Caring for Your Zoysia Lawn: The Fall Season

posted on September 15th, 2010 by admin

As the temperature gets cooler and we get closer to the fall season, it’s important to continue caring for your Zoysia lawn. Using these techniques to maintain your grass will get you the best results throughout all seasons of the year.

Mow - During the spring and summer, Zoysia should be cut at the lower setting on your mower to remove dead leaf tissue. By September, this is unnecessary and the mower blade height should be raised by 1/2 to 1 inch for fall.

Aerate Your Lawn – To keep your Zoysia grass healthy, you should aerate your lawn each spring and fall. This helps prevent compaction of the soil and aids in preventing and removing thatch problems.

Dethatch - Zoysia grass can accumulate thatch because of its tough stem tissue. Thatch is a layer of partially decomposed plant material that builds up on the soil’s surface. Dethatching helps keeps the turf healthy by moving excess vegetation from the thatch layer.

Avoid Fertilization – Fertilizing your lawn in the fall (after August) may interfere with the natural hardening process which takes place before winter. Instead of fertilizing, leave your Zoysia in its natural state of preparation for the winter dormant period.

Zoysia responds dramatically well when treated with the right care. By following the plan for watering, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, and maintaining a clean lawn, your Zoysia will develop into a beautiful and inviting thick lawn.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 at 2:26 pm and is filed under Care & Maintenance, mowing, Zoysia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

42 Responses to “Caring for Your Zoysia Lawn: The Fall Season”

Connie Bierzonski Says:
August 5th, 2011 at 7:34 am

I am so pleased with the way the plugs have established themselves in my existing lawn. It’s a slow process because I have 1/4 acre and have been doing it in stages, but the parts where I worked earliest have filled in and are beautiful. I have been digging out and pulling weeds by hand, so that helps aerate, and even when it isn’t visible yet on the surface, I find the rhizomes under the soil everywhere I have been working. It’s hard work to get this lawn established the way I am doing it, but it is so worth it! The grass is heavenly:>)
C. Morrison Says:
August 9th, 2011 at 5:19 pm

I planted some zoysia plugs last year….and consider that here in Oklahoma we have had 0 rain for a couple of months and 100 plus temp for about 60 days now (113 is not unusual right now)…and yet most of my plugs have survived. We expect it to maintain in high 90s up to 100 for next month or so. Would it be wise to plant plugs right now?
admin Says:
August 12th, 2011 at 2:57 pm

Zoysia grass is extremely resilient to high temperatures. The one thing you have to worry about in high temperatures is water. Make sure to keep your Zoysia moist!
K. Ingram Says:
August 14th, 2011 at 4:30 pm

We planted lots of Zoysia plugs last spring. Maybe 50% survived even after much care by my husband. We watered, fertilized, and watched carefully, then this summer the results are in. We had hoped for more positive results after purchasing over 1200 plugs. My husband has done everything imaginable for our lawn, to assist the Zoysia…but it is very slow going. So have patience! Hopefully next year we’ll see an improvement.
Pat Phillips Says:
August 16th, 2011 at 4:56 pm

My plugs got plugged with our drought. Don’t think my well had enough water to keep them alive. Will try again later. 104 today with no rain in sight!
jf Russell Says:
August 16th, 2011 at 6:12 pm

we just moved into a home with a zoysia grass lawn. The previous owners seem to do little maint. and I have notice the bermuda grass competing with the zoysia in some areas of the yard. what is the best way to re-establish my zoysia in those areas?
chris Says:
August 17th, 2011 at 8:20 am

we planeted our zoysia plugs and nothing seemed to take. very dissapointed as we purchased around 1000 plugs. Not happy!
admin Says:
August 18th, 2011 at 1:40 pm

Chris, what area of the country are you in and how long ago did you plant your plugs? Sometimes Zoysia plugs take a while. If you can give us some more information we can try and help you figure out what the matter was.
Akula Says:
August 24th, 2011 at 6:22 am

We bought about 4000 plugs this spring and we are really disappointed with results we got. Hardly 10% survived – we did fertilize and water regularly but it just waste of money and back breaking effort I put in.
admin Says:
August 24th, 2011 at 3:57 pm

Hi Akula – Sorry to hear about your frustration, but we think the grass you planted should be just fine. In the first season, the majority of the growth is taking place underneath the ground. Amazoy takes 2-3 growing cycles to fill in completely.
christy Says:
August 28th, 2011 at 2:08 pm

I was initially very frustrated with my Zoysia experience.
I had a very large bald spot in my yard from a downed tree.

In the last two weeks my Zoysia has taken off. The bald spot has almost completely filled in.

