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Zoysia Grass

Zoysia Grass in Louisiana

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Zoysia grass is a perennial warm-season turfgrass commonly grown in Louisiana. It has recently grown in popularity because of its durability, low mowing requirements and its lush dark-green color. It grows well in warm, sunny areas and can tolerate partial shade. Compared to other turfgrasses, zoysia grass also has a high tolerance for cold temperatures. There are several course- and fine-textured species and cultivars available.

Identification​

Zoysia grass is a medium-to-fine-textured turfgrass that feels stiff to the touch. It has dark green, narrow leaves that are sharply pointed or tapered at the tip. Leaf-blade widths can be wide or narrow depending on the particular species. It produces a singular seed head that is red-to-purple in color with small white flowers. Zoysia grass produces stolons (aboveground stems) and rhizomes (underground stems), both of which allow it to spread laterally. It has a thick, dense growth habit.

Growing Conditions

Soil Type: Grows in a range of soil types and can tolerate dry soils better than other common turfgrasses.

Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic (< pH 7) soils, with the ideal pH between 6 and 7. Always follow soil test recommendations to achieve desired soil pH.

Light: Grows in full-sun areas but can also tolerate partial shade.

Growth Rate: Spreads slowly via stolons and rhizomes.
 
Maintenance Requirements

Mowing and Traffic: Mow at 1 to 2 inches routinely during the growing season. Coarse-bladed zoysia grass needs to be mowed higher, while narrow-leafed zoysia grass can tolerate lower mowing heights. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade height at one mowing. Mowing at the appropriate height is key in preventing scalping and reducing weed encroachment. Zoysia grass has a high tolerance for wear and traffic but recovers slowly.

Fertilization: Fertilize with up to 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Fertilizer should be applied from midspring to midsummer. Never apply more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application. Follow soil test recommendations for proper fertility.

Irrigation: Naturally occurring rainfall may provide sufficient water for maintaining a healthy turfgrass in normal years, but irrigation may need to be applied to prevent plant water stress during drought periods.

Dethatching & Aeration: Thatch can develop over time, especially in zoysia grass, and may need to be reduced through vertical mowing. Compaction can form more quickly on finer-textured soils and in areas where there is high traffic. Dethatching or aeration need to be performed in late spring to summer when the turfgrass is actively growing.

Establishment Methods
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Establishing zoysia grass in the lawn can be achieved via seeds or sod. Zoysia grass is most commonly established via sodding.

Seed: Select and purchase your desired seed and follow the manufacturer’s labeled directions for the rate of seed per area. Rake seeds into a smooth soil surface and keep watered until germination and throughout establishment.

Plugs: Purchase plugs or create plugs from sod and plant each piece about 1 foot apart. Irrigate, fertilize and apply weed control as necessary until established.

Sod: Purchase sod and lay it on a smooth soil surface. Irrigate frequently after laying sod and continue to irrigate as needed until sod roots are established.

Zoysia Sod in Louisiana

Arena Grass Farms     1 (888) 788-1448     682 Maraist Rd, Crowley, LA 70526
  • Home
  • Products
    • Bermuda
    • Centipede
    • Zoysia
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  • Services
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  • About
  • Contact