broken areas and survive. Examples
of disturbances are heavy foot traffic and aerification.
Don’t apply preemergent herbicides to heavily shaded areas of the lawn.
Turfgrasses in these areas are very prone to herbicide injury because of
stress already caused by heavy shade.
Don’t over-apply the
preemergent herbicide. Read the
product label carefully, and only apply the rate recommended. Excessive rates can damage the very turfgrass you want to
keep. Examples of preemergent
herbicides are Ronstar G, Barricade, Atrazine, Simazine.
Again, read the label for rates, time of application and any harmful
characteristics of a particular chemical.
Postemerge herbicides can be used when weeds persist or the pre-emergent
herbicide breaks down. Examples of
postemergent herbicides are:
|
MSMA
– grassy weeds Manage – nutgrass 2,4-D – broad leafs Banvel – broad leafs Trimec Plus (Quadmec) – grassy and broadleaf weeds
|
We
have had limited success using Acclaim to suppress Common Bermuda in our
Zoysias.
In general, Zoysiagrass has few insect or disease problems. White grubs and armyworms can give the grass some problems.
There are many good chemicals on the market to control these pests.
Examples: Diazinon, Dursban, Sevin, Triumph.
Zoysiagrass is not especially susceptible to disease, however some
diseases do appear in Zoysiagrass lawns. Diseases
can be avoided through proper cultural practices including mowing, fertilizing,
watering and thatch control (aeration and/or vertical mowing).
The
information given herein is for educational purposes only.
Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the
understanding that no discrimination is intended or endorsement given.
Information
for this piece was extracted from “the University of Missouri Establishment
and Care of Zoysia Lawns” and “Texas Agricultural Extension Service Get a
Grip on Winter Weeds with PreEmergents”.