Zoysiagrasses are perhaps the most beautiful lawn grasses used in Texas.
Several varieties have been introduced to the state and more are on the
way.
Zoysiagrasses are adapted to a wide variety of soils, have good tolerance
to shade, good to excellent wear resistance, and provide an extremely dense sod
which reduces weed invasion. They
are low water users and can be used in low maintenance situations.
With some varieties, mowing is greatly reduced in relation to Bermuda and
St. Augustine grasses. The density
of a Zoysia lawn is second to none and the uniformity is excellent.
When properly maintained, Zoysiagrasses make terrific lawns.
Zoysiagrass lawns are generally established by sod. In central Texas, sodding can be done any time of the year.
Many lawns in central Texas require a minimum of four to six inches of
topsoil be brought in before planting. Uniform
distribution of the topsoil is essential for a consistent looking turf.
Proper soil preparation will lead to successful establishment and easier
care of your lawn during successive growing seasons.
Twelve steps for Zoysiagrass establishment are listed below.
These steps may not all be required for successful establishment of your
lawn. For example, soil need not be
completely tilled where grading or soil amendments are not required and when
soils are not excessively compacted.
1.
Obtain a soil test and get
fertilizer, lime and sulfur recommendations
2.
Rough grade
3.
Apply lime or sulfur if
needed
4.
Apply fertilizer as
recommended by soil test
5.
Apply soil organic
amendments (such as compost) as needed
6.
Till in above materials to a
depth of four to six inches
7.
Finish grade
8.
Apply starter fertilizer and
work into top inch of soil
9. Install sod
10.
Water
11.
Mow
12.
Control weeds
Sodding
does provide an “instant” turf, although several weeks are required before a
newly sodded landscape can withstand traffic.
Check several blocks of sod for roots before continued use.
Watering
of newly laid sod is critical. One
huge mistake made in laying sod is not watering until the entire site is laid.
Supplemental watering with a hose is highly recommended until you are
able to turn on an entire irrigation stage.
Do not let the grass dry out until it is properly rooted.
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”.