Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) provides a tough, thick, low-maintenance turf for residential and commercial lawns. A warm-season grass, it is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, depending on the species. Although it's winter hardy, it becomes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Zoysia sod may be installed at any time of year, but the optimum time is when the grass is actively growing, from late spring through late summer.
The three main species of zoysiagrass used in the United States are Japanese or Korean lawn grass (Zoysia japonica), Manilagrass (Zoysia matrella) and Korean velvet grass (Zoysia tenuifolia).
Japanese lawn grass is coarse with hairy leaves. It grows faster than other varieties and is more cold tolerant. While some varieties are available as seed, those available as sod and plugs grow into higher-quality turf. 'BA-189,' El Toro' and 'Zenith' are among the many varieties available. 'Companion' and 'Zenith' are also available as seed.
Manilagrass, introduced to the United States in 1911, grows in shade as well as full sun. Manilagrass is grown as far north as Connecticut, but it turns brown after the first hard frost and doesn't turn green again until late spring. 'Diamond,' developed by Texas A&M University in 1996, tolerates salt and shade, but has low cold tolerance.
Korean velvet grass is often used as an ornamental ground cover rather than a lawn grass. The grass grows in soft, tufted clumps with a mounded appearance. Although it may be mowed, it's generally left unmowed. The dark-green grass spreads very slowly and is the least cold tolerant of the zoysia species. 'Emerald,' a hybrid of Korean velvet grass and Japanese lawn grass, combines the best qualities of the two species, with a fine texture, cold tolerance and faster growth.
Installation of Sod
If desired, spray the area with glyphosate or other nonselective herbicide two weeks before removing all grass, weeds and other vegetation. Wear a dust mask, gloves, safety goggles, long pants, long sleeves, socks and closed-toe shoes when working with herbicides. These herbicides kill all plants; use caution near desired plants, shrubs and trees. Be careful to read and follow all directions on the product label and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Have the soil tested to determine what amendments may be necessary for the health of the lawn. Spread lime or sulfur and fertilizer according to the soil test results; then apply 1 inch of compost over the soil. If you're not having the soil tested, add a 5-10-15 fertilizer according to the package directions. Till to a depth of 6 inches with a rototiller.
Rake the soil smooth and remove any sticks, roots, rocks and other debris. Roll a lawn roller over the soil. Fill any low spots with topsoil or compost and roll again. Water the soil the night before you lay the sod, adding 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water to the entire area; the soil must be moist when the sod is installed. Lay the sod in rows, butting the ends tightly together and staggering the seams when installing adjoining rows. Use a clean, sharp utility knife to cut the sod to fit around the edges of any hardscape. Once the sod is installed, roll it with the lawn roller to ensure solid contact between the moist soil and the sod's roots. Apply 1 inch of water to the new lawn.
Care and Maintenance
Continue to water the newly installed sod every morning to keep the top inch of soil moist. After the sod has rooted, between two and six weeks following installation, reduce water to 1/4 inch every three days for nine days, then 1/2 inch twice in 10 days, then 1 inch of water weekly. Adjust watering as needed to accommodate rainfall or watering restrictions.
Begin mowing when the zoysiagrass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Remove approximately 1/3 of the grass at each mowing and leave the clippings on the grass. Maintain the grass between 1 and 2 inches tall. Korean velvet grass does not need mowing, but if a smooth lawn is your objective, set the mower to at least 1/2 inch.
Fertilize in spring and fall with a 1-2-1 complete fertilizer that provides 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. To promote growth, additional fertilizer may be applied monthly during the growing season, as indicated by the soil test results. Always apply fertilizer to dry grass; then water thoroughly.
- Toro Yardcare.com: Warm-Season Grasses
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Zoysiagrass
- TPI Natural Grass: Grass Varieties
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Zoysiagrass
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns
- WalterReeves.com: Zoysia - Varieties
- Southland Sod Farms: Zoysia Tenuifolia
- WalterReeves.com: Zoysia - Planting Sod
- Zoysia Farms Nursery: Laying Amazoy Zoysia Sod
- National Pesticide Information Center: County Extension Offices
- Evergreen Turf: How Long Does It Take for Sod to Take Root
- National Pesticide Information Center: Glyphosate