Archive for the ‘ watering ’ Category
Different types of Zoysia Grass
posted on February 15th, 2013 by admin
Many people do not realize that there are numerous strains of zoysia grass, all are a little different. Below are a few of the commonly used strains of zoysia to show you how they are different. Let’s start with Amazoy our name for Meyers, Z-52 the original zoysia grass.
Amazoy – Medium leaf blade, deep green color, very tight growth pattern, low maintenance, drought resistance, moderate shade tolerance and very cold tolerant but will not suffer winter damage from cold. Is usually planted as plugs, can be laid as sod.
Emerald – Fine leaf blade, dark green color, tight growth pattern, high maintenance, drought resistance, moderate shade tolerance and warm weather only, cold weather can damage it, is usually planted professionally as sod, can be planted as plugs.
Zenith – Medium leaf blade, deep green color, tight growth pattern, drought resistant, average maintenance, moderate shade tolerance, good cold tolerance, usually planted by seed (recommended to be done by professionals) can be planted by plugs.
Let’s compare, Amazoy has a medium leaf blade, grows very tight (crowds out weeds the best), giving it the feel of walking on a deep carpet, low maintenance. Only needs mowing a few times during the season; Amazoy is very drought resistant, therefore requires less watering. Amazoy will grow in partial shade and can withstand cold temperatures, up to 30 below.
Emerald has a fine leaf, tight growth pattern, (not as tight as Amazoy), requires high maintenance. It requires about 1 ½ inches of water a week and mowing about every 7 to 10 days, will grow in partial shade, but only grows well in warm weather.
Zenith has a medium blade, tight growth pattern, drought resistant and is fairly cold tolerant. Zenith is usually planted from seed however you must have a bare seedbed, if planted within an existing lawn there is a high failure rate. Can only be planted from spring to early summer and must be kept moist at least 15 to 25 days and then watered at least once a day for the next 8 to 10 weeks. Seeding is recommended for professionals only.
Choosing a Grass
posted on February 1st, 2013 by admin
What is the right grass for you?
With so many different types of grasses available, how do you know what grass is right for you? There are several different aspects you will need to consider. First you need to decide what kind of grass you are going to plant, fescue, rye, Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, etc. Be sure to check on the different strains the grasses have, each one is a little different.
It is best to look at the main characteristic such as, how is the grass planted; seed, plugs, sod, etc. Consider what you want from your grass, such as color, maintenance, water requirements, growth pattern, blade size, dormancy, reproduction and durability as well as cost.
It is important to check all of these aspects of the grass. 
- Color – Some are a light green, deep green, dark green, blue green, etc.
- Maintenance – How much is required? How frequent does the lawn need to be mowed, watered, fertilized, weed control applied, etc.
- Watering requirements - Is the grass drought resistant? Does your area have water restrictions? What is the average amount of water the grass requires?
- Blade Size and texture - Do you want a thin blade, medium blade or wide blade? Do you want a grass that feels course, soft grass or a grass that feels like carpet?
- Growth pattern - Is the grass a spreading grass or does it need to be reseeded each year?
- Seasons – Do you want a grass that will stay green all summer, then you want a “warm” weather grass. Do you want a cold weather grass that can brown out in summer during extreme heat but stays green in the winter?
- Durability – How much wear and tear can the grass tolerant? Will it hold up to children and pets?
- Slopes – Do you want a grass with low maintenance and good erosion control or seed the area and hope the seeds take before washing away?
There is a lot to consider and research, however remember your lawn is something you will want to enjoy for a long, long time. The right decision can make a huge difference!
Zoysia In Drought
posted on September 12th, 2012 by admin
Summer can be a rough time for many grasses and a busy time for homeowners. The grass is trying to survive in the dry, hot weather and you’re trying to keep your lawn green and healthy — unless you’re a Zoysia owner.
However, even Zoysia lawns may be under stress during a drought so it is best to limit all activities that might add to that stress. This includes any fertilizing and weed/pest control. Mowing should only be done if absolutely necessary, on the highest setting possible. Excessive use or play in one area should also be avoided.
