How to Grow and Care for Zoysia Grass

When you have an open space outdoors and want it to be aesthetic, adding ornamental grasses is a good option to create a lawn. One type of grass you can use to cover the ground is the Zoysia grass, otherwise known as Korean or Japanese lawn grass. This species is native to Southeast Asia and was introduced to the US in the 20th century.

Zoysia grass spreads over the ground creating a dense mat and almost carpet-like covering on the soil. They are planted in parks, golf courses, and athletic fields because they create a soft turf that makes the ground safer to fall in.

Scientific Name	Zoysia japonica
Common Name	Korean lawn grass, Zoysia grass or Japanese lawn grass
Origin	China, Japan, and other parts of Southeast Asia
Plant Type	Perennial turf grass
Life Cycle	Active growth starts in the warmth of late spring and peaks during hot summer weather
Growth Rate	6 inches a year
Hardiness Zones	USDA Zones 6-11
Humidity Levels	Above 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Soil Type and pH	Slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5
Propagation Methods	Sprigging and Plugging
Toxicity	Safe for children and pets
Mature Size	Up to 4-6 in. tall
Bloom Time	Flower showiness: false

When and How to Grow Zoysia Grass

Growing Zoysia grass is best done using squares or rolls of sod. You can generally buy these sods in garden and landscaping centers. Transplanting them into your open space is much easier work because they’ll grow faster and will be quickly established. The primary care involved is weekly watering in order for the grass to develop a deep root system in its new home.

Timing of planting is essential to ensure that your Zoysia grass will survive and live. If planting in the fall season, plant at least 60 days before the first frost, as your Zoysia grass will be more susceptible to the damage caused by winter. If you can wait until after the final frost, which is mid to late spring, that would be a better time to plant Zoysia grass.

Zoysia Grass Care

Light

In order to make the Zoysia grass grow thick turf, it’s best to grow them in areas with access to the full sun at least six to eight hours a day. Zoysia grass loves sunlight. They will thrive so well if they are exposed to bright and direct light most of the time. Partially shaded areas will allow Zoysia grass to grow, but they won’t develop a dense turf.

Water

Zoysia grass has a drought tolerance capacity. The turf will do well with one inch of watering per week. Make sure to water deeply as this encourages the roots to grow and establish a deep root system.

You can water the lawn using a soaker hose. Do it in the morning so they have enough time to evaporate throughout the day. We don’t want our turf to remain wet until the evening because it may cause them to develop diseases.

Temperature and Humidity

A temperature that’s 27oC (80oF) and above is best for growing Zoysia grass. They love a warm environment. Zoysia grass will tend to go dormant (brown) once the first frost arrives up until the whole winter season is over.

Any humidity will do for your Zoysia grass.

Soil

Any type of soil, from clay to sandy, will be suitable for growing Zoysia grass. However, make sure that the soil is well-draining. You may need to add some soil amendments to achieve a better substrate to grow this turf successfully. Soil pH must be slightly acidic, somewhere between 6.0 to 6.5.

Fertilizing

The key to maintaining a healthy zoysia grass turf is regular feeding. You will need to fertilize the grass every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. It’s best to use slow-release fertilizers because they last longer and offer less chance of burning the grass.

The amount of fertilizer depends on the area occupied by Zoysia grass. You can compute this by multiplying the square footage (area) by 0.5 and then dividing by 100. Use a spreader to apply the fertilizer.

Pro-Tip: Water the grass deeply before and after the application of fertilizer so the nutrients will be well-absorbed by the grass.

Pruning

Compared to other grasses, Zoysia grass can thrive. Hence, they need frequent trimming. You will have to mow your lawn every ten days at least, to remove ⅓ of the grass blade. Set the blade to about 2 to 3 inches so you cut just the right length. Be careful not to scalp your turf.

Propagation and Transplanting

There are two methods to propagate Zoysia grass. These are as follows:

Sprigging and Plugging

You can buy Zoysia sods and cut them into plugs. Plant these plugs in areas that need lawn restoration or in areas that are completely bare of any grass. The best time to plant is around the Spring season.

Seeding

You may also use seeds to grow Zoysia grass. However, this method is a lot of time-consuming and requires more effort. If using seeds, you need to remove the existing vegetation in the area so the Zoysia seeds will have no competition once they grow.

Common Problems With Zoysia Grass

Shallow Rooting

This problem happens once the Zoysia grass is not watered well. It’s crucial to water them deeply so the roots will grow deep, making the grasses more sturdy.

Large Brown Patch

This is a form of fungal disease where the Zoysia grass develops circular, brown patches that may potentially grow and kill the turf.

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