How to Care for Your Brand New Zoysia Sod Lawn
- Watering your Zoysia Sod. All plants thrive with plenty of water, so make sure not to forget to water your sod. After...
- Mowing the Lawn Frequently. After the Zoysia sod has ultimately grown into the soil, wait until it has grown to around...
- Fertilize Quarter Annually. To ensure a healthy green, it’s essential to feed your...
How easy is it to care for newly laid sod?
WATERING TIPS
- Make sure that water gets to all areas of the lawn, regardless of the type of irrigation system you use. ...
- Avoid hand watering because it cannot provide uniformity.
- In-ground systems require professional installation, routine adjustments, and proper maintenance. ...
- Water early in the morning, 6-8am. ...
- Infrequent, deep watering is better than shallow watering. ...
How to remove old sod and lay new sod?
- Dampen the soil before unrolling your new turf.
- Using a straight edge in your yard, unroll the first row of sod. ...
- Rake the soil as you lay the sod to clear any bumps under the surface.
- After you’ve laid the first row, smooth out any areas that have wrinkled or bunched up. ...
- Water any newly installed sod as you go. ...
How do I care for my new sod?
New sod is perishable and must be installed immediately to ensure a successful, healthy lawn. A light watering of the ground before installation is recommended, since dry soil acts like a wick and removes the moisture from the sod.
How to lay new sod by yourself?
- Use a utility knife or grass shears to cut smaller pieces. Patch those open spaces accordingly. ...
- To trim, fold the excess sod up. Then run your knife where you need to cut. ...
- Lay smaller rows of sod along the perimeter of flower beds, driveways and walkways. Fill in small seams with more topsoil. ...
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Should you fertilize new Zoysia sod?
Q: How soon after planting zoysia sod should it be fertilized? A: Feed new zoysia sod once it starts growing vigorously, typically after you've had to mow it once. I recommend two half-strength applications a month apart. Do not apply weed control chemicals for six months.
Can you over water new Zoysia sod?
Take care never to overwater the sod while it is in the rooting stage. Soggy sod can lead to root rot and eventually new sod failure. Instead, water the sod in smaller amounts, several times during the day.
How long does it take for Zoysia sod to take root?
It can take up to six weeks for the sod to develop a deep root system. As the sod develops its shallow root system and moves on to develop a deeper root system, it's critical to increase the amount of time between waterings to encourage roots to grow deeper in search of moisture without stressing the lawn.
Can you walk on new Zoysia sod?
Take care not to walk or run on new sod, as this can prevent the fragile young roots from developing properly. If you have pets, try to prevent as much contact with the newly installed sod as possible.
Can you overwater zoysia grass?
Do not overwater the grass. Zoysia grass only needs about 1 inch of water weekly. Water for longer periods of time, less frequently and in the early morning hours.
What is the best time of day to water zoysia grass?
the morningIn order to keep your Zoysia lawn looking fresh and healthy, it's important to make sure your grass is receiving the right amount of water. The best time to water your lawn is in the morning, preferably before noon. This allows the grass to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease.
How often should you water new Zoysia sod?
Watering your new zoysia lawn is even more important than fertilizer. Grass needs three things for basic survival: water, soil and sunlight. During the first 10 days, you will want to water your zoysia twice a day—once in the morning and again in the evening for about 20 minutes each.
How do you make zoysia grass spread faster?
2:1310:09HOW TO GET YOUR ZOYSIA GRASS SPREADING FASTER|| Garden TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to ensure that this grass spread what you have to do is to actually dig it up those agitate theMoreSo to ensure that this grass spread what you have to do is to actually dig it up those agitate the side around it and this will encourage these soft little stolens to run and the grass is spread.
How do I care for my sod after installation?
New Sod CareProper watering is essential to establishment (rooting) of your new sod. ... As a general rule, keep sod and soil moist all throughout the day. ... Stay off new sod until after the first mowing.Try cutting back frequency of irrigations just before the first mow to firm up the soil.More items...
How can you tell if sod is rooted?
It's easy to determine if the new sod has taken root. Gently lift one corner of a sod piece. If the roots have not fully developed, there'll be little to no resistance when that corner is lifted. If, on the other hand, it's difficult to easily lift the sod, the root system has properly developed.
What is the best fertilizer for new sod?