One of Zoysia’s best perks is its ability to not only survive in dry climates, but flourish. It needs very little water and adores the heat.
Amazoy will require up to 80% less irrigation than other types of grass. If there has been little rain, as many parts of the country have seen this summer, Zoysia will need a small amount of watering. Water your lawn in the morning, preferably before noon so the grass has time to dry before nightfall.
Check to see if the soil is dry and cracking. If so, it’s time to water. When watering, irrigate deeply and infrequently to mimic natural rainfall. Make sure not to over water or you can cause extensive root damage. If you have questions, check out our Moisture Meter to determine your lawn, or other plants’, watering needs.
The beauty of a Zoysia lawn is that it will stay lush and green in the heat of a normal summer, but Mother Nature can throw some extreme weather our way anytime.
Watering Smartly
posted on April 24th, 2012 by admin
As the weather warms up, that sprinkler system does start to get tempting. Sure, it’s an investment, but it will make sure the grass and garden alike are watered just right, with little thought. And hey – the kids will enjoy it too!
Of course, Zoysia grass doesn’t need much watering! Unless there hasn’t been any rain for some time, it will do just fine with very little maintenance. But what about those flower beds?
While sprinklers might seem like a great solution, unfortunately they tend to waste a lot of water. As OrganicGardening.com points out, we’ve all seen that sprinkler that waters the sidewalk more than the garden! Not only are sprinklers far from “green” when it comes to conservation, they can actually encourage plant diseases, which could mean an end to the green in your lawn and garden, too. Instead, we recommend judicious hand watering with a hand sprayer or even a watering can.
So, how do you know if it’s time to water your garden? A good measure is that green thumb of yours! Stick it in the soil about two inches, and if the soil is not moist, it’s time for a little shower. For those looking for a more precise way to measure your garden’s moisture we offer an easy-to-use Moisture Meter. Just be sure not to overwater – the soil should get nice and damp, not soggy, when you’re finished.
To make the most of your water, put it on your plants early in the morning before the hot sun comes and evaporates it. This way the garden has time to drink it up and you’ll get more bang for your drop!
Of course, the best way to conserve water and make sure that your garden doesn’t get thirsty is to let Mother Nature do the job. Watch the forecast carefully and schedule your regular watering so it doesn’t fall too closely to an upcoming rainfall.
Watering Needs of Your Zoysia Grass
posted on July 28th, 2010 by Steve Schug
In order to keep your Zoysia lawn looking fresh and healthy, it’s important to make sure your grass is receiving the right amount of water.
When to Water Zoysia
The best time to water your lawn is in the morning, preferably before noon. This allows the grass to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease.
One benefit of Zoysia grass is its ability to stay thick and green with much less water than many other types of grasses, helping you save on your water bill! Amazoy will require up to 80% less irrigation than other types of grass, and will only need supplemental watering if there has been little rainfall.
A good way to test if your grass needs watering is to look at the surrounding ground. If the dirt is dry and cracking, its time to water your Zoysia grass. Be sure to avoid over watering, because excessive watering can damage the roots. If you have questions, check out our Moisture Meter to determine your grass’ watering needs.
Moisture of Zoysia
To maximize growth of Zoysia grass, the plug roots should not be saturated. Because Zoysia’s vigorous root system is so deep and extensive, once the lawn becomes established, little, if any, supplemental watering will be needed to maintain your lawn.
Try these items geared specifically for watering your Zoysia lawn.
Organic Lawn Care
posted on July 7th, 2010 by Steve Schug
As we learn more and more about how to best take care of the earth around us, here are a few tips on how to make lawn care more eco-friendly.
Water
Most grasses only require an inch of water per week, and with zoysia grass, that is even less. Be wary of how much you are watering; too much can be bad for your lawn and your wallet.
To give the grass the water it needs, water in the early morning or evening so that less evaporation occurs. Also, think about using rain barrels to reduce dependence on your town or city’s water source. It can also save you money.
