Zoysiagrass is an excellent low maintenance lawn in full sun.
It spreads by stolons (stems that run above ground) and rhizomes (underground stems that take root as they grow) creating a dense groundcover that helps to keep weeds out.
The blades are wiry and fine-to-medium textured and forms a cushiony lawn.
Perform a soil test in preparation for starting your zoysia lawn. Otherwise, soil testing every 3 years is sufficient.
Check (PDF) UMD TT-77 Recommended Turfgrass Cultivars for Certified Production and Seed Mixtures in MD for more information on zoysia cultivars. ‘Meyer’ is bred to survive cold winter temperatures and is the most popular cultivar planted in Maryland.
Irrigate immediately after plugging. Do not let the area dry out. Lightly water the area daily for about 2 weeks. When the weather is hot and dry, two or three light daily waterings may be required.
As the zoysia grows and matures, the frequency of watering is decreased, but the duration of watering is increased. The top 4-6 inches of soil should be moist.
The mowing height for zoysia home lawns is 1.5-2 inches. It is ½ - 1 inch for athletic fields.
Zoysiagrass is very drought tolerant but if you notice grass blades wilting or turning an off-green color the lawn needs to be watered.
Rake tree leaves and add them to your compost bin or run them over with a mulching mower and allow them to decompose in place on your lawn. However, they should not be deeper than about a 1/2 inch to avoid smothering the grass.
Warm-season grasses will go dormant immediately after the first frost of the season.
Never fertilize a warm-season grass like zoysia in the fall.