Emerald zoysia sod

Question

I just laid Emerald zoysia sod two weeks ago, and now I have big black and brown spots in it. I’ve been watering it every morning and evening. I thought it needed more water but now it looks worse! The temperature is about 90 now. What can I do? I have a wedding next week at the house. I really want the yard to look better. I’ve spent too much money to have the grass die!

Answer 1

Zoysia new sod has a specific watering schedule for temperatures above 75 degrees.
For the first week water twice a day for 3 days.
Once a day for the next 3 days.
Hold watering for the next day.
The second weed you should water the sod once a day and during the third week drop it to every other day.
On the forth week water two time on nonconsecutive days.

Amount of water? The first week it should be half inch each time you water.
Soaks the roots but not drowning the grass.
As you cut back the watering you increase the amount to a little less then an inch of water.

Do not fertilize until lawn is well established.

To much water can cause fungus to grow. It may be you have overwatered.
But with the heat you are experiencing you may want to pull back a little sod and check to see if the soil is indeed wet.
Also I should mention soil prep. Was the ground properly conditioned for the new sod?

I think you can make water corrections but they will take time.
A newly laid sod lawn is not generally ready for foot traffic for weeks.
Here are a few links for you.
I wish you luck.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/specific/zoysia/zoysia-diseases-tips-for-dealing-with-zoysia-grass-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/specific/zoysia/no-fuss-lawns-with-zoysia-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/installing-sod-instructions.htm