Mowers
While electric mowers can save gas emissions, they still use up energy resources. Try using a reel mower. While older reel mowers might have a bad reputation, newer reel mowers have sharp blades and cut just as well as electric
Clippings
Next time you think to buy fertilizer for your lawn, consider leaving lawn clippings. Lawn clippings can provide as a great natural fertilizer and don’t cause thatch buildup.
Nutrients
When adding nutrient to alter your soil, make sure that you are using organic products like organic lime or elemental sulfur. This will help your soil absorb sunlight and water the appropriate way, ultimately conserving resources.
Climate Change Means Lawn Care Change
posted on May 18th, 2010 by John
Climate change has changed the way that people are living. Whether it be investing in hybrid cars or using organic products, it has become increasingly important to try to do our part. Surprisingly, small adjustments in your lawn care regiment can have significant benefits. Here are a few reasons to start a zoysia lawn this spring.
1. Watering
Watering and drought restrictions have become a part of life, happening more and more often over the past few years. And with over 80% of water usage during the summer being used towards lawn and garden watering, it is important to find ways to cut back.
To apply one inch of water on a ¼ acre lawn requires 2,000 gallons of water. And some grasses require multiple watering applications a week to stay green in the heat of summer. So having the ability to save a little goes a long way.
Since Amazoy’s root system is deep and extensive, necessary watering is rare. Grass will stay lush all summer with little or no water, which means less work from you.
You can check the drought monitor to see about water usage in your area.
2. Mowing
Amazoy grass is a slow growing grass that really takes the time to establish roots and fill in to form a dense carpet of grass. For this reason, it doesn’t need to be cut as often as other grasses. Weekly cutting with carbon burning mowers does not need to be the norm anymore.
3. Chemicals
With ordinary grasses, you may experience problems with weeds or pests. This might lead you to use chemicals like herbicides or pesticides to help solve the problem.
However, spraying harsh herbicides and pesticides on your lawn can be harmful to the environment and to the health of you, your kids, and your pets. Luckily, Amazoy attacks these problems by growing a strong dense network that crowds out weeds and doesn’t let weed seed and pests make your lawn their new home.
4. Soil
Attempting to grow grass in an improper soil can be frustrating and require chemicals to help solve the problem. Amazoy thrives in a variety of soils: porous, rocky, sandy, clay, salty, etc. There is no need for frustration or chemical processes because one spring feeding of water-soluble fertilizer will suffice for an entire year. This helps keep harmful chemicals out of the ground.
Starting an Amazoy lawn today can help give a head start on helping the environment. The simple act of changing the type of grass in your lawn will allow you to make steps to have a lush, green lawn all summer while still doing your part. The nicest side affect will be a healthier wallet, as well.
Zoysia vs. Regular Grass: The Bottom Line
posted on February 10th, 2010 by Steve Schug
When it comes to making decisions, sometimes it really is about the bottom line. This is especially true of a home investment purchases, like an improved lawn. When comparing Amazoy Zoysia to other grasses like Kentucky Blue or Rye, there is quite a difference in continual costs and maintenance.
With Amazoy Zoysia, mowing is reduced to about once per month. In regions with a growing season of 6 months, that is only six times a year. Other grasses require more, often about once a week during the active growing season. That is 26 times a year! And if you put that in terms of cost of a lawn service or gas for your mower, mowing less would obviously save you money.
Grasses like Kentucky Blue require a multi-step program throughout the growing season, so you would have to pay for and apply fertilizer three to four times a year. With Amazoy, you can choose to apply fertilizer, but you will only need to do so one time at the start of the growing season.
Amazoy Zoysia also requires less watering, if any at all. Many grasses require at least one, if not multiple, watering each week to stay green in the heat of the summer, resulting in a higher water bill or strain on your well, and more of your time.
Weed Control
Less densely growing grasses tend to need weed control, requiring costly general applications and spot treatments. Densely growing Zoysia will choke out most existing summer weeds once it has become established, but if a weed or two pops up, a quick spot application should take care of it.