NEW SOD LAWNS A fertilizer with an adequate amount of phosphorus is best. Apply fertilizer with a listing of 16-16-16 (rate: 6.5 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.) or 10-20- 20 (rate: 10 lbs / 1000 sq.
Should I fertilize new sod?
Fertilize new sod for the first time about six weeks after laying the sod. Apply fertilizer as recommended by the results of a soil test or broadcast a slow-release, granular fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or similar formula at a rate of no more than 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
How often should I mow Zoysia sod?
Set the lawnmower to about 1-2 inches in height, and trim away! A Zoysia lawn should be mowed every 5-15 days, depending on the weather and fertilization frequency. Also, make sure to never begin mowing until the sod has completely set. Otherwise, you can accidentally rip out the soil’s seedlings, which can cause bald patches in the grass where nothing grows.
What is Zoysia sod?
Zoysia grass is a type of plant native to Asia known for its emerald green color and supple appearance. It is a prevalent choice with many homeowners.
How to make sure Zoysia is absorbing enough water?
Another helpful tip for making sure your zoysia is absorbing enough water is to simply monitor it. You can do this by checking the edges of each piece as well as the overall perimeter of your lawn. The edges of your lawn and the edges of each individual sod pieces are most susceptible to drying out.
How long does Zoysia grass last?
Your new grass’s establishment period takes place after installation and lasts for the next 30 days. Once these 30 days are up, you can begin to transition your zoysia to a regular maintenance schedule. Refer to our Zoysia Homeowner Maintenance Guide for more details on regular maintenance.
How long does it take to water a lawn?
This usually takes about 20 minutes for most irrigation systems. Although watering your lawn is important, be careful not to overwater your lawn and cause disease outbreaks. One way to do this is to make sure you don’t water as much if your area received rainfall.
Can Zoysia grass be grown from seed?
Creating a zoysia grass lawn from seed has always been difficult, however, because only a small percentage of the seed will successfully germinate and it is extremely sensitive to light. Seeded varieties also produce medium to coarse-textured turf and has an uneven growth habit that occasionally forms mounds.
Is Zoysia grass good for a lawn?
Zoysia grass is a great choice for home lawns if you live in the southern two-thirds of the United States or up into the transition zone. This variety is a warm season turfgrass that tolerates both drought and cooler temperatures. If you are still in the decision-making process, be sure to read our Sod University article, All About Zoysia Sod.
Is sod cheaper than grass?
Sod is the most popular option—it is also the fastest and more expensive of choices. Although installation with sprigs and grass plugs are often cheaper, it takes several seasons to grow in fully. For more information, read When to Use Sod, Plugs or Seed. Pictured above: A piece of EMPIRE Zoysia sod.
Watering your Zoysia Sod
Water is essential for plants to thrive. Make sure to water your sod regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist after the sod installation has been completed. This will allow the grass seeds to germinate within the soil.
Commonly Mowing the Lawn
Once the Zoysia sod is fully established in the soil, you should wait for it to reach a height of around 2 inches per blade. This is the best time to mow your new lawn. Trim the grass to a height of about 1-2 inches.
Fertilize Quarterly
Feeding your lawn is essential for a green lawn. You should fertilize your lawn at least 3-4 times a year, beginning in late spring and continuing through late fall.
When to apply herbicide to Zoysia?
Crabgrass, goosegrass, and other summer annual weeds may be found in zoysia. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring after the last frost to prevent weeds from germinating. Follow up with a post-emergent herbicide on any weeds that do grow during the spring and summer.
What is Zoysia grass?
Zoysia grass is a popular grass type grown in lawns throughout the transition zone of the United States (from Northern Georgia to Southern Illinois). Known for its ability to retain water and resist drought, zoysia is beautifully lush and green through most of the year.
What is thatch in zoysia?
A build up of organic matter known as thatch can develop above the soil within zoysia turf. Because zoysia is such a thick turf-type, thatch can truly restrict the amount of nutrients, water, and air the soil receives.
How long does it take for Zoysia grass seed to germinate?
Zoysia grass seed is available on the market but will take at least 3 weeks for seeds to germinate and up to 1 year for the lawn to establish. Because zoysia grows from both stolons and rhizomes, smaller bare spots in a lawn will fill in over time.
How does Zoysia grow?
