Understanding Zoysia Grass
What Makes Zoysia Grass Special?
Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf grass known for its fine texture, heat tolerance, and its ability to stand up to heavy foot traffic. Native to Asia, it’s gained popularity in the United States for its lush look and resistance to drought. Because, unlike most grasses, Zoysia loves tough conditions.
It is the unique ability of Zoysia to form a tight, carpet-like lawn that chokes out virtually all weeds. Less chemical lawn care, more eco-friendly lawn care. It’s also especially well-regarded for how it manages to accommodate a variety of soil types — whether you’re working with sandy loam or slightly clay-heavy soil. It takes a while to get established, but it’s worth being patient for its beauty and ruggedness.
Types of Zoysia Grass: Which Is The Best One For Your Lawn?
The most common varieties of Zoysia grass are: St. Augustine and Bermuda.
- Zenith Zoysia: Another fan favorite. It’s seed-friendly, and comes as sod, so it is really versatile for homeowners. The texture is medium, and the vibrant green color pops all season.
- Meyer Zoysia: A hybrid that is tough as nails, and a little more cold-hardy. It’s got a good texture and a nice color.
- Emerald Zoysia: With its rich dark green color and fine texture, Emerald is a sight to behold, but slightly higher in maintenance.
If you are buying sod, companies like Patten Seed sell top-quality Zenith Zoysia, good for sun and light shade. The best variety for you will depend on your local climate, amount of sunlight and amount of use your lawn will get.
Advantages of Zoysia Sod Compared to Seeding
Though seeding is generally less expensive initially, sodding Zoysia starts you way ahead. Sod takes hold quicker, prevents erosion and provides that “instant lawn” appearance that seeding can’t match. Sod, however, also shortens the window of opportunity for weeds.
And sod usually needs a lot less babying in its early days. Watering and fertilizing still count, but you’ve got a mature product that’s already established — as opposed to small seeds that might get washed away, eaten by birds or creatures or just not germinate at all.
If time, look, reliability are at in The Top, you will want to go with Zoysia sod.
When and Where to Install Zoysia Grass
The Best Time of Year to Lay Zoysia Sod
When it comes to sod installation, timing is key. Plant St. Augustine in late spring to early summer when soil is warm and Zoysia sod when you want grass to grow best, but grass is a different type than that used here in mid Georgia. You’ll be wanting a stretch of days that will bring you daytime temperatures in the 70s or higher and soil you won’t sink into from the wetness of the spring rainstorms.
Never plant in late fall or winter. Zoysia goes dormant in cold weather, and so it won’t root well until the following spring. That delay can make it susceptible to disease, weeds, even death.
Pro tip: Pay attention to your local weather for a run of warm, dry days ahead. That’s your green light to roll out the green carpet.
Will Zoysia Grow in Shade?
Zoysia actually doesn’t love shade, but it’s more tolerant than some other warm-season grasses. It can tolerate partial shade — 4 to 6 hours of sun per day, say — but it really does best in full sun.Varieties like Zenith Zoysia are a little more shade-tolerant than others, so they tend to be a better choice for yards that have dappled sunlight or infrequent tree shading.
If you have a mostly shady lawn, Zoysia probably isn’t for you. But you might also be able to have your cake and eat it, too, by strategically trimming trees, or by only planting sod in the sunnier areas of your yard.
How Much Sun Can Zoysia Grass Take?
Zoysia adores the sun In fact, it requires a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Less than that and the grass may thin out and turn pale and be more susceptible to disease. The way I think about it is that it’s like a solar panel — it does well when it’s basking in the rays.
For partly shaded locations, try Zenith Zoysia from the Patten Seed Company. It's one of the few cultivars bred to perform better in lower light, but it definitely still won't take full shade.
You can also maximize sun exposure by pruning trees around the area, or removing large shrubs that block light. It’s all about maximizing photosynthesis so your lawn looks great.
Preparing the ground for Zoysia sod
Assess and Test Your Soil
Before you roll out a single square of zoysia sod, you need to know what’s going on underneath. Step one is soil testing — don’t skip it. Purchase a soil test kit from your local garden center, or send a sample from your plot off to your county extension office. You will get a read on the pH levels, nutrient content and texture of the soil. Why does this matter? As Zoysia grass grows best in a well-drained slightly acidic to neutral soil of between 6.0 and 7.0 pH levels.
If yours is too acid (under 6.0), lime it up. Too alkaline? Sulfur might be your fix. Also, look for compaction if water simply sits on the surface of the soil rather than soaking in; your soil could be too tight. If so, aerate before you lay sod. This prep aids roots to plunge deep and push hard.
