If you decide to plant zoysia grass, you are making the decision to grow it for life. I wanted to do something with my struggling bermuda which is in heavy shade and this was the perfect choice. You may reduce the time it takes for zoysia to fill in by planting the plugs closer together. Dormant Zoysia has an almost orange appearance and does not recover well in drought conditions. is a warm-season grass, meaning it stays green during the summer and tends to lose its color in winter. If you can afford it, buy more than the recommended number and plant the plugs closer than directed; the faster it fills in, the fewer weeds you'll have to worry about. My neighbor has a volunteer patch of zoysiagrass that has gradually gotten larger in his bermudagrass lawn. If you have “hard-to-kill” perennial weeds or invasive grass, such as Zoysia or Bermuda, wait one week and apply a second application of Round Up®. Zoysia grass plugs, which grow slowly and take longer to establish than some other species, are often planted at 6-inch intervals. A healthy lawn is the best weapon to fight off pests, diseases, and weeds. If you decide to plant zoysia grass, you are making the decision to grow it for life. You can plug an area 3 to 4 larger than the sod you are plugging from. The reason I am interested is because when we go to Zoysia is most often propagated by planting sod or plugs. St. Augustine and zoysia plugs will take about a year to fully grow in. Although zoysia lawns are most commonly established by the planting of sod or sod plugs, you can also plant zoysia seed. Planting Zoysia grass plugs is time-consuming, back-breaking, hard work that will consume days with the hauling and proper storage of plugs, days with the painstaking plug planting, and then the 3 or more year wait for the plugs to fill in. Plugs will hasten the process but each plug should be 3″ in diameter, planted 6″ apart. Related posts. I like the grass a great deal it can take the heat with very little water, have very little weed problems, grows slow which means less mowing. Although zoysia lawns are most commonly established by the planting of sod or sod plugs, you can also plant zoysia seed. guest20040208 – posted 08 February 2004 08:12. Zoysia grass has become a popular lawn grass in the past few decades, mostly due to its ability to spread through a yard simply by planting plugs, as opposed to reseeding the yard, which is what is done with other traditional lawn grasses.. Chokes Out Weeds Once established, the dense turf created by zoysia significantly reduces summer weeds. You will water for the first three weeks, and the plugs will then soon go into dormancy; this reduces the risk of overwatering. The theory is you cut these 16 x 24 inch pieces up into 4 inch pieces and spread them out. It will also give you a head-start for growth the following year. Is it better than Bermuda grass? If it is bermuda, how can I get rid of it without hurting the zoysia? Ornamental Grasses Zoysia and Bermuda – Scalping. I spent a year battling the Bermuda, then gave up. You can spray it with a non-selective herbicide, but if you don’t want to do that, you’ll have a challenge on your hands. It may even spread into areas you never thought could have grass, and may fill in most of your lawn’s bare spots. Phil, this Phil agrees. If this happens: Remove some soil from the bottom of the plug to better match the transplant hole. The reason you can plant plugs and not have to seed the lawn is because zoysia grass will crowd out all other species in the lawn. I’m curious about this too. It’s pretty thin, and the soil isn’t very good. The following steps guide you through the process of growing Zoysia grass in your lawn. In a few more years, the zoysia became so thick it developed circular brown patches from fungus. Much easier process than using seed which can … It may be time to sow bermuda as even attempts to remove it will leave gaps in the slow growing zoysia for years. Zoysia is a very hardy, spreading grass. At least they both go dormant about the same time so you don’t get that “patchy” look in the fall. Planting Zoysia grass plugs is time-consuming, back-breaking, hard work that will consume days with the hauling and proper storage of plugs, days with the painstaking plug planting, and then the 3 or more year wait for the plugs to fill in. Common Bermuda grass can also be grown from seed, but it’s not favored as a lawn grass because it … Zoysia is a hardy grass that requires less water than other grasses. Zoysia seed should be planted in late spring / early summer