It grows by both above-ground stems (stolons) and underground shoots (rhizomes), filling in bare spots. Zoysia is slow to establish from seed or plugs but will grow dense once roots take hold. The deep roots conserve moisture and help resist drought. Zoysiagrass prefers sun but can handle light shade.
How tall should Zoysia be?
Mowing. Zoysia should be kept 1-3 inches tall. The turf grows slowly but can grow slightly faster in the summer meaning the timing between mowing will vary. Because zoysia is so thick and dense, it can be hard to cut with dull mower blades.
What bugs are in Zoysia?
Bugs commonly found in zoysia include mole crickets, grubs, and nematodes. If you see pests in your lawn or have had prior infestations, an insecticide labeled for the pest you are targeting can be applied to control an active infestation or to prevent an infestation.
How tall should Zoysia be when mowing?
Homeowner Maintenance Guide. Zoysia mowing heights during the summer generally range from about 1–2 inches. When mowing during the summer, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time. If you remove more than that, you will stress the grass and it may go brown for a short time. Taller blades provide more shade for your root system ...
How to treat large patch disease in Zoysia?
If large patch disease is a common problem in your zoysia, apply a fungicide at a preventative rate. If you use a granular variety, water the lawn immediately after application to help soil absorption. Consider mapping those areas because fungicide treatment can be expensive. Fall Products.
How to prevent crabgrass and goosegrass from growing in my lawn?
WEED CONTROL. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent summer annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass from plaguing your lawn and garden.
How to control white grubs in zoysia?
Treat with an insecticide if needed. If you use a granular variety, water the lawn immediately after application to help soil absorption. FUNGUS CONTROL. If large patch disease is a common problem in your zoysia, apply a fungicide at a preventative rate.
How high should Zoysia be mowed?
Live. •. MOWING. Zoysia mowing heights during the summer generally range from about 1–2 inches. When mowing during the summer, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time. If you remove more than that, you will stress the grass and it may go brown for a short time.
When is the best time to control grubs in Zoysia?
August is the best time to control grubs because they are small and feeding near the soil surface. Other insects to look out for include mole crickets, billbugs and spittlebugs. FUNGUS CONTROL. Disease outbreaks in zoysia are uncommon at this time.
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
For optimal results, feed your lawn monthly during the fall season by applying the Lawnifi’s Fall Fertilizer Box or apply Lawnifi Foundation once every three months.
How Can I Keep My Sod From Drying Out?
New sod is prone to becoming dehydrated. If your new sod is installed on top of soil that is dry, it will lose moisture quickly. Dry soil will suck the water out of the sod leaving it under-watered and prone to failure. One way to prevent your new sod from drying out is by watering the ground soil prior to installation.
Watering Tips For New Sod
When caring for new sod proper watering is the key to healthy growth. In general, you should always water the soil prior to installing new sod. This will prevent the soil from sucking moisture out of the roots and causing the sod to fail.
Is It Possible To Overwater Sod?
Grass loves water, however, new sod is different. It is possible to overwater new sod, and it can even happen easier than you expect. New sod has very short roots which makes it harder for it to retain a lot of moisture. It is better to water new sod in a short burst with less, as opposed to large amounts of water at once.
How Long Should You Avoid Walking On New Sod?
Of all the tips we have for caring for new sod, the most important is not walking on it too early. You should keep pets, children, and everyone else off of newly plant sod until at least the first mowing. Watering the sod at regular intervals will help the roots to establish themselves, and until they are firmly entrenched, your sod is vulnerable.
How Long Does It Take For Sod To Take Root?
New sod roots are very short, so it is important to treat them with care and ensure they are not overwatered. Usually, roots will start the process of establishing themselves with a week of installation. In some cases, it can take as long as two weeks for the process to really get underway.
Should New Sod Turn Brown?
New sod is carefully cultivated before it is sold for installation. It is cultivated in an environment that offers a perfect balance of nutrients, sunlight, and moisture which allows it to thrive. New sod in general is very healthy and should not turn brown. But carefully caring for new sod is absolutely critical.
What Fertilizer Is Best For Sod?
New sod should be fertilized approximately five weeks after it was installed. Caring for new sod doesn’t only entail proper watering and mowing, it also includes extra root nourishment. Fertilizing the sod will help the roots continue to establish themselves and it will also support healthy growth.
How often should I fertilize my Zoysia lawn?