Pay attention to drainage, however. Zoysia hates "wet feet." If you have a yard that holds water, you may also need some type of drainage system installed or low areas built up to prevent root rot.
Weeding Old Grass and Weeds
Zoysia sod likes a fresh start. And that includes spending an afternoon removing all the grass, weeds, and debris. Begin two weeks before the sod is installed with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate. It kills anything green, right down to the root. And after 7 to 10 days, you’ll get a sense of what’s still alive. Repeat stubborn spots as necessary.
Cut or dig the blackened vegetation out with a sod cutter or a shovel when it has died. You don’t want to lay sod over dead grass — it will inhibit rooting, and can create fungal issues. Rake or drag the leftover detritus and once you have it raked up get the yard level.
This is super important if you’re replacing a weedy lawn. Any weeds that are left will grow right through your new sod. Believe me, you do not want to be weeding two weeks after you shelled out good money for new grass.
Leveling and Grading the Yard Section
A nice even, well-graded surface is essential to good sod and easy mowing. After stripping out old turf, use a rake to break up soil clumps and even out lumps. If needed, provide extra topsoil or compost in low spots to gently slope away from buildings. This helps avoid standing water and promotes good drainage.
You want the final grade to be roughly 1 inch below sidewalks and driveways so the sod is not above and not below the pavement and is even with it once it’s installed. Roll or compact the area to firm the soil. Soft ground may cause the sod to sink, or shift and create uneven patches.
If your lawn is riddled with a lot of dips, dents or you’re dealing with clay-heavy soil, consider consulting a professional to aid in proper grading. A level lawn not only looks better, but also allows your Zoysia to get established more evenly and be more resistant to soil erosion.
Feeding and Preparing Your Soil
Applying Weed and Feed on Zoysia Grass
I get this question multiple times a day and homeowners want to know if people can put down weed and feed right before laying Zoysia sod. The short answer? Not yet. You have to wait until your sod has taken hold before using any kind of weed and feed generally you want to wait about 6 to 8 weeks in order for your sod to be well established. That being said, it’s a great addition for long-term maintenance once the grass is established.
When you’re ready, search for a product that’s approved for Zoysia grass. The “weed” part is aimed at broadleaf invaders; the “feed” is to nourish your lawn. Just be careful not to overdo it Zoysia doesn’t like to be overfed. Twice a year, once in spring and again in midsummer, is usually plenty for a healthy lawn.
For the first few weeks, until your sod is established, opt for a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus. This encourages the roots to snuggle into their new place and grow quickly. There are Zoysia-specific fertilizers made for this stage available on brands such as Patten Seed.
Best Soil Amendments for Zoysia Grass
And don’t worry if your soil isn’t perfect — you can make it work. Compost is an excellent, all-purpose soil conditioner. It enhances soil structure, drainage, and supplies slow-release nutrients. For sandy soils, blend in compost to hold water. Or, if you have heavy clay, use gypsum to help with aeration.
Incorporating a 1–2 inch layer of this organic topsoil at least 4–6 inches deep in your native soil will produce your Zoysia a strong base. (Or peat moss, worm castings or well-rotted manure, if you’re going organic.)
Reminder: it’s not about piling things on, it’s about fostering an atmosphere. A well-conditioned soil promotes strong roots, resists disease and decreases the frequency you need to water and fertilize.
Zoysia Soil pH and Nutrient Balance
The soil pH “sweet spot” for Zoysia ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. Adjust if your test results are outside that range. Lime increases pH, sulfur decreases it. Apply these amendments based on your soil test findings—not a hunch.
The big three nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. For new sod, a starter fertilizer with a 1-2-1 NPK ratio is great — like 10-20-10. This is because it treats roots to what they need without encouraging the top growth to get ahead of itself.
Micronutrients such as iron and magnesium are important, too, especially if your grass begins to yellow despite adequate water and feeding. Products such as Milorganite or Ironite can help restore that deep green color.
Laying the Zoysia Sod
Purchasing Sod from Patten Seed Company (Zenith Zoysia)
When it comes to quality sod, the source is a big deal. Patten Seed Company is known for its high quality Zoysia, in particular Zenith Zoysia. It is one of the few Zoysia types that is available as both seed and sod, allowing you to choose based on your schedule, budget, and lawn objectives.
