Planting New Zoysia Grass Lawns

STEP 1: Spray existing weeds. The first step in planting a new zoysia grass lawn is to eliminate all weeds from the lawn area. Use a non-selective weed control like Round-Up.

STEP 2: Establish the grade. One of the best ways to guarantee a beautiful zoysia grass lawn is to establish the proper grade before you begin. This is probably more than most of us can afford, but consider it nonetheless. The proper slope has the potential to alleviate drought and poor drainage. It will also be easier to mow. In general, a 2-6% grade is optimal.

STEP 3: Cultivate the soil as deeply as possible if needed. Tilling will promote new weed growth and/or unwanted grass growth. If you do choose to till, you will need to level the ground, water the soil for several weeks and then spray out any weeds and/or grasses before you plant your grass seed. You may even need to spray out more than once so this process could take a month or more. Remember to wait the allotted time after spraying a herbicide before tilling. Begin by raking and removing debris like dead weeds, leaves, and rocks from the area. Next, cultivate the soil with a rear tine rototiller. If you don't have a rototiller, consider renting one from a tool rental store. A rear-tine rototiller does not bounce as much so the till more deeply. Rototill the entire area lengthwise, then again crosswise. Try to work at least 4 to 6 inches of soil into a nice pulverized soil mix. If you prefer not to till you can use a hoe, garden rake or shoves to loosen the soil.

STEP 4: Amend the soil. During home construction, most of the natural humus in the top layer of soil is often scraped away or buried. The remaining soil will be low in organic matter and will be greatly improved if you add humus. Add humus will improve drainage in clay soils and improve water retention in sandy soils. Peat moss, composted bark products, Lazyman gold, and compost are all good choices. Be careful, however, if you use a soil amendment that contains a gel like substance to retain water. These products can cause strange drainage problems.

STEP 5: Lime and fertilizer. A lawn is a big investment and it does not hurt to have the soil pH determined by your County Extension service. Zoysia grass prefers a soil pH 6-7 and your soil test results will recommend the specific amount of lime to add if the pH needs to be raised. Most Southern soils are acidic and will need approximately 50 pounds of pelletized limestone per 1000 square feet. Spread the limestone with a fertilizer spreader, or by hand, and work it into the top lay of soil using a garden rake. At the same time, apply a complete lawn fertilizer that contains slow release nitrogen. A starter fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer like 12-4-8. Fertilizer labeled as "starter fertilizer" are helpful, but not critical. Apply at the rate of 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Work the fertilizer into the top layer of cultivated soil using a garden rake.

STEP 6: Seeding. Apply seed at the recommended seeding rate. We recommend you broadcast or drop spread 1/2 of the seed walking North to South and broadcast or drop spread the other 1/2 of the seed walking East to West. This gives you a nice even spread. You may use a starter fertilizer as per directions on the starter fertilizer package. Be careful not to over fertilize as this can kill the new seedlings when they sprout.

STEP 7: Irrigation during establishment. Water gently with an oscillating type of sprinkler or underground sprinklers if you have them. KEEP SEED MOIST UNTIL GRASS IS ESTABLISHED. Then, decrease water frequency but increase the length of each watering. This helps ensure a deep rooted, vigorous lawn.

STEP 8: Mowing during establishment. Begin mowing your new lawn when it reaches the recommended height. Do no mow lower or higher: both have different negative effects.

STEP 9: Fertilizing during establishment. Fertilize 6 weeks after planting with a complete slow release fertilizer. Apply at the rate of .5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet for the first application. This application will late until you fertilize again in the fall (see "fertilizer").

STEP 10: Weed control during establishment. This should not be a big problem if you were able to take the time before seeding to get weeds under control. Do not spray until you have mowed your lawn 2-3 times. If you have weeds during this time you can hand pull them, paint the weed leaves with a paint brush or try to spot spray those areas but you will also kill some zoysia grass if you do this. Wait until the following gall to begin using pre-emergence weed controls.