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Planting Zoysia Grass Plugs: A Comprehensive Guide
What is Zoysia Grass?
Zoysia grass is a popular lawn grass known for its ability to spread easily and its low-maintenance nature. It is often planted using plugs, which are small pieces of sod that contain several grass plants.
When to Plant Zoysia Plugs
The best time to plant zoysia plugs is in the late spring or early summer, after the last frost has passed. Planting plugs later in the summer may not give the grass enough time to establish itself before winter.
How to Plant Zoysia Plugs
Materials:
- Zoysia grass plugs
- Shovel or trowel
- Compost or weak fertilizer
- Water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soil: De-thatch the area where you will be planting the plugs and water it thoroughly to soften the soil.
- Dig the Holes: Dig holes for the plugs that are slightly larger than the plugs themselves.
- Add Fertilizer: Add some weak fertilizer or compost to the bottom of each hole.
- Place the Plugs: Place the plugs in the holes and backfill the soil around them. Press down on the plugs to ensure good contact with the soil.
- Spacing: Space the plugs 12 inches (31 cm) apart at a minimum, but you can space them wider if you are willing to wait longer for the grass to spread.
- Water: Water the plugs thoroughly after planting.
Watering Zoysia Plugs
Water the plugs daily for the first week or two after planting, or until they are established. Once established, zoysia grass is relatively drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered deeply once or twice a week.
Caring for Zoysia Plugs
- Fertilize: Fertilize the plugs every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
- Mow: Mow the grass at a height of 1-2 inches.
- Aerate: Aerate the lawn once or twice a year to help the grass roots breathe.
Benefits of Planting Zoysia Plugs
- Easy to Spread: Zoysia grass spreads easily through its stolons, which are above-ground runners that produce new plants.
- Low Maintenance: Zoysia grass requires less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than other lawn grasses.
- Drought Tolerant: Zoysia grass is relatively drought tolerant and can survive with less water than other lawn grasses.
- Heat Tolerant: Zoysia grass is heat tolerant and can withstand hot summers.
- Soft and Dense: Zoysia grass has a soft, dense texture that is pleasant to walk on.
Troubleshooting
- Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
- Brown Patches: Brown patches can be a sign of disease or insect damage. Contact a lawn care professional for diagnosis and treatment.
- Weeds: Weeds can compete with zoysia grass for water and nutrients. Remove weeds regularly by hand-pulling or using a herbicide.