Zenith Zoysia is popular for a reason. It’s dense, soft underfoot and very heat-tolerant. It is one of the varieties that grow upward a little more quickly than certain other Zoysia species, so it rebounds faster from foot traffic and fills in barespots sooner.
Just be sure to measure your square footage correctly when you order. Sod comes in rolls or slabs, and is sold by the pallet. Each pallet of Zenith Zoysia will cover approximately 450-500 Square Feet. And don’t forget to inquire about delivery charges and sod freshness — fresh-cut sod needs to be laid in 24 hours to be at its peak.
How to Install Zoysia Sod Properly
Now, for the fun part—laying your new lawn! Begin by wetting the soil you put together. Not soggy, but damp, like a wrung-out sponge. Start by laying sod along the longest straight edge (such as along a driveway or sidewalk) to keep your lines straight.
Lay the sod in a brickwork pattern, alternating seams so that you don’t end up with long seams. Seal the edges of each piece tightly with one another, without overlapping. Trim the sod to fit around curves, trees and obstacles with a sharp knife.
After the sod is laid, use a sod roller on it. This step is big — it tamps the roots into the soil for better contact and removes air pockets, which can lead to drying or uneven growth.
After planting, water well. The soil underneath the sod should be wet down to 3–4 inches. And sure, your water bill may jump for a few weeks — but it’s worth every penny to have that vivid, green appearance locked in.
Watering New Sod: First Few Weeks
Zoysia might be drought-resistant once it gets going, but new sod is super thirsty. The initial 10–14 days are crucial. Watering in the morning until the top 2–3 inches of soil remain consistently moist. If the day is hot and sunny, you may need to water again in the afternoon.
Taper down after two weeks. Switch to every other day for two weeks, then twice a week. Water early in the day, and avoid to encourage evaporation and disease.
Check for signs of dehydration — curled blades, dry regions, gray patches. These are cries for help. Too much water, on the other hand, can lead to root rot or fungal diseases, particularly in areas of high humidity. Balance is key.
Post-Installation Lawn Care
Mowing Tips for New Zoysia Sod
Wait to mow until your sod is well-established (after 2–3 weeks). You’ll know they are ready when you can’t lift a corner very easily. When the time comes, be sure your mower blade is scalpel sharp. Dull blades rip grass rather than slicing it cleanly, putting your young turf through more stress than it deserves.
Adjust your mowing height for Zoysia to 1.5 to 2 inches. You should only mow off about one-third of the grass length at any one mowing. It’s better to wait until the lawn is an inch taller than that before cutting it again — cutting it too short too early can damage the grass and stunt growth.
Watch out for needled mower clippings. If they’re piling or sticking together, rake them off so they don’t smother the lawn. A flourishing Zoysia lawn will eventually fill in with a grassy area that resembles a clean, green carpet, and frequent mowing will preserve that tidy look.
Watering and Feeding Schedule
Zoysia itself, once established, requires little water. The total water goal is deep, infrequent watering — around 1 inch of water per week, including some rain. Water early in the morning to prevent disease and enable moisture to get to the deep roots.
For fertilizing, go easy. Zoysia will not require a lot of nitrogen. In reality, too much is as bad as too little, and can result in thatch and disease. Apply a timed-release nitrogen fertilizer 2–3 times a year Once late in Spring when your grass is greening up Midsummer (not necessary for zoysia) and an optional application in early September.
Avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Look for balanced formula or those developed for Zoysia. And, as always, adhere to the instructions on the product — where more is not better.
How to Get Zoysia Grass to Spread
Rhizomes and stolons are the two ways zoysia grass spreads. To promote spreading out, here’s what you should do:
- Keep mowing often: Mowing to lateral growth.
- Aerate your lawn: This loosens the soil and allows stolons and rhizomes to run freely.
- Fertilize moderately: You can push it a bit with a light application of balanced fertilizer.
- Deep water infrequently: Causes deeper root growth and lateral growth.
She quotes one of her colleagues as advising that if you have a patch here and there, you can sprinkle seeds for small areas, and if you’ve got bare patches, plug planting (cutting pieces from healthy areas and planting them in bare areas) works well for Zoysia. You can also plant Zenith Zoysia seed over as a form of overseeding
Troubleshooting and Lawn care
Common Zoysia Problems and Fixes
Even though Zoysia is tough, it’s not bulletproof. One frequent problem is thatch — a dense layer of dead grass and roots that accumulates between the soil and the living grass above it. It suffocates the lawn and attracts pests. Dethatch annually if it accumulates more than half an inch.
