Zoysia japonica is the only species that can be established from seed. The authors would like to thank Arthur Bruneau, Henry Wetzel, Daniel Bowman, Richard Cooper, and Cale A. Bigelow for their prior contributions. Broadleaf summer weeds, such as spurge and annual lespedeza, are controlled by using a 3-way, broadleaf weed herbicide. Insect Control:  Cold winter temperatures will usually keep insect problems in zoysiagrass at bay. They make a very dense, wear-resistant lawn but are slow to recover from injury. If the bagger is picking up soil, especially sand, the mower blade may need to be sharpened more often than once per month. Because of this, it will be important to monitor temperatures and apply the needed management practices based on that year’s climate. The improved turf-type zoysiagrass will produce a dense, low growing turf that has a slow lateral growth but normal leaf growth. It is easier to keep out of ornamental beds than bermudagrass. Two applications in the fall, 21 to 28 days apart, is usually sufficient to prevent large patch. Be aware, it could take several months for lime and sulfur applications to begin to affect the soil pH. Vegetative Types. For more information, refer to HGIC 1207, Watering Lawns and HGIC 1225, Conserving Turfgrass Irrigation. This publication printed on: Dec. 22, 2020, Zoysiagrass needs 0.5 to 1 inch of water a week. — Read our Irrigate the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches; this can be determined by probing the soil with a screwdriver or similar tool. Zoysia japonica: This particular species was introduced into the United States in the late 1800’s and is commonly called Japanese or Korean lawngrass. Divide 50 by the first number on the fertilizer bag. Be sure the product you choose is labeled for use on zoysiagrass. Thatch Removal See the section on fertilizer calculations below to determine how much granular fertilizer product should be applied. Soil test every two years. Sharpen blades every spring. Zoysia – General Notes. A soil probe can be used to monitor the soil moisture. They go dormant over winter, return to active growth in spring, and peak in dry, hot summer weather. This publication has been revised from an earlier version. While the differences may be small, they mean the difference between a good-looking lawn and a spectacular lawn. Insect Control See HGIC 1201, Fertilizing Lawns, for more information. MOWING. On sandy soils, zoysiagrass may require up to 1⁄2 inch of water every third day. For more information, refer to HGIC 1204, Lawn Renovation. Nutsedges are controlled by imazaquin, bentazon, or sulfentrazone. With warm temperatures through September and the possibility of excessive rainfall that may occur during that period, diseases can spread rapidly. NEW ZOYSIA MOWING INSTRUCTIONS. This turfgrass species normally produces a hefty thatch layer, so a little thicker thatch than for other turfgrass species is acceptable. * Check Bahia lawns for mole crickets, Zoysia for bill bugs & sod webworm, St. Augustine for cinch bugs & sod webworm, and all lawns for grubs, and apply insecticide if needed. NOTE: Don’t be fooled by competitors offering 8-10 round applications. The need for phosphorus is determined by a soil test. Large patch and dollar spot are fungal disease that will occur during warm, wet weather. If you don’t get enough rain, water your lawn. EMPIRE is an attractive turfgrass for a variety of applications due to its low maintenance … Watering to prevent drought stress can help eliminate turf loss during winter. The leaves of this grass are coarse in texture and are a light green in color. In 3 months, recheck the soil pH to see what change was made. Monitor the lawn on a regular basis to assess the need for irrigation. JUNE * Light fertilizer application if you missed the spring feeding * Iron-only feeding or … Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. Leave nutrient-rich grass clippings on the lawn unless they are unsightly or in clumps. The following management practices will help you care for your lawn throughout the year. This will help to correct problems associated with poor infiltration and drainage. Once the threat for frost has passed, lawn aerification may be combined with dethatching to alleviate any soil compaction problems. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia) is a warm-season grass that spreads by rhizomes and stolons to produce a very dense, wear-resistant turf. Zoysiagrass grows best in full sun or partial shade and is well adapted to the piedmont and coastal plain. Weed Control: A selective, annual grass or broadleaf weed control pre-emergent herbicide that is labelled for use on zoysiagrass and applied during late winter and spring will reduce many weeds the following summer. One, take the height of your Empire down slightly. On sandy soils, zoysiagrass may require up to, Preventive treatments for white grubs can occur in June, when adults are flying and starting to lay eggs. If the turf at the edge of the dying area shows a smoky brown, rotted appearance, it will be necessary to apply a fungicide treatment. Cooperative Extension county center. If large patch disease is a chronic problem, apply a fungicide as a preventive (see Pest Control Recommendations for Professional Turfgrass Managers, AG-408, and Large Patch in Turf). For more information on thatch removal, see HGIC 2360, Controlling Thatch in Lawns. In general, do not apply post-emergent herbicides during the spring green up of the turf. AG-432. Most areas of South Carolina receive enough rainfall during the winter to avoid winter desiccation of lawns. Proper irrigation now will help reduce problems later in the summer. Remove no more than 1/3 total height at one time. Apply a post-emergent herbicide as needed to control existing winter grassy and broadleaf weeds. ZOYSIA MAINTENANCE CALENDAR The following table shows the optimal time period to perform maintenance practices. Keeping your lawn lush and healthy requires attention every month of the year. Clay soils, however, will hold moisture for a longer period. In absence of a soil test, apply 1⁄2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet approximately three weeks after greenup. This will give the number of pounds of fertilizer product to apply to 1000 square feet of turf. ZOYSIAGRASS LAWN CALENDAR B Best Month P Possible Month M Marginal Month Jan . Weed Control If grubs (the white larvae of beetles, such as Japanese beetles) have been a problem in previous years, monitor the grubs by cutting a square foot piece of sod on three sides and peel it back. Curative treatments for white grubs are applied after the larvae have hatched from the egg stage. If you don’t get enough rain, water your lawn. The center of a large area may start to green. This is especially important if warm, bright days preceed days forecasted to be in the low 20’s or lower. Use a lawn mower with a bag attached or hand rake to collect and properly dispose of the turf material pulled up. Vertically mow in June or July as needed using the March through May guidelines. Copyright © 2020 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. Since they are fueled by moisture, it is important to use proper watering practices, as well as providing adequate soil drainage. Zoysiagrasses are low-growing, very slow-growing, sod-forming grasses. Potassium is important for disease resistance and cold weather hardiness. Apply 5 pounds of pelletized sulfur per 1000 square feet of turf. 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. Selective herbicides can also be applied during winter for control of annual bluegrass and other winter annual grassy weeds. Apply nutrients based on soil testing. In the meantime, mow and bag the weeds. Maintenance After your Amazoy zoysia lawn is established it requires very little care and maintenance. The date of initial turf greenup can be quite variable. Consider dethatching zoysiagrass when the thatch layer is greater than 1 inch. 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