Sometimes landscape, lawn-care, and garden professionals are not familiar with Zoysia grass and the proper care and planting procedure. Many times, they can be the reason for a Zoysia lawn to become unsuccessful. Here is a checklist to help you determine if your guy really knows how to handle Zoysia and its characteristics.
- Does your gardener understand the correct planting procedure?
Your gardener should be familiar with the type of grass you are planting. In this case he/she should be aware that Zoysia should be planted before or during your growing season. It is a warm season grass, so it should not be planted heading into the winter months.
- Do they use Zoysia-safe products?
Most lawn-care companies are not aware that some products can harm Zoysia lawns. Be sure that they are not applying any granular products onto your lawn. The granules tend to sit on top of established Zoysia and actually burn the grass. Do not use Round-Up on the lawn as a weed killer, as this will kill the grass too.
- Are they familiar with the watering procedure for Zoysia?
Zoysia should only be watered for the first three weeks after planting. Continuous watering after that will actually kill the grass because it is so drought-resistant. Many times, gardeners over-water the grass because other grasses usually need immense watering. Zoysia is the exception; less water is better. No need for a lawn irrigation system.
- Do they know when it is time to mow and when it is not?
Amazoy Zoysia is a very slow-growing grass, so it cuts mowing by about two-thirds compared to other grasses. Once established, Zoysia should be kept at a height of 1 ½” to 3”. Some people like to keep Zoysia very low; however, that is not the best option.
- Do they guarantee their work?
Your gardener/ lawn-care company should own up to their mistakes. If they do not follow the planting instructions or perform the correct care and maintenance, they should be responsible for their actions.