Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Meyer Zoysia is a creeping, slow growing, warm season turf that produces a rich green color with proper maintenance. Meyer Zoysia forms a dense turf that limits weed encroachment while performing well in full sun to light shade. The overall appearance and adaptability of Meyer Zoysia makes it an excellent choice for residential, commercial, and golf course applications.

Though Meyer Zoysia will tolerate light shade, we've found that it does not perform well around the root systems of large shade trees unless regularly irrigated during the warm season.

Here's a link to an article that provides instructions for planting a lawn with sod grass:

www.gardenality.com/Articles/309/How-To-Info/Planting/How-To-Plant-A-Lawn-With-Sod-Grass/default.html

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Though some gardeners mow Zoysia with a reel-type mower, Meyers is a variety that can be mowed using a rotary mower with a sharp blade. It's a good idea to use the two-blade system. Keep one extra sharp blade around for a replacement. Replace blade every 8 cuttings.

Do not scalp Zoysia grass. It's better to mow these grasses more often to insure you're not cutting too much off at a time. Never cut more than one third of the grass blade off when mowing. Wait until your Zoysia grass is 3 inches in height, and then remove 1 inch to maintain a 2 inch height.

As long as you cut your Zoysia lawn on a regular basis you can leave the clippings since they are a natural way to feed your grass. Clippings also reduce the amount of water the grass needs to stay green and healthy looking.

Mow when grass is dry. Mowing grass when wet is a sure fire recipe for those dreaded clumps that can lead to the development of fungus and disease if not removed.

Alternate the direction in which you mow each lawn mowing session. Using this mowing tip, you will prevent ruts in the lawn and your turf will stand up straighter!

It puts less stress on the lawn to mow in the evening than to mow when the sun is pounding down in the afternoon.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
Zoysia grass is typically a heavy feeder. How often you feed it can depend on several factors, including rainfall and the type of fertilizer you use. If rainfall has been at or above average, or you have an irrigation system, fertilizer applications may need to be more frequent in order to keep your grass healthy and a dark shade of green. The type of fertilizer you use will vary depending on the condition of your soil and the time of year. Soil types also influence fertilizer needs. Follow the link below to find more instructions on fertilizing Zoysia grass.

www.gardenality.com/Articles/106/How-To-Info/Lawn-Care/How-To-Fertilize-A-Zoysia-Lawn/default.html

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
I haven't seen or heard about many problems with insects on Meyer Zoysia grass. On rare occasion I've heard about spittle bug infestation. Spittle bugs are small, 1/4-inch size, triangular-shape black insects that have bright red stripes on their wings. If you find spittle bugs in your Zoysia lawn contact your local nursery to inquire about remedies.

Zoysia grasses are known to build up thatch. If thatch is present and more than 1/2-inch thick, use a dethatcher to remove it in May. Thatch is a tightly intermingled layer of living and dead stems, leaves and roots which accumulates between the layer of actively-growing grass and the soil underneath. Thatch is a normal component of an actively growing turf grass. As long as the thatch is not too thick, it can increase the resilience of the turf to heavy traffic. An excessive thatch layer (more than 1 inch) can restrict the movement of air, water, fertilizer and other materials to the roots.

I haven't seen or heard of many problems with fungus or disease on Meyers Zoysia grass. If a fungus is present, daconil, sentinel or eagle are fungicides that may be used as a treatment. When using chemicals always follow instructions on the label for use.

Zeon Zoysia is quite drought tolerant however should be watered deeply at least one time a week during prolonged periods of summer drought. Consistently wet soil can cause problems with the roots. Plant in well-drained soils and sites.