Zoysia is a warm-season turf grass that thrives in temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a popular choice for lawns in Texas because it is drought tolerant and can handle partial shade.
When should you be planting zoysia grass though? This is a question you definitely want to know the answer to before you start planting.
Zoysia does best when planted in spring, after the last frost date. This ensures that the grass has time to establish itself before the hot summer months. If you plant zoysia grass too early in the season, it may not survive the cold temperatures.
It is acceptable to plant zoysia in the fall as well, but it must be done 60 days before the first frost. The reasoning is the same, the roots need adequate time to establish themselves before the ground gets too cold.
Many people think you can only plant grass in the spring, but if the conditions are right, fall is a great time to plant grass. Especially if you’re overseeding and just trying to thicken up a few bare areas.
Pros of Zoysia Grass
- Drought tolerant
- Can handle partial shade
- Tolerant of high traffic areas
Cons of Zoysia Grass
- Slow to establish itself
- Prone to thatch buildup
- Susceptible to chinch bugs and other pests
Check out this article titled, “Weed Control for Zoysia Grass,” to learn how to keep your new turf free of weeds.
Optimal Planting Times for Zoysia
As mentioned above, the best time to plant zoysia grass is spring, after the last frost date. This means that zoysia will do well when planted between March and May in Texas.
If you decide to plant zoysia in the fall, temperatures must remain above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not usually a problem in North Texas during September and part of October.
Late planting of Zoysia grass between the months of June and August is risky because the hot summer temperatures can stress the grass and cause it to go dormant. Dormancy is a period of inactivity when the grass stops growing. If your Zoysia grass goes dormant, it will turn brown and may not recover even when cooler temperatures return in fall.
If you must plant Zoysia grass in summer, choose a shady spot that will protect the grass from the harsh afternoon sun. Water the grass regularly, and be sure to mow it frequently to prevent it from getting too tall.
Types of Zoysia Grass
You can choose from multiple types of Zoysia grass, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular types of Zoysia grass:
- Zoysia Japonica: zoysia japonica, also known as Japanese zoysia, is a dense, course-textured grass that is popular in warm climates. It is tolerant of salty conditions and can handle both full sun and partial shade.
- Zoysia Matrella: zoysia matrella, also known as manila grass, is a fine-textured grass that is popular in Asia. It thrives in hot, humid climates and can handle both full sun and partial shade.
- Zoysia Tenuifolia: zoysia tenuifolia, also known as Korean velvet grass, is a soft, fine-textured grass that is popular in cooler climates. It can handle full sun but does not do well in the shade.
- Meyer Zoysia Grass: meyer zoysia is a slow-growing type of grass that is known for its dense, green turf. Meyer zoysia is a strand of zoysia japonica that has been enhanced. However, meyer zoysia grass is susceptible to thatch buildup, so it is important to mow frequently and remove any dead grass clippings.
Which type of zoysia grass you choose will depend on your specific needs and climate. Be sure to do your research to find the best type of zoysia grass for your lawn.
Common Problems with Zoysia Grass in Texas
Zoysia grass is a popular choice for lawns in Texas due to its drought-tolerance and ability to grow well in sandy soil. However, there are some common problems that can occur with zoysia grass that you should be aware of before planting.
Common Pests
Chinch bugs: These insects feed on the stems of your zoysia grass, causing it to turn brown and die back. They’re usually not too severe unless you have lots of them or don’t treat them early enough (usually by June). Treating your lawn with insecticides will help keep these pests away from your yard.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot: This disease causes circular brown spots on leaves which eventually turn yellow before falling off the plant completely–it’s not fatal but does make your lawn look less healthy than it could be. Treatment options include fungicides applied directly onto infected leaves or watering systems installed around each individual blade so they get plenty of moisture without getting too much sun exposure (which makes this problem worse).
How to Plant Zoysia Grass in Texas?
Prepare the soil. The best time to plant zoysia grass is in spring, when temperatures are warm and the ground is moist. It’s important that you prepare your soil before planting because this will help prevent weeds from growing later on.
To do this, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as your seedling or sod so it can grow well without being cramped by its surroundings.
Planting Zoysia Grass Seeds or Sod: If you’re planting seeds instead of sod, scatter them over prepared ground and cover them lightly with dirt; then water thoroughly until moisture reaches about 2 inches down into the soil (this may take several days).
If using sod instead of seeds–which makes things much easier–simply cut pieces off at least 3 inches wide from each row with scissors or clippers before laying them down in rows spaced 6 inches apart from one another once again making sure there’s plenty of room between rows since these plants grow thickly together once established!
Tips for Planting Sod
If you decide to plant sod, it is important to do so properly to ensure that the grass takes root and thrives. Here are some tips for planting zoysia sod:
- Choose the right spot: Zoysia grass needs some sun to thrive, so be sure to choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Prepare the soil: The soil should be loose and well-drained before you plant the sod. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary.
- Water the sod: Water the sod immediately after planting, and then water it regularly (1-2 times per day) until it is established.
- Mow the grass: Once the grass is established, be sure to mow it frequently to prevent it from getting too tall.
With proper care, your Zoysia grass will thrive and provide you with a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn. Contact JC’s Landscaping today to get quality sod installed on your lawn.
Tips for Planting Seed
If you decide to plant zoysia grass seed, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, zoysia grass seed is very slow-growing, so be patient. It can take up to two months for the seedlings to appear.
Second, zoysia grass seed needs warm temperatures to germinate, so be sure to plant it in spring or summer.
Third, zoysia grass seed must be kept moist at all times during the germination process. This means you will need to water the seed daily or cover it with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
Finally, zoysia grass seed is susceptible to birds and other animals, so be sure to protect the seedlings with a layer of netting or fencing.
Once the seedlings have appeared, you can begin caring for them like any other type of zoysia grass.
Be sure to mow frequently and water regularly. If you need help with lawn maintenance, JC’s Landscaping is ready to assist.
Wrapping Up
There are many benefits to planting Zoysia grass in Texas, including:
It’s drought resistant. The grass can survive on as little as one inch of rain per week, which makes it an ideal choice for areas with low rainfall.
It has a deep root system that allows it to withstand high temperatures and winds better than other types of grasses. In fact, some experts say that the roots can grow up to three feet deep.
This helps keep your lawn looking lush even during hot summers when other lawns might turn brown or yellow due to lack of water or nutrients.
Zoysia grass is a versatile grass that requires moderate maintenance. It is important to choose the right type of zoysia grass for your climate and needs and to plant it properly to ensure it thrives. With proper care, zoysia grass will provide you with a beautiful, vibrant lawn.
