I live in North Georgia. Can you overseed for the winter to keep zoysia green? What is the best grass seed to use?
The experts are mixed on whether or not this is a good idea. Some feel that zoysia and rye grass can't work well together, because they grow at different rates and one will eventually push out the other. Other experts feel that zoysia can hold its own and that this is a good way to keep grass green all year round. This article can help you with how best to go about overseeding with rye:
https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/homehort/archives-of-weekly-articles-davids-plant-of-the-week/winter-ryegrass/
I had a zoysia lawn sodded last summer. We have had an unusual winter with several weeks at freezing or below (20's) temps. Now my lawn is totally brown -- no green blades to be seen. What is wrong?
While it's generally dependent on the type of zoysia grass you have, most winter damage will not permanently cause harm, as the grass is usually dormant anyway. In fact, zoysia will normally heal itself within a few months. The most cold tolerant variety is Meyer, which is actually hardy to -30 F below zero. Emerald zoysia, which is another popular variety, will stand cold temperatures without damage around 5 to 10F.
I've read all the pros and cons concerning Zoysia grass, and that it prefers warmer climates. Va Beach is a transition zone where it gets plenty cold in the winter months. If I feel the pros of planting zoysia outweigh the cons, will it even survive / will it tolerate the temps in Virginia Beach or does it generally get too cold here for it to grow well? Thank you.
It will grow fine. The issue you will see if that zoysia turns brown in cold weather. It is not dead, just dormant and many people don't like the way it looks when dormant. It is for this reason that zoysia is mostly recommended for warm regions.
I read your article and several others on how to kill grass naturally. I want to put in a patio and flower bed before it gets too warm. I have an old tarp to use for killing the grass. How soon do I need to put that on? Also, once the grass is dead, will it pull up easily or will I still need to dig it up? We have very thick, aggressive zoysia.
You can put the tarp down at any time, even after the grass has started to come out of dormancy. The lack of light will kill it.
Yes, you will need to dig it up and if it is an aggressive grass, it could be hard. You may want to check with your local hardware store. Sometimes they have tools for rent that can help with pulling the grass up.
I live in the Atlanta, Ga area and am wondering if this is the right climate for Zoysia grass. I have a small shady backyard that is mostly dirt and need a grass that will grow in these conditions.
Thank you.
Yes, zoysia will do well in your area. You may also want to look at Saint Augustine grass. It does well in