I will be purchasing more in the Spring for other hard to grow spots in `my yard. My neighbors are admiring my lush lawn.
admin Says:
August 31st, 2011 at 5:08 pm

That’s great to hear, Christy! Zoysia can take time to root and fill in, but once it gets rooted it’s quite a thing to watch it fill.
Derrick Says:
January 6th, 2012 at 8:55 am

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other thing.
Mike Says:
July 19th, 2012 at 5:15 pm

Three years ago I ordered 1,500 “plugs” and planted, watered and fertilized with no results. I called, and to your companies credit, they reshipped my order at no cost to me. Again, planted, watered and fertilized, also with no results. It has been two years now, and not one blade of grass has appeared where I have now planted 3,000 plugs. I have established zoysia in the front yard, and with some water in this heat, has done quite well. Should I buy another 3,000 plugs and try again or, perhaps just plug from the front yard?
admin Says:
July 26th, 2012 at 4:11 pm

Mike – We’re very sorry that the plugs aren’t taking. Give us another call at 410-756-2311 and we’ll see if we can diagnose what the issue is.
Jerry Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:29 pm

I put out 1900 plugs about four months ago in central Texas and have had about 95% survival. The plugs haven’t grown a lot — just now putting out runners but have been very green and healthy in my poor soil. I planted in bare ground with a six inch spacing and about 25% have joining runners now. I should have at least three more months of growth before dormancy so I’m confident the yard will look nice by then. Thanks a lot.
Tim Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:52 pm

I planted 100 plugs in a patch of extremely hard clay soil this spring – testing to see if the claims were true. I watered, but not excessively, and after a few weeks I thought that the plugs had died – test failed. Then I began to notice that this area was no longer hard-packed and that grass was beginning to grow irregularly throughout the area “plugged.” It seems that the roots are spreading under the soil even during the incredible drought and high temps and I think this will eventually result in more surface-visible grass next spring.
Even if there is no lush lawn this year, just keeping that spot from remaining so hard-packed is victory. I’m hoping that by spring I will finally have a whole yard to mow and I’m planning to increase the size of the test bed this fall.
So don’t give up hope the first year – you may be pleasantly suprised.
Will McAdams Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:55 pm

I started with 600 plugs here in North Georgia on April 1st and then planted an additional 1000 plugs two weeks later. Some of the plugs have become lush circles up to 5 in. in diameter while others are very small (but still greeen!), and some have disappeared. I have used the recommended fertilizer and we have had plenty of water. I am over all quite pleased and though I don’t want to hurry winter am anxious to see the spots of dormant grass. Zoysia farms has graciously consented to sent the warrantee plugs next spring so I can get a full growing season.
John Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:22 pm

I bought 1,500 plugs 4 years ago and planted them in pure sand on a North Carolina Island. First year was a little slow but 98% survival. Next year really kicked in. By the end of the 3rd year I had a thick carpet of unreal grass. Like the picture!!! Soon my whole acre will be covered from the giant plugs and made from the established area. Worked great for me and looks great. Softest grass I have ever walked on barefoot.
Margaret Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm

We planted Plugs Twice, We watered and Fertilized and the plugs never turned green. we were very unsatisfied.
mike p. Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:09 pm

Not much happens in the first,but you just wait. In the next year it will spread like a wild fire. The zoysia has moved far from were i put the plugs. It is like magic . It must spread by clippings as well as the roots. Corn can’t keep up with this stuff. It will grow were no other grass will. I know,i have tried everything out there. Thank you so much for getting me out of this Georgia red clay.
Patrick Allen Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:26 pm

I have not had any luck with the plugs either. I might have 50 with some green in them. I planted in March, watered and fertilized with your recommended fertilizer. My soil Ph is where it should be. I am at a loss as to why it is not surviving. Except for the heat and sun.
With my current results, I am hesitant to invest any more in your product.
danpodhany@comcast.net Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:23 pm

My front yard of zoysia turns brown if I don’t water it every 3rd day. My side yard never took hold after planting a couple of hundred plugs. I’m disappointed & hope that the centepede or st augustine grass takes over
Richard Barberg Says:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:49 pm

We purchased 3,800 Zoysia plugs last June. It was very labor intensive getting them into the ground. We had lots of rain this spring and summer plus we watered it every day for the first six weeks. We are very disappointed because we don’t see any growth at all. What is our next step?
Rainy Says:
August 3rd, 2012 at 6:27 pm

Well glory be, we love the zoysia plugs. We bought our first batch several years ago for a hilly part of the back yard and now it is so beautiful. Nothing else would grow there but got washed away every time it rained. The zoysia is so strong, it just keeps growing! This year we bought more plugs and added around the rest of the lawn. They are doing just fine, growing and getting roots established and all the stuff the little starter yearlings are suppose to do their first year. I’m going to order another batch and get the front yard started too. This zoysia is so beautiful and plush once it gets a fair chance. We love the results!
Doug Says:
August 5th, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Is it too late to plant now in Connecticut?
June Muraco Says:
August 6th, 2012 at 4:13 am