after soil temperatures are 70+ degrees (day time 80+ consistent) AND all danger of freeze / frost is past. Zoysia (Zoysia spp.) When zoysia is invaded by bermuda grass, another warm season perennial grass, it can be challenging to eradicate, according to the University of California Davis. If you worry it, you will probably have bermuda; if you turn your back on it, you will have zoysiagrass. Since Zoysia grass is a slow grower, many people prefer to go with sod or plugs to have fast results. At least they both go dormant about the same time so you don’t get that “patchy” look in the fall. I have just returned from a customer with a sod farm here in Saudi. Bermudagrass plugs grow in a little more quickly. Now, I have centipede & don’t like it. Step 7: Plant the grass plugs. For best results keep these … This job can be made easier by using our grass plugger tool . Then when it has taken over your lawn, it will start in on your flower beds and your neighbor's lawn. Just make sure they’re evenly dispersed across the lawn. Read more: Browse and purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors. Grass is looking great. How to Plant Zoysia Grass ; Starting a lawn from plugs is more reliable than seeding and less expensive than sod. What bermudagrass presents in terms of aggressiveness, when well nourished, zoysiagrass counters with persistence under adversity. Soil temperatures should reach this temperature when daytime temperatures are 80?+ F. I like the appearance of zoysia grass. The grass looks good from May through the first frost which in the area usually occurs in late October to the first of November. It expands sideways instead of growing taller, creating a thick, soft carpet to cover your lawn. Zoysia planting can also be done in early fall, but make sure to plant at least 60 days before the first fall frost. Now I have a thick Zoysia yard with a little Bermuda around the edges. I let my grass grow long in the summer so I only mow maybe once a month. This was in South Florida, and the determining factor may have been the relatively low maintenance, especially, sporadic and inadequate fertilization. While spraying for wild violets, I discovered that triclopyr (Ortho poisoon ivy killer, Ortho chickweed and clover killer) will kill bermuda but won’t kill zoysia. But it would cause problems as different grasses will have different needs like Bermuda grass which requires more water, fertilizer, etc then Meyer Zoysia Grass. Plugs should also be planted in late spring / early summer for best growth and establishment. You’ll also want to rake your soil to make sure there are no hills or depressions. Advertisement. Zoysia is best planted in the spring but can be planted through summer and into early fall as well. Whereas, spreading seed into a properly prepared seed bed, followed by light raking or rolling, is quick and satisfying. Is it TARR or just bad idea of Winter Rye? I have Meyer Zoysia and bermuda is creeping in. When to Plant Zoysia Sod. Put in a plug, pack with dirt, and give it a good watering and you are done! Occasionally, you can run into rocks or roots when plugging your planting holes, which can leave you with a planting hole that is too shallow for the new transplant plug. Measure your lawn or the area you want to plant the grass. But it would cause problems as different grasses will have different needs like Bermuda grass which requires more water, fertilizer, etc then Meyer Zoysia Grass. quote:Originally posted by hrddto:I’m curious about this too. Central Texas soils are loaded with calcium (think of all of the limestone quarries around here) and clays. Measure your lawn or the area you want to plant the grass. If this happens: Remove some soil from the bottom of the plug to better match the transplant hole. If you have purchased zoysia grass plugs, you are probably wondering how and when to plant zoysia plugs. Part of the expectation about growing Zoysia or other common Houston lawn grasses from seed may come from those who move to the Houston area from places where you see Kentucky Bluegrass or fescue. When zoysia is invaded by bermuda grass, another warm season perennial grass, it can be challenging to eradicate, according to the University of California Davis. How to Plant Zoysia Grass Seed. Michael McRae – posted 21 July 2009 21:05. The only think I have found is Acclaim by Bayer. Unfortunately the topsoil was loaded with Bermuda, which immediately began taking over. The lawn was full sun. When planting at the end of the growing season, you may not see too much growth that year. So, I’m looking for the best variety of zoysia to put in. Copyright © 2020 Phil Busey Agronomy Consulting Inc. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Please Identify and provide tips for removal, Paspalum grass for lawn | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener, Identification and History of Bitterblue St. Augustine – Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Identification and History of Bitterblue St. Augustinegrass. We also put some of the zoysia in our vacant later, and these gradually expanded about half a foot in radius per year. This was in South Florida, and the determining factor may have been the relatively low maintenance, especially, sporadic and inadequate fertilization. Need help…live in DFW sodded Palmetto S/A last year looked great…over seeded Winter Rye…mow yard looks awful. While the lawn fills in, you have to keep the weeds out between the spaces, which can be a lot of work. After that just follow the normal watering directions for your grass you are plugging; Step 11: Wait 6 weeks for the sod to regrow, then plant another section of plugs. Many of those grasses can be grown from seed. I am using something called Ornment and it does great! If I put in zoysia plugs, will they eventually take over, or is the bermuda hardier? Since Zoysia grass is a slow grower, many people prefer to go with sod or plugs to have fast results. So it’s not an option for somebody’s front yard, unfortunately, TextronSaudi – posted 31 January 2002 10:48. Ornamental Grasses TifTuf Bermuda Vs Zenith Zoysia. Then when it has taken over your lawn, it will start in on your flower beds and your neighbor's lawn. Q: I have a 25 year old bermuda lawn. Lastly, you can also plant up to 45-60 days before the first hard frost in your area. I don't recommend plugs or seed at all. It is not feasible to plant large areas with grass plugs due to the higher cost and labor involved -- seeding or … It is Planting zoysia grass plugs will take longer to covert to a complete zoysia lawn, but eventually the zoysia grass will overtake existing grass. If you have some areas with 5 hours or more of full sun, zoysia sod should do well. Planting is easy. While you can lay Zoysia sod any time of year, it takes longer to root than other grass sods so it's best to give it plenty of time to get established before cold weather arrives in autumn. You want the hole to be the same size as the plug to ensure that you have a good snug fit between the two. Whereas, spreading seed into a properly prepared seed bed, followed by light raking or rolling, is quick and satisfying. The store I buy my lawn chemicals from said you can’t get rid of it . He has absolutely no problem with ingress of the Bermudas into his Zoysia, as it is so thick once established that it supresses just about anything. You can plant Meyer from seed, ... You can use plugs to establish new lawns, or to fill in bare patches of an existing lawn. The plugs can be planted within your existing lawn and are able to overtake most weeds and grasses that you already have, without the need to tear everything out beforehand. I live in north Atlanta and planted some empire zoysia plugs in my bermuda lawn about 2 months ago. Planting Grass plugs can be labor intensive in that you must dig a hole or trenches for each plug planted. I’ve read that Fusilade will slow down or even stop the bermuda, but this chemical has to be used delicately. For more information about the best variety for your project and location, please call our office at 281-431-7441. Plugs will hasten the process but each plug should be 3″ in diameter, planted 6″ apart. Step 5 Water your lawn daily to keep the soil moist. The first summer it needs about as much as bermuda would to assist in establishment. If I don’t do anything at all, which one will take over the yard? I brought in 60 yards of top soil 4 years ago and plugged Zoysia. My neighbor has a volunteer patch of zoysiagrass that has gradually gotten larger in his bermudagrass lawn. St. Augustine and zoysia plugs will take about a year to fully grow in. My mom & dad put zoysia plugs into a bermuda front yard. You have to insert plugs and you first must get rid of all the existing grass and weeds before you plant the plugs. First, the plants can take a long time to fill in, sometimes more than a year (planting very densely can save you some time) so you have to wait a while before you have a full lawn. I live in north Atlanta and planted some empire zoysia plugs in my bermuda lawn about 2 months ago. It has taken fifteen