A lush green lawn is always soothing to eyes and it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the residential or commercial complexes where they are grown. You can find such green patch across the United States. When it comes to the state of Georgia, the Zoysia grass can be seen all around.
Many of us would be aware of the Zoysia grass but for those who are new to this name, let us give you a brief overview about it.
This is a slow-growing grass but its durability and ability to stand through all kind conditions make it one of the most preferred choices. This thickly growing turf grass can be seen spread across many cities in Georgia. This grass is well adapted to the environmental conditions of many cities in Georgia which makes it easy for it to grow and flourish. Coming to its growing anatomy then Zoysia grass expands above the ground as stolon and below the ground, it grows as rhizomes.
Although this grass is thick and gives carpet like appearance but growing it from a nascent stage is a daunting task. You need to take care from the time of laying to mowing it at a regular intervals, all these ensure that the grass gets optimum and favorable condition to grow and flourish. The seed of Zoysia grass is difficult to grow.
The Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass are similar in appearance but the difference between the two can be easily spotted by walking on them, where the Zoysia grass gives a spongy feeling while walking on them, the Bermuda grass is a bit harder.
If you are wanting to grow Zoysia in your lawn, you can get it directly from Southeastern Sod, here we will highlight the key areas which you need to take care while growing them.
This grass is lush green in color.
It gives a spongy feel and a padded appearance.
The grass is called as miracle grass as it changes its color, it looks green in late spring and then its colors to golden brown as the winter approaches.
The recommend mowing height of grass 1.5 inches.
Well, if you have thought of laying Zoysia grass sod in your lawn or garden, the best time is the early summer. Lay the Zoysia sod on the land by digging the soil deep and adding lime and fertilizer to make the land fertile and favorable to grow the grass.
While laying the sod, you must take care that sod pieces are placed tightly together (in the bricklayer pattern). When you have laid all the sod down, roll it again such that its roots are placed together. Make sure that the roots are placed closely to the soil.
Once you have successfully laid the sod of Zoysia grass, the next step is taking care of it so that it grows well. Apart from giving it an optimum growing condition, you need to fill in the regular supply of fertilizers which can enhance its growth. But this doesn’t mean that the fertilizer has to be oversupplied. Zoysia grass doesn’t need too much fertilizer for growth. If too much fertilizer is added, it can form a layer of thatch under the grass. Hence, it's advisable that the fertilizer is sprayed in spring and the process is repeated in mid-summer. Any fertilizer which slowly releases nitrogen is good for the growth of Zoysia grass.
Now that the grass has successfully been laid, it is the time to wait for the grass to flourish and spread across. The Zoysia grass needs maintenance and care and the following tips will help you do that:
You should keep the height of the grass limited, mow it when it is tall (2inches or 5centimeter).
You should use sharp blade mower.
Make use of rotary mower.
Although Zoysia grass doesn't need too much water, yet you need to regularly supply water but avoid fixed irrigation timer settings.
The right amount of water which Zoysia grass needs to grow is 1 inch per week. If the area receives good rainfall, watering this grass additionally is not required, but in the case of shortage of rainfall, ensure that enough water is supplied to the Zoysia grass.
Apart from this, care must be taken for the thatch. Zoysia grass tends to develop thick patch if it is oversupplied with water or nitrogen and hence, it is advisable to take care while watering and adding fertilizer to it.
In case you encounter thatch in Zoysia grass, it should be removed mechanically if you want to have unified appearance of the grass across the spread. Vertical mowers are the best when it comes to thatch removal. Scalping after spring can also help in curtailing the growth of thatch. But, the best way is to nip the problem in the bud and hence, it is advisable that the area is not over-fertilized and the supply is kept under the prescribed limit.
Healthy growth of the plant and the grass is attained only when the field is free of pests and weed. These can adversely affect the growth of the plant and it is quite true for the case of Zoysia grass. Make sure that there are no pests and the weed is regularly removed.
The key factors that should be taken into consideration before and after paying the sod. Here is a quick throwback at what has been discussed above:
Placing the sod tightly and in close touch with the soil
Watering the grass and keeping the supply restricted to 1 inch.
Not allowing the grass to grow more than 2 inches
Regular mowing of the grass with the rotary mower.
The addition of fertilizer which can supply nitrogen but not more than 15 lbs per 1000 sq. ft.
Removal of thatch with vertical mower
Control of pests, weeds, and nematodes
Hope this article was helpful and the next time you plan to lay the Zoysia grass in your lawn or garden, you will be able to do it successfully.
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