Should i overseed zoysia

You will have poor results if you attempt to overseed an existing Zoysia lawn with Fescue. Zoysia grass grows thickly and resists all attempts at overseeding. This means that if you spread Fescue seed on your Zoysia, you will get very few Fescue sprouts.

Additionally, because Zoysia grows so fast and vigorously, Fescue will not crowd out Zoysia. Fescue and Zoysia grass mix poorly. Fescue is a bunch-forming, cool-season grass that prefers shady areas. Zoysia grows low to the ground, spreads through rhizomes and runners, and chokes out other grasses in sunny areas.

Because Zoysia is so aggressive, it is prone to overrunning any Fescue in your yard. If any clumps of Fescue remain, they will likely be confined to shaded areas. This leads to an uneven, patchy appearance in your lawn, rather than a true blend of grasses. Fescue and Zoysia care also differ wildly. Zoysia grows best when mowed around 2 inches 5 cm tall.

Meanwhile, Fescue should be mowed at a height of 3 inches 7. If you cut Fescue too short, it will die. When seed and straw are in place, the only task remaining is proper watering to ensure good germination. Light, frequent watering is the key to proper irrigation for seed establishment. Keep in mind that fescues require 7 to 10 days for seed germination, therefore light, frequent watering during this time is critical. Moist soil looks darker in color than a dry soil.

Maintain moist looking conditions during this time; avoid puddles and runoff during seed establishment. Once seedlings begin to emerge, you can begin to back off on watering as seedling roots grow deeper into the soil. Six weeks after seeding you can really begin to enjoy your new lawn.

In three weeks, your lawn should be tall enough to mow. Begin mowing just as soon as your lawn is at a proper mowing height. Begin with a 3-inch mowing height for new fescue lawns. This should force grass plants to tiller produce additional shoots and increase density. In time, mowing heights can be increased to 3. Mowing taller produces a shade effect to reduce weed seed germination as well as creating a plant with a deeper root system to improve heat and drought tolerance during summer months.

After three weeks, a second fertilizer application can be made with a standard ratio fertilizer at a rate of 0. Also note, straw does not need to be raked up in this process.

After six weeks, a final fertilizer application can be made with a standard ratio fertilizer at a rate of 0. From this point in time on, continue mowing at a regular interval to avoid excess clippings until winter sets in. Always mow tall and let the clippings fall to return nutrients back to the soil. Conversion from a warm-season lawn, like zoysiagrass, to a cool-season lawn like tall fescue is difficult.

That is why the elimination of zoysia with Roundup throughout the summer is critical. While your lawn will look dead and brown for most of a summer, the rewards of a green lawn in the fall may well be worth your time and effort. All rights reserved. DMCA and other copyright information. Large Patch in Zoysiagrass.

Note: Brilliant orange Firing on patch parimeter. Satellite imagery of a zoysiagrass lawn infected with Large Patch. Same lawn as in satellite imagery. Pennington is dedicated to producing the finest grass seed possible and helping you grow and enjoy a beautiful, lush, healthy lawn.

We're here for you — whatever type of grass you choose to grow. Duble, Richard L. When you're on a quest for the perfect lawn, you're bound to encounter challenges. Seeding your lawn is an economical and satisfying way to introduce healthy turf to your yard. Water conservation and a healthy, beautiful lawn aren't mutually exclusive.

You can do your part to manage water usage, and keep your lawn. Zoysia Grass at a Glance. Warm-season grass with improved cold tolerance. Prefers sun, tolerates some light shade. Suitable for southern and transition zones. Tolerant of heat and drought. Low water and maintenance requirements. Dense, traffic-tolerant growth. Zoysia Grass Basics. Other Zoysia Grass Considerations. Zoysia Grass Lawn Care Calendar.

Mowing Start mowing Zoysia grass as it exits dormancy. Aerate and Dethatch Zoysia's dense growth habit often results in excess thatch. Watering Zoysia lawns typically need 1 inch of rainfall or irrigation per week. Fertilization Compared to many other lawn grasses, Zoysia has relatively low nitrogen requirements. Pest Control Treat turf pests such grubs and mole crickets with Sevin Lawn Insect Killer Granules to stop lawn damage and protect grass for up to three months.

Soil Testing Soil testing reveals your lawn's pH and nutrient availability. Watering Supplement fall rains as needed so your lawn receives 1 inch of water per week. Soil Amendments Amend your soil according to soil test recommendations. Leaf Management Manage fallen leaves by raking or mulching to prevent grass from smothering under leaves. If your zoysia lawn has other health issues, those need to be addressed first or the new seed is a waste of time and money.

In warmer climates, zoysiagrass still turns brown during winter dormancy; so overseeding in the fall can give your lawn some green during the winter months.

But you will need to overseed with another grass that is compatible with zoysiagrass and will grow in your area. Your lawn needs to be roughed up a bit to prepare for new seed, whether it's zoysia grass seed or a cool-season species used for winter color. Mowing it to a length of 1 inch is recommended to allow enough light for seed germination. You will also need to rake the yard first to remove any buildup of dried, matted grass known as thatch.

Aerating the yard -- using a special tool to punch holes in the soil to allow water, air and light to reach the grass roots -- is also recommended to encourage overall lawn health. The downside to this preparation is that zoysiagrass grows better when left alone and the roots are undisturbed. So overseeding can damage the health of the existing lawn.