I purchased not a large quantity of plugs in the fall last year. I had dug out all the grass in the designated area and I did add Miloganite to the soil. Well this area is just unbelievable, the plugs practically filling in completely that whole section. Will have my sweet gum tree, on the side of my house trimmed at the top and the part that is cutting down on the sunlight. I am more than pleased, the grass is just beautiful, in color and texture. Can’t wait till next year to see the results then.
Mike Says:
August 6th, 2012 at 11:07 pm

I ordered 1000 plugs in mid-March, and maybe %10 of them survived. I contacted your company in May and they sent 900 replacement plugs free of charge (thank you!). Unfortunately, the survival rate of the new plugs was about the same as the previous plugs (which, from what I have observed appear to have died completely and turned to dirt), less than 10%.

At this point, is there anyway to get 90% of my money back?
admin Says:
August 8th, 2012 at 10:40 am

Margaret – We’re sorry that you’ve had issues with your plugs. If you contact Lynn at 410-756-2311, we’ll assist you with the issue.
admin Says:
August 8th, 2012 at 10:41 am

Patrick – We’re sorry that you’ve had issues with your plugs. If you contact Lynn at 410-756-2311, we’ll try and diagnose the issue and get your Zoysia growing.
admin Says:
August 8th, 2012 at 10:42 am

Dan – We’re sorry that you’re having issues with your front and side yard. If you contact Lynn at 410-756-2311, we’ll try and diagnose the issue.
admin Says:
August 8th, 2012 at 11:14 am

Mike – We’re sorry that you’ve had issues with your plugs. If you contact Lynn at 410-756-2311, we’ll assist you with the issue.
George Kelley Says:
August 8th, 2012 at 11:56 am

I planted 3900 plugs in Apr 2011.About 40% never produced runners however some areas are filled in nicely. The areas that didn’t fill are being overtaken with crabgrass. I was pulling it out but after a few rains there is way too much crab to pull. Should I put a weed killer on now or wait until spring and use a pre-emergent or do both? I live in SC and still have a couple months of growing season.
beth Says:
August 8th, 2012 at 12:45 pm

About 2 years ago, I bought and planted some plugs with some reservation. After about a year, it was starting to look good so bought some more last year. Now two years after my original purchase, the two parts where I planted have filled in very nicely and thick. I have clay soil like many in the South but amended it with top soil and compost. One spot where I planted last year gets shade about 50% of the time and it appeared to have died, but now I’m starting to see that a few of the plugs survived although some did die. Like another customer, I’m doing in piecemeal as there is good deal of labor involved. Patience is the key. I am seeing fewer weeds as well which is a plus!
DEBI MCGAVIC Says:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:03 pm

WE HAVE ORDERED ZOYSIA PLUGS TWICE FROM YOUR COMPANY ONE SIDE OF OUR YARD IS A CARPET LOVE IT !!THE OTHER SIDE HAS NOT TAKEN VERY LITTLE ZOYSIA ALOT OF NUT THATCH GRASS WE WERE WONDERING IF THEY MAKE ZOYSIA SOD SQ. WOULD WE BE ABLE TO ORDER THESE?
admin Says:
August 10th, 2012 at 2:03 pm

Richard – It sounds like the grass may have gotten too much water. We suggest that you hold off on watering the lawn and give our customer service a call at 410-756-2311 and we’ll help you diagnose the issue.
Larry Says:
August 13th, 2012 at 8:57 am

Can I use crabgrass killer on a lawn with zoysia grass?
admin Says:
August 15th, 2012 at 1:59 pm

George – If you contact Lynn at 410-756-2311, we’ll assist you with your issue.
admin Says:
August 15th, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Debi – If you contact Lynn at 410-756-2311, we’ll answer all the questions you have about plugs and sod.
admin Says:
August 15th, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Larry – Give us a call at 410-756-2311, we’ll assist you with the issue.
John Soule Says:
August 17th, 2012 at 2:43 am

I purchased about 1600 plugs earlier this summer/spring – and planted them really close like 2 ” in staggered patten hoping to see results faster then plugging them further apart. All I see is the grass I didn’t plant sprouting – four of the sheets of plugs I planted in whole (my fingers got tired of cutting them into plugs) and while the four patches are still visiable – I can’t see any sideways expansion.
admin Says:
August 20th, 2012 at 3:15 pm

Hey John – Why don’t you give us a call at 410-756-2311 and we’ll help you diagnose what’s going on.