Zoysia grass is a highly versatile drought resistant grass used on golf turfs which requires very little maintenance after being established properly. It can thrive in bright sun and can also tolerate shady seasons. It is a warm climate grass and generally planted during spring. Zoysia grass is seen on golf courses as it stands well to heavy foot traffic and has easy maintenance as well. It benefits from routine care appropriate for its species.
Fertilizer application to Zoysia grass
To maintain a dense and green turf Zoysia grass requires moderate applications of fertilizers. It requires 2-3 applications of nitrogenous fertilizers during the growing season. Each application should provide about one pound of nitrogen to 1,000 sq ft of lawn area. The fertilizer application should be made in late spring, fall and early summer.
Water requirement of Fertilizer application to Zoysia grass
Zoysia grass grows well during spring season as the moisture and nutrient levels are good. However, it is a drought tolerant grass, its growth stops and discoloration begins during dry spells.
Zoysia grass requires 1 to 3 inches of water per week during mid-summer to maintain growth. It can survive on less than 1 inch of water per week during dry conditions. Water application should be done 2 to 3 times per week depending on temperatures and soil conditions on the turf. Sandy soils require more frequent watering than heavy clay soils as their water holding capacity is less. With the increase in temperature, frequency of irrigations needs to be increased. During prolonged droughts when it is impractical to water all the time weekly applications of as little as 0.5 inch of water may be adequate to keep the grass alive.
Mowing of Fertilizer application to Zoysia grass
Frequent and close mowing produces the finest Zoysia grass turf. Many people compromise quality of turf for less frequent mowing. Zoysia grass should be mowed at a ° to 1 inch height every 3 to 5 days on golf course. On golf lawns growing in full sun, Zoysia grass may be mowed at a height of 1 to 2 inches every 5 to 7 days. Less frequent mowing may result in scalping and poor quality golf turf.
Thatch removal of Fertilizer application to Zoysia grass
Thatch formation is a problem with Zoysia grass. Thatch removal by mechanical means may prevent serious deterioration of Zoysia grass turf. Vertical mowers or flail mowers can be used to remove thatch from Zoysia grass turf. Thatch removal should be done well before fall so that the grass gets time for re-growth. To remove accumulated growth scalping the lawn in early spring can be done.
Disease and pests of Fertilizer application to Zoysia grass
Zoysia grass is usually free of any serious pests. However, it is more susceptible to brown patch, rust and leaf spot diseases. It recovers when the environmental conditions are good. In case of intensively maintained golf lawns fungicides may be applied to prevent these diseases. Applications of Banner, Daconil or Bayleton are required during fall to prevent rust on the grass.
Zoysia grass is attacked by white grubs, which is the major pest attacking this grass. To prevent this problem it is necessary to monitor the soil underlying the turf during summer and fall. Treatment with an insecticide is recommended when the pest intensity is about 4 -5 per sq feet. So, keep in mind the simple points given above and wonder at the marvelous beauty of the alluring Zoysia Grass.
