A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES Zoysiagrass ANR-1129

oysiagrasses Disadvantages requirements, the need for fre- quent , and possible ( spp.) of Zoysiagrass damage caused by nematodes, are native to the Zoysiagrasses, like all turf- billbugs, and diseases. For maximum beauty, mow zoysia- Orient. They pro- grasses, have their advantages and disadvantages. One char- grasses using a reel mower. Zvide attractive lawns through- acteristic of zoysiagrasses fits out the and per- both of these categories—its Zoysiagrass slow growth habit. Due to the haps the most beautiful fact that zoysiagrasses have Varieties lawngrasses in the South. such a slow growth rate, they There are several species The density and uniformity of require 2 to 3 years to fully and of zoysiagrasses cover a if established used for home lawns, includ- zoysiagrass lawns are second from vegetative plugs. As a ing Japanese or Korean to none. However, these turf- rule of thumb, zoysiagrasses Lawngrass, Meyer zoysiagrass, spread about 6 inches a year. grasses require a fairly high Matrella zoysiagrass or Zoysiagrass also recovers slow- Manilagrass, Mascarenegrass, level of maintenance to ly from damage and/or wear Emerald zoysiagrass, Belaire achieve this beauty. due to its slow growth habit. zoysiagrass, El Toro zoysia- The improved cultivars of grass, and Cashmere zoysia- zoysiagrass need to be estab- grass. These species and culti- Advantages of lished by vegetative means; vars vary greatly in their Zoysiagrass however, there are some re- appearance, color, growth Zoysiagrasses are adapted search efforts to produce zoy- rate, and texture. to a wide range of and siagrass cultivars that can be climatic conditions and can established from seed. Several Japanese or Korean be grown throughout the state seeded sources of Zoysia Lawngrass (Zoysia of Alabama. These turfgrasses japonica are being evaluated japonica) have good tolerance to cold and may become commercially available in the future. This species of zoysiagrass temperature, shade, and salt has a very coarse texture like All zoysiagrasses form a spray. Once established, tall fescue; it is hairy, has a heavy thatch layer over time zoysiagrasses provide ex- light green color, a relatively and require regular mainte- tremely dense, slow-growing faster growth rate than other that will reduceARCHIVE weed es- nance such as dethatching to zoysiagrass species, and ex- prevent this from becoming a tablishment and competition. cellent cold tolerance. How- problem. If thatch accumula- Because zoysiagrasses grow ever, this species of zoysia- tion is not managed, the lawn slowly, they require less-fre- grass does not make as good will probably require renova- quent mowing than other turf- a lawn as other improved cul- tion after a length of time. grasses require. Zoysiagrasses tivars and species make. Other disadvantages of the can be grown in full sun to Although Japanese Lawn- zoysiagrasses are high fertility partial shade. grass is the only species of

Visit our Web site at: www.acesag.auburn.edu zoysiagrass that can be estab- Matrella Zoysiagrass or Emerald Zoysiagrass lished from seeds, it is likely Manilagrass (Zoysia Emerald zoysiagrass is a hy- to be damaged by the hunting matrella) brid between billbug and nematodes. and Zoysia tenuifolia and was Therefore, this turfgrass is rec- Manilagrass resembles ber- mudagrass in color, texture, released in 1955. This hybrid ommended for home lawns zoysiagrass combines the cold where convenience of estab- and quality and is recom- mended for a high-quality, tolerance, color, and faster lishment from seeds is more growth rate of one parent important than quality. high-maintenance lawn where a slow rate of establishment is with the fine texture and den- not a disadvantage. This sity of the other parent. Meyer Zoysiagrass Emerald zoysiagrass resem- (Zoysia japonica species of zoysiagrass was in- troduced from and pro- bles Zoysia matrella in color, ‘Meyer’) duces a finer and denser lawn density, and texture but Meyer zoysiagrass was test- than Zoysia japonica cultivars, grows faster and has a wider ed and developed under the but it has less cold tolerance. adaptation. Emerald zoysia- name Z-52 and is sometimes Zoysia matrella appears to be grass characteristics include referred to as either Z-52 or highly susceptible to damage very fine texture, good Amazoy. Meyer is an im- caused by nematodes. cold tolerance, good shade tolerance, good wear resis- proved selection of Zoysia A selection of Zoysia ma- tance, and dark green color, japonica and was released in trella, tested as FC 13521, was but it lacks the cold tolerance 1951. It has a dark green released by the Alabama Agri- of Meyer zoysiagrass. Emerald color, medium leaf texture, cultural Experiment Station at zoysiagrass is highly recom- and is the most cold tolerant Auburn University and is now mended for high-quality of the zoysiagrasses; however, commonly known as Matrella lawns where time and money it is less shade tolerant than zoysiagrass. Matrella has a allow for an adequate mainte- Emerald zoysiagrass is. The finer leaf texture and is more nance program. Emerald may leaf size is intermediate in shade tolerant than Meyer be the most beautiful of the width between that of Korean zoysiagrass but is less shade zoysiagrasses, but it also is Lawngrass and Emerald zoy- tolerant than Emerald zoysia- subject to thatch accumulation siagrass. grass. Meyer can be established and “puffiness” and is suscep- by either plugs, sprigs, or sod tible to brown patch, dollar Mascarenegrass spot, and leaf spot diseases. and makes an excellent lawn (Zoysia tenuifolia) once established. This of zoysiagrass is the earliest to This species of zoysiagrass Belaire Zoysiagrass green up in the spring and is the finest-textured zoysia- Belaire is an improved se- the last to go dormant or turn grass available. It has good lection of Zoysia japonica de- brown in the fall. wear tolerance but develops veloped in Maryland and re- excessive thatch, giving it a leased by the USDA in 1985. “puffy” appearance. It also is It is noted for its excellent the least cold-tolerant zoysia- cold tolerance and medium grass; therefore, it is best green color. Belaire has an adapted to the central and open growth habit, and it has ARCHIVEsouthern areas of the state. a coarser leaf texture and faster growth rate than Meyer zoysiagrass has. This cultivar is susceptible to brown patch disease.

2 El Toro Zoysiagrass Establishing is not a concern. Sod areas El Toro zoysiagrass is an that are severely sloped to improved selection of Zoysia Zoysiagrasses prevent soil . Lay the japonica released in 1986 Zoysiagrasses are primarily sod horizontally across the from California. It resembles established by vegetative sloped areas, and alternate Meyer zoysiagrass in appear- propagation, with the excep- the seams of the sod like ance but has a faster growth tion of Zoysia japonica, bricks to ensure stability. For rate, improved color in cooler which can be established best results, ensure that the temperatures, and less thatch from seeds. Successful estab- zoysiagrass sod is of good accumulation. El Toro also lishment is highly dependent quality, free of weeds, has early spring greenup like on the proper preparation of watered immediately after in- Meyer zoysiagrass and has the soil and seedbed. Remove stallation, and rolled to pro- been reported to have im- all construction debris, rocks, vide a uniform lawn. Water proved resistance to the rust stumps, brush, and other un- the newly installed sod until diseases. desired vegetation before the turfgrass has become grading the lawn site. If nec- rooted into the soil and Cashmere Zoysiagrass essary, remove the lower established. limbs of trees to allow better Pursley Turf in Florida re- sunlight penetration and Plugging leased Cashmere zoysiagrass make soil preparation and fu- Plugging is the most com- in 1988. This cultivar of zoysi- ture mowing easier. Ensure agrass resembles Emerald mon method of zoysiagrass that the lawn slopes away establishment. Rectangular or zoysiagrass in color, density, from the house for better and leaf texture, but it does circular plugs of zoysiagrass drainage. After establishing are cut from sod and placed not exhibit the stiff, bristlelike the final grade, take soil sam- feel of Emerald. The degree into holes of the same size. ples to determine the soil pH Because of the slow growth of cold tolerance and shade and fertility levels. The soil tolerance is not fully known; rate of zoysiagrasses, the test results will provide the in- plugs are usually planted on therefore, it is recommended formation needed to deter- that Cashmere be grown in 6- to 8-inch centers. This mine how much lime and/or means that plugs are planted the central and southern areas fertilizer will be needed. of the state. Pursley Turf rec- every 6 inches in a row and Vegetative propagation is ommends that this cultivar be the rows are spaced 6 inches simply the transplanting of grown in soil containing , apart. The distance between large or small pieces of the shell, rock, marl, or . plugs can vary; however, turfgrass. The three basic even with 6-inch spacing, it methods of vegetative propa- will take at least 1 year for the gation or planting of the lawn to “grow in” and have zoysiagrasses are sodding, complete coverage. If 2-inch- plugging, and sprigging. The square plugs are planted on best time of the year to estab- 6-inch centers, about 100 to lish or zoysiagrasses is 150 square feet of zoysiagrass from April to July. sod will be needed for every 1,000 square feet of lawn area ARCHIVESodding to be planted. Plugs must be The establishment of zoysi- in firm contact with the soil to agrasses by sodding is a com- ensure their survival. This can mon method and produces be accomplished by tamping the so-called “instant” lawn. the plugs or stepping on Sodding is recommended them. Keep the soil moist where immediate ground until the turfgrass has become cover is needed and expense well rooted in the soil.

3 Sprigging initiated new growth and the 10-10-10 at least three times The planting of zoysiagrass- lawn is completely covered. a year in April, June, and es by sprigs is a laborious August (see Table 1). method of establishment if Maintaining Potassium helps turfgrasses done by hand. Sprigging ma- survive stress. Zoysiagrasses chines exist but may not be Zoysiagrasses growing on sandy may available. The most likely For the first 2 weeks after need 1 pound of potassium sources of mechanical sprig- establishment, water the per 1,000 square feet of lawn gers are rental stores, land- zoysiagrass lightly every day area per year. September is a scape contractors, and sod in the absence of rainfall to good time to apply potassium producers. ensure the survival of the turf- to improve winter survival and cold tolerance. A fertilizer Plant fresh, vigorously grass . After the first 2 weeks, the frequency of wa- such as a 16-0-44, 15-0-15, 10- growing sprigs (runners) that 20-20, or 0-24-24 can be used have at least two to four tering can be reduced. It is recommended to water less for this fall application of nodes (joints) in rows that are potassium. 6 inches apart. Plant the frequently but apply more sprigs no more than 6 inches water at one time to saturate To produce a high-quality, apart in the row, and cover the soil to promote deeper dark green zoysiagrass lawn, them to a depth of 1 to 2 rooting of the newly estab- it is recommended to apply inches, leaving a portion of lished turfgrass. between 6 to 8 pounds of ac- each sprig exposed above the tual nitrogen per 1,000 square ground. This will require be- Fertilizing feet of zoysiagrass lawn per tween 8 to 15 square feet of year. Apply a complete fertil- To look their best, zoysia- izer such as 16-4-8, 13-13-13, zoysiagrass sod per 1,000 grasses require frequent fertil- square feet area of lawn to be or 10-10-10 once a month ization. Periodic soil testing starting in April through sprigged or 5 to 10 bushels of should be conducted every sprigs if available. September. As with the mini- 2 to 3 years as the basis for mum maintenance program, Sprigs can be broadcast-ap- major applications of lime and apply potassium in the fall to plied to the soil surface by fertilization. This will help improve the winter survival hand shaking and then “cut” maintain the proper soil pH and cold tolerance of zoysia- in using a small disc harrow between the desired range of grasses. to place the sprigs in a fur- 6.0 to 6.5 and keep the nitro- row. Apply a light topdressing gen, phosphorous, and potas- of soil and/or sand over the sium levels at recommended Mowing sprigs to ensure good soil levels. If zoysiagrasses are fertil- contact. A roller can also be For minimum maintenance, ized as recommended, they used to press the sprigs into it is recommended to apply will require frequent mowing the soil to ensure good soil between 2 to 4 pounds of ac- (probably weekly) during the contact. After sprigging, roll tual nitrogen per 1,000 square optimum growing months of and water the lawn as recom- feet of zoysiagrass lawn per the summer to look their best. mended for plugging. Be sure year. To accomplish this, Zoysiagrasses provide their to keep the soil moist until apply a complete fertilizer best appearance and quality 1 the turfgrass sprigs haveARCHIVEsuch as 16-4-8, 13-13-13, or when mowed to between ⁄2 Table 1. Suggested Fertilization Schedule for Zoysiagrass Lawns Desired Quality Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Minimum Maintenance C1 CK2 Highest Quality C1 CCCCC, K2 1Complete fertilizer (C) applied at 1 pound of nitrogen pr 1,000 square feet 2Potassium-containing fertilizer (K) applied at 1 pound of potassium per 1,000 square feet

4 Table 2. Optimum Mowing Heights and Mowing Frequency of Controlling Thatch Zoysiagrass Species and Cultivars Zoysiagrasses typically de- Mowing Height (inches) velop a layer of organic mate- Zoysiagrass Species Mowing rial called thatch between the or Cultivar Minimum Optimum Maximum Frequency green of the turfgrass (days) and the soil surface. Thatch Zoysia japonica 2 2 3 7–10 1 accumulates over time if not Meyer zoysiagrass 1 1 ⁄2 2 10–14 controlled and can harbor in- Matrella zoysiagrass 1⁄2 1 1 10–14 sects and disease-causing or- Zoysia tenuifolia 1⁄2 3⁄4 1 10–14 Emerald zoysiagrass 1⁄2 1 1 10–14 ganisms. If thatch is allowed Belaire zoysiagrass 1 11⁄2 2 7–10 to accumulate to a thickness 3 El Toro zoysiagrass 1 11⁄2 2 7–10 greater than ⁄4 inch, it can Cashmere zoysiagrass 1⁄2 3⁄4 1 10–14 also create a barrier to air and water movement and raise the and 1 inch in height (Table 2). Watering or Irrigating living turfgrass plant away A reel mower is recommend- from the soil. Check the thick- Zoysiagrasses require water- ness of the thatch layer in ed for the highest-quality ap- ing or irrigating, especially if pearance. Clippings do not September or October by cut- parasitized by nematodes, ting a small triangle or square need to be collected if the fer- which greatly restrict the tilization schedule is less than in the turfgrass, using a knife system. During prolonged or shovel. Remove this “plug,” 4 pounds of nitrogen per , it may be necessary 1,000 square feet of lawn per and look at the soil under the to water or irrigate zoysia- green turfgrass plants. The year. If the fertilization rate grasses every other day during exceeds 4 pounds of nitrogen thatch layer will be brown to the summer months. Irrigation black in color and have a dif- per 1,000 square feet of lawn on an as-needed basis is an per year, collect the clippings ferent appearance from the excellent way to schedule wa- native soil beneath. If the to reduce the potential for tering of any turfgrass, as long thatch accumulation. thatch layer exceeds 3⁄4 inch as the proper amount of water in thickness, you need to me- is applied when needed, not chanically dethatch the lawn at a later or more convenient in the spring, anytime from time. When using this ap- April through August. How- proach, water at the first sign ever, you should not dethatch of stress or wilt, and 3 until the turfgrass has com- apply at least ⁄4 inch of water pleted greenup after winter (465 gallons of water per dormancy and begun to initi- 1,000 square feet) per irriga- ate good spring growth. You tion. Water or irrigate early in can use core aerifiers, aera- the morning while dew is still tors, vertical mowers, power on the turfgrass plants. rakes, or spring attachments for mowers to remove thatch. Apply a light application of lime (10 pounds per 1,000 ARCHIVEsquare feet) after dethatching to help the remaining thatch decay. You can control thatch by using routine core aerifica- tion followed by a light top- dressing of soil and/or sand.

5 Controlling Pests Disease Pests Weed Pests Several insects, diseases, Disease problems of zoysia- Properly maintained zoysia- and nematodes trouble zoy- grasses include brown patch, grasses typically do not have siagrasses. You will have to dollar spot, and rust. Proper many weeds because the turf- control one or more of these fertilization and watering nor- grass is so dense and natural- pests periodically in order to mally suppress these disease ly prevents weeds from estab- grow a high-quality zoysia- pests. lishing. However, if the zoy- grass lawn. siagrass has become thin or Nematode Pests injured from excessive traffic Insect Pests Probably the most serious or wear, crabgrass and other weeds may become estab- The most serious insect pests on zoysiagrasses are ne- matodes. These microscopic, lished. Apply preemergence pest on zoysiagrasses is the herbicides in the early spring hunting billbug. Billbugs de- soilborne “worms” attack the of the zoysiagrass plants (February and March) before stroy and feed on the roots, crabgrass and other annual and subsequently, the zoysia- and if not controlled can com- pletely kill the entire zoysia- weeds germinate. Apply these grass plants die in irregular herbicides after any dethatch- patches. You may have peri- grass lawn. Once nematodes have been identified as a seri- ing operations to ensure their odically use an insecticide effectiveness. Always read labeled for billbug control. ous problem, you have sever- al options for treating them— and follow the label direc- Lawn caterpillars may also tions of herbicides before ap- damage zoysiagrasses. ignore the problem, change the maintenance practices and plying them. hope to live with the prob- lem, remove the existing turf- grass, or treat the lawn with a nematicide.

ARCHIVE Jeff Higgins, Turfgrass Specialist, Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone di- rectory under your county’s name to find the number. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ANR-1129 sex, age, veteran status, or disability. UPS, 18M12, New Sept 1998, ANR-1129 ARCHIVE ARCHIVE