Brown patches? It might be fungus, particularly in a humid environment. Treat with a fungicide listed as safe for Zoysia, and cut down on watering. Look for insects, too: Grubs and chinch bugs can wreak serious havoc. If your lawn is dying in patches, it’s time to investigate.
Compacted soil is another subtle saboteur. If your lawn feels hard and water just runs off, aerate it. A core aerator is best, and do it in the spring or the fall, when the grass is growing well.
Dormancy The Basics of What to Expect With Zoysia Grass
Zoysia becomes dormant once the temps stay below 55F. Don’t panic—it’s not dead! It will be a straw like tan in colour – this is perfectly fine. It’ll green back up again by spring once the soil temps reach about 60–65°F.
Make sure it gets an easy transition by not fertilizing late in the season. That can stimulate growth that ends up zapped by frost. Instead, let it rest. A healthy Zoysia grass lawn will recover in the spring with a vengeance.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Cost Considerations
How Much is a Pallet of Zoysia Sod?
The most frequent question by homeowners is, “How much is a pallet of Zoysia sod?” The response will vary based on the variety, where you live and where you’re getting it — but here’s a rough idea.
As a rule of thumb, a pallet of Zoysia sod will cover about 450-500 square feet. Prices generally run between $250 and $400 per pallet, though they can be higher if you opt for premium types like Zenith Zoysia, or if you purchase during the busy season. Delivery fees may be extra, and some suppliers also charge more if they have to cut the sod fresh or bring it from a long distance.
Patten Seed Company has developed the nation’s densest, most drought tolerant sod Patten Seed Company has been lucky to get their hands on some of the most highly desired grasses via the licensed sod production based around family farmers. Bulk discounts are often available, so it’s wise to measure your entire lawn in advance and order in one order.
Don’t forget to add in the extras: soil amendments, fertilizer, tools and labor (if you’ve hired any help). Zoysia sod may seem expensive, but it is indeed an investment in beauty, as well as requires very little maintenance. Eventually, it pays for itself by reducing water, fertilizer and weed control demands.
Budgeting for Lawn Renovation
Developing a realistic budget for your lawn transformation can prevent surprises. Here is a quick analysis on a 1,000 sq ft yard:
Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Zoysia Sod (2 pallets) | $500–$800 |
| Delivery Fee | $50–$150 |
| Soil Test Kit | $10–$30 |
| Fertilizer & Soil Amendments | $50–$100 |
| Lawn Tools or Rental | $30–$100 |
| Optional Labor (pro install) | $200–$500 |
Total Estimate | $840–$1,680 |
Good planning can help you stay on budget to create a lush, green yard perfect for hosting family barbecues and lounging in the cool of the afternoon.
Conclusion
There's nothing like installing Zoysia sod for a gorgeous lawn that's easy to maintain AND can take the summer heat, foot traffic and even occasional drought. But the true magic is in the prep. From testing and amending your soil (so you know what its pH is and whether it may need additives to adjust that number to more closely align with what Zenith Zoysia prefers, which is between 6 and 7), to finding the best variety (like Zenith Zoysia, from Patten Seed) and putting it down exactly the right way, every step counts.
And remember, while Zoysia may need time to settle in, what you end up with is a thick, weed-resistant lawn that practically takes care of itself. With a bit a care, the right watering and mowing, a smidgen of fertilizing and some general upkeep, your Zoysia grass will be the talk of the town!
So roll up your sleeves, dive into the specifics, and get your lawn ready the right way. And when Zoysia succeeds, you succeed — with a little extra free time, fewer weeds and one damn fine yard.
FAQs
How many square feet are in a pallet of Zoysia sod?
Zoysia: A pallet of Zoysia sod covers anywhere from 450–500 sq ft and costs around $250 to $400, depending on the type of Zoysia and where you live. Delivery and other charges may apply.
When does Zoysia grass wake up?
Zoysia generally becomes active as soil temperatures remain above 60°F for on a regular basis—in my region of the country in arrives in the mid-to-late spring.
Will Zoysia grow in shade?
Zoysia does best in full sun but can also withstand light shade (some types – like Zenith Zoysia): But it won’t do well in complete shade, and it will become sparse over time.
How much sun does Zoysia require?
Zoysia requires approximately 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Less will result in thinning, less growth, and make for a weaker defense against disease.
How to make Zoysia grass spread?
To promote spreading, mow frequently, aerate the soil, fertilize lightly, and water deeply but infrequently. Zoysia spreads via rhizomes and stolons, so proper care will also allow it to spread outward into any bare areas.
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