Zoysia grass is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand various weather conditions and foot traffic. However, like any type of grass, it has its fair share of issues that you, as a homeowner or landscaper, may encounter at some point in time.
One common issue you might face is the slow growth rate of Zoysia grass. While this can be advantageous in terms of low maintenance, it can also be frustrating when trying to establish a new lawn or repair damaged areas.
Many homeowners also find that Zoysia grass tends to turn brown during the winter months or in times of drought. This is a natural response to preserve water, and it will return to a green hue when conditions improve.
Let’s look at other common problems with Zoysia grass and how to address them.
Fundamentals of Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It’s soil requirements and temperature preferences are two essential factors for its healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to the soil needed for Zoysia grass, you have quite a bit of flexibility. Zoysia grass can adapt to various soil types, such as:
- Clay
- Loam
- Sandy
However, you’ll achieve the best results with well-draining soil that has a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. To maintain optimal soil conditions, you can:
- Perform a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels.
- Amend the soil with lime if the pH is too low or sulfur if it’s too high.
- Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
Temperature Preferences
Zoysia grass thrives in warm-season environments, preferring the following temperature ranges:
- Growth: 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C)
- Survival: 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C)
When temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C), Zoysia grass will enter dormancy and turn brown. However, it will regain its green color once the weather warms up.
To ensure your Zoysia grass withstands temperature fluctuations, consider these tips:
- Make sure the grass receives adequate sunlight at least 6 hours a day.
- Water your Zoysia grass deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid nitrogen fertilizers during the cool months to prevent possible winter injury.
Common Zoysia Grass Problems
Drought Damage
Zoysia grass is known for its drought tolerance, but it can still suffer from drought damage.
If you notice your lawn turning brown or wilted during hot, dry periods, it’s likely experiencing drought stress. To help prevent this issue, make sure to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, about 1 inch of water per week.
It’s best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Brown Patch
Brown patch is a common fungal disease that affects Zoysia grass, causing circular patches of brown, dead grass on your lawn.
To prevent brown patch, try to maintain proper irrigation practices, aerate your lawn to improve air circulation, and remove excess thatch. You can also use a fungicide to help prevent and control the disease if necessary.
Dollar Spot
Dollar spot is another fungal disease that can affect your Zoysia grass.
It appears as small, silver-dollar-sized spots of dead grass. To manage dollar spot, make sure you’re fertilizing your lawn properly, as low nitrogen levels can make the grass more susceptible to the disease.
Additionally, avoid overwatering and water early in the day to allow the grass to dry before nighttime.
Thatch Issues
Zoysia grass can sometimes develop a thick layer of thatch; dead grass, roots, and other materials that can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil.
If you notice a thick layer of thatch on your lawn (more than 1/2 inch), consider aerating or dethatching to break up and remove the excess material. A healthy Zoysia lawn should have a thin layer of thatch (less than 1/2 inch) that helps insulate and protect the soil.
Proper Zoysia Grass Care
Watering Techniques
Proper watering is essential for maintaining a healthy Zoysia grass lawn.
You should provide your lawn with 1 inch of water per week. This can be achieved through natural rainfall or supplemental irrigation.
Here are a few tips for optimal watering techniques:
- Water your lawn early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
- Use a slow, deep watering approach to encourage deep root growth.
- Avoid over-watering, as this can cause shallow root systems and increase the likelihood of disease.
Fertilization Practices
To ensure a healthy turf, it is essential to apply the correct amount of fertilizer to your Zoysia grass.
The following recommendations will help you achieve the best results:
- Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and fall.
- Use a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs of your lawn.
- Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to thatch buildup and other issues.
Mowing Tips
Improper mowing can lead to a range of problems, including scalping and increased weed growth. Keep these mowing tips in mind to maintain a beautiful and healthy turf:
- Set your mower to a height of 1.5 to 2 inches for Zoysia grass.
- Keep your mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts, which promote faster healing.
- Mow your lawn frequently enough to avoid removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
Pest Control for Zoysia Grass
Common Pests
Here’s a list of common pests that may affect your Zoysia grass:
- Chinch bugs: These tiny insects can cause extensive damage by sucking plant juices and injecting toxins into the grass.
- White grubs: These larvae of beetles feed on the roots of your Zoysia grass, leading to wilting and eventual death.
- Billbugs: The adult beetles, and their larvae feed on the grass’ crown and stems, causing yellow and wilted patches.
- Armyworms: These caterpillars devour the blades of your grass, causing irregular patches of damage.
Prevention Methods
To maintain the health of your Zoysia grass, follow these prevention methods:
Keep your lawn healthy
A healthy lawn is more resistant to pests. Make sure you’re providing the right nutrients, watering adequately, and mowing at the proper height for Zoysia grass.
Monitor for pests
Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests, such as damaged or discolored grass. Early detection can save your lawn from more significant issues.
Practice cultural control
You can reduce the likelihood of pest infestations by:
- Mowing correctly: Keep your mower blades sharp and mow at the recommended height for Zoysia grass, which is around 1-2 inches.
- Watering wisely: Overwatering can encourage pests, while underwatering can weaken your grass. Water your lawn deeply and less frequently to promote strong root growth.
- Aerating: This helps improve soil compaction and drainage, which can deter pests like white grubs.
Utilize biological control
You can introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to your lawn to help control pests naturally.
Chemical control
As a last resort, you can use chemical insecticides for pest control.
Always follow the product instructions and ensure the pesticide targets the specific pest causing problems in your Zoysia grass.
Maintaining Zoysia Grass Aesthetics
Color Preservation
To keep your Zoysia grass a vibrant green, you need to take proper care of it.
During periods of drought, zoysia grass tends to lose its color, becoming brown and dormant. To prevent this, ensure you water your lawn adequately. In case of prolonged droughts, watering your zoysia grass twice a week is advisable.
Grass Blade Health
Maintaining the health of your Zoysia grass blades is vital to preserving the aesthetics of your lawn.
Here are a few tips to maintain blade health:
- Mow Properly: Keep your mower blades sharp, as dull blades can tear grass, resulting in unhealthy blades. The ideal mowing height for zoysia grass is between 1-2 inches. Be cautious not to remove more than a third of the grass height at a time.
- Fertilize Appropriately: Fertilize your lawn using a balanced fertilizer to provide your grass with the essential nutrients it needs. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak grass blades, making them more susceptible to disease.
- Control Fungal Diseases: Zoysia grass can be prone to fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Regularly inspect your lawn and apply fungicides if you notice any signs of infection.