As long as you keep it dry, you can use it next time. A typical zoysia lawn would be fertilized twice a year, once when it is 90% green in May and once again in late July.
How to put fertilizer down correctly?
It is easiest if the fertilizer you buy has a specific setting for your spreader so you know how to prepare the spreader to put the fertilizer down correctly. Once the spreader is set and the fertilizer is in place, start pushing. Note how wide the swath of fertilizer pellets is spread.
How much sun does Zoysia grass need?
Zoysiagrass grows best in full sun and requires at least six to eight hours of sunlight.
When should I plant Zoysia grass?
The best time to vegetatively establish a zoysiagrass lawn is during late spring to early summer. Late-summer (mid-August) plantings may not allow sufficient time for complete establishment making turf more susceptible to winter injury. Plugs and sprigs should be planted between late April and June.
How to plant Zoysiagrass plugs?
Figure 2. Place zoysiagrass plugs in holes 6 to 12 inches apart in a diagonal grid pattern. Figure 3. Press the plugs into the holes by foot or by light tamping or rolling to ensure good contact with the soil.
What is a sprig in Zoysiagrass?
The term "sprig" refers to a portion of the zoysiagrass plant that includes a short piece of the stolon or rhizome, roots and leaves, but not soil. Sprigging is less expensive than plugging and may give a faster rate of cover. However, sprigs require more initial and post-planting care than do plugs and are less likely to survive under adverse conditions.
How to remove thatch from grass?
Thatch buildup can be minimized through good cultural practices, including the following: 1 Fertilize moderately to maintain turf density without excessive growth 2 Cut grass regularly at the recommended height to maintain vigor and to avoid shock. Clippings may be left to decompose if mowing occurs at regular intervals. No more than one-third of the leaf tissue should be removed with each mowing. Remove excessive clippings that accumulate in clumps on the surface 3 Water deeply and only as needed 4 Power rake or vertical mow with dethatching equipment as needed to keep thatch less than 1/2 inch thick. For zoysiagrass, early summer after the lawn has greened up is the best time to dethatch 5 Where lawns are subjected to traffic, core aerify to improve penetration of water and fertilizer. Leave soil cores on the surface to dry and crumble before mowing
Why is Zoysiagrass prone to thatch?
Zoysiagrass is prone to thatch accumulation because of its thick network of rhizomes and stolons and coarse, tough stem tissue. When managed properly, clippings returned to a zoysiagrass lawn contribute little, if any, to the thatch layer. Lawns should be dethatched when thatch exceeds 1/2 inch in thickness.
How far apart should I lay sod strips?
Strip sodding. Strip sodding is a variation of complete sodding in which sod strips 6 to 12 inches wide are laid 1 to 2 feet apart and allowed to spread together. Strip sodding is less expensive than sodding, but the turf must be managed properly to achieve full coverage in a reasonable amount of time.
How to manage a lawn?
To manage a lawn, it is important to know the soil texture in the top foot of soil. Sandy soils do not hold moisture well since they drain freely and dry out faster. Clay soils, however, will hold moisture for a longer period. Do not allow the lawn to stay excessively wet if the lawn has a clay soil.
How to get more color in my lawn?
This could indicate an iron or manganese deficiency due to soil temperatures lagging behind air temperatures, high pH soils, or high phosphorous levels. Spraying with iron (ferrous) sulfate) at 2 ounces in 3 to 5 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet or applying a chelated iron product will help to enhance turf color.
How to get rid of dead leaves on lawn?
If possible, use a mower with a bagger to collect the clippings and remove any dead material left from winter dormancy. Alternatively, the lawn can be hand raked to remove the excessive dead leaf material from the lawn surface. Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch.
How long after application of herbicide to control grass?
A second application is needed approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the initial application to give season long control of annual grassy and broadleaf weeds. Apply a post-emergent herbicide as needed to control existing winter grassy and broadleaf weeds.
Is it important to maintain turfgrass in South Carolina?
Because of this, it will be important to monitor temperatures and apply the needed management practices based on that year’s climate.
Can Zoysiagrass be burned off?
Because of possible injury to the lawn and the potential fire hazard, do not burn off zoysiagrass to remove excessive debris. For more information on mowing, refer to HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns. Thatch Removal: If a thatch layer becomes a problem, use a dethatcher or vertical mower to remove it.