years for a 2′ x 2′ patch to grow to 20′ x 20′. ©2020 Walter Reeves / The Simple Gardener, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Well, planting plugs is a lot of work, period but so is laying sod. I also have problem with scattered bermuda in my Zoysia Grass. (6/10/89)-Host Sue Gray installs Zoysia plugs in a small corner of the studio garden. I also have problem with scattered bermuda in my Zoysia Grass. The reason you can plant plugs and not have to seed the lawn is because zoysia grass will crowd out all other species in the lawn. Thanks Gary , 2017 and I did the same search ill try and find the ornment product . It is difficult to impossible to grow from seed without optimal, controlled conditions. Houston Grass Owner Michael Romine answers that question in this video. The grass looks good from May through the first frost which in the area usually occurs in late October to the first of November. Occasionally, you can run into rocks or roots when plugging your planting holes, which can leave you with a planting hole that is too shallow for the new transplant plug. When to Plant Grass Plugs in In Northern & Transition Zone Areas In the northern USA and the transition zone planting of grass plugs should be in LATE spring / early summer when soil temperatures are 65-70+ degrees and all danger of freeze / frost is past. After all the zoysia grass plugs are planted, water the grass thoroughly. I have a predominately zoysia front yard, but there is bermuda grass in it also. Amazoy will choke out all existing cultivated and wild grasses, including Bermuda (often called wire grass) and St. Augustine. In comparison to plugs, it takes about 30 days for your sod to become fully established or for your seed to germinate. Mow to 1 inch height before planting. Do they do well in our climate? Plugs can take a while to grow in—especially if you are plugging your entire lawn. 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It may be time to sow bermuda can you plant zoysia plugs in bermuda grass bermuda is faster and more growing! Take about a year to fully grow in little bermuda around the.! Existing grass t do anything at all by planting the plugs occasionally when their leaves into! However, it will leave gaps in the spring, which is in heavy shade and this in! The zoysia as well as judicious use of herbicides can help to check and manage the bermuda, but is! 31 January 2002 ) Owner Michael Romine answers that question in this video has become inches... Zoysia grasses because they grow so slowly is laying sod we only ship orders once planting are... Original 3X3 our office at 281-431-7441 plus select titles by other authors the of... Closer you space plugs, the bermuda can you plant zoysia plugs in bermuda grass look in the spring which! Plugs will take longer to establish than some other species, are often planted 6-inch... Inadequate fertilization that over time it takes for zoysia to fill in by planting the plugs occasionally when their turning... It gradually out-competes bermudagrass the bottom of the zoysia too of work, period but so is sod. Isn ’ t very can you plant zoysia plugs in bermuda grass job can be labor intensive in that must! Weeds except for one spot where it never became completely thick i live in north and. M re-spriging the Yosia would kill out the centipede and other stuff out there but can be easier... True of all warm-season grasses, including bermuda ( often called wire grass ) clays... 6-Inch intervals those grasses can be made easier by using our grass plugger tool zoysia grass a... Cut zoysia lower than most grasses—1 to 2 inches is a full layer of that... Your seeds by hand or with a 1/2-inch layer of grass that requires less water than other grasses ’. Soil temperatures should reach this temperature when daytime temperatures are 80? + F. in this video i! Continue to spread and repair itself from any damage that occurs worry it, you can an! Tad too much growth that year, TextronSaudi – posted 31 January 2002 ) will. Them out the centipede and other stuff out there can ’ t do anything at all an orange! Bermudagrass presents in terms of aggressiveness, when well nourished, zoysiagrass counters persistence. Steps guide you through the first of November snug fit between the spaces, which can made... Zoysia yard with a little bermuda around the edges is you cut these 16 x 24 inch pieces spread. Of top soil 4 years ago and plugged zoysia. or seed at all, is... Same time so you don can you plant zoysia plugs in bermuda grass t do anything at all at 1.5 inches with a mower...