Zoysia grass is a great way to improve your lawn’s aesthetic value. But you’re probably asking yourself, “How Fast Does Zoysia Grass Spread?” Whether this is your first garden or you’ve been planting grass for years, this article was made for you.
Throughout this article, we’ll give you insights on how you can plant zoysia grass and tell you its strengths and weaknesses. By the end, you’ll have enough information to determine if zoysia grass is the right look for your backyard.
How Fast Does Zoysia Grass Spread?
On average, it takes around 14-21 days for the grass to spread. Apply the grass on your lawn during the spring or summer seasons for the best results. That way, the rain that occurs throughout these seasons will aid it to grow faster.
Zoysia grass has a slow growth rate, but it creates a carpet of grass underneath your feet. On average, expect the grass to grow at least 1-2 inches a month. Since it takes such a long time to germinate, Zoysia grass is a good choice for those who want a cost-effective option rather than planting sod.
After the Zoysia grass has completed transplanting, they will start to fill during the first year. Make sure that you give the grass an adequate amount of water, and prepare the turf before applying it.
Benefits of Zoysia Grass
Low Maintenance
When applying zoysia grass on your lawn, you can sit back and give it time to grow. If it’s grown in the right conditions. Just make sure to water the grass 3-4 times a week to ensure that it grows properly. Since it requires less water than other grass, you only have to be evenly cut.
If you’re a gardener that doesn’t want to deal with weeds, try using zoysia grass. Because of its density, it can be difficult for weeds to enter the soil.
Sustainable Growth
Another benefit of zoysia grass is that it can continue to grow based on the environment. For example, it is versatile enough to grow in small climates such as California and southern areas within the United States.
Suitable in Warm Weather
Did you know that Zoysia grass tends to grow better in warmer climates? In addition, it can tolerate shade, so you’ll still notice suitable growth. During the winter seasons, it has a slow growth rate. Grass such as the Z. japonica can withstand the northern winters in the U.S. In fact, the grass can remain dormant for up to 6 months.
Disadvantages Of Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass can be difficult to establish if it’s your first time planting grass. While you can plant the grass via seed, the best method is to use plugs or sod. After you’ve created the lawn, mowing it via rotary motor is difficult due to the toughness of the leaves.
Avoid cutting the zoysia grass, or you’ll ruin the motor. Since this grass cuts easily with vertical mowing, you can cut it with a reel mower.
Creates Thatch
When you place the zoysia grass on the ground, it won’t have a green color throughout the year. In the fall, the grass turns brown, remaining dormant until the spring.
Also, zoysia grass is known to cause thatch. Once the thatch is beyond 1 inch, you’ll need to do a method of core aeration and vertical mowing to fix it. Aerify your lawn during the summer to reduce the lawn’s recovery time.
Invasive
Zoysia grass is invasive, meaning that it can spread to your neighbor’s property if left unattended. It can be hard to plant zoysia grass in the soil in midwestern areas because of the cooler soil temperatures.
Sometimes, it can take zoysia grass 2-3 years for it to grow fully and reach your desired density. While it is low-maintenance grass, it might not be the right choice for you if you want quick results.
How Do I Plant Zoysia Grass?
Are you trying to plant your first patch of zoysia grass? Continue reading.
Measure Your Lawn
Getting the proper measurements of your lawn will ensure that the zoysia grass will grow within the confines of your property. By doing so, you can buy the correct amount of fertilizer, topsoil and see what is needed to complete your gardening project.
Test And Improve Your Soil
With zoysia grass, proper testing will ensure that it grows long-term. Zoysia tends to grow in soil with a 6.0-6.5 pH balance. Before adding the grass, create a soil test to make sure the lawn has the right nutrients for seed germination.
After testing the soil, you’ll notice it takes 2 weeks to notice any results. Then, you can add nutrients to the soil that brings it to the recommended pH balance levels.
Spread the Seed
Once you’ve created the seedbed, get a spread to distribute the zoysia grass through the ground. Spreaders help by giving you the proper amount of seed. If you overseed your lawn, it can reduce your germination rates. Avoid placing too little zoysia grass seed, or the grass will become thin.
Moisturize Your Soil
As we stated earlier, it takes 14-21 days for the zoysia grass seeds to germinate fully. During this period, make sure that the soil is moisturized but not soggy. You can go back to a regular watering procedure after the grass is established.
To maintain your lawn’s appearance, keep the zoysia grass low. This is true especially during the spring because the grass will grow quickly. Once you cut the grass often, don’t cut off more than ⅓ of your total blade length.
If you want your grass to remain at 1-inch golf course length, cut off ½ inches a week. That way, the grass can retain its uniform appearance.
Conclusion
To conclude, you have to take care of your zoysia grass so that it grows evenly. You can allow the grass to maintain a reasonable height and density by doing this. Once you’ve seen your lawn become filled with zoysia grass, you can continue to enjoy a beautiful and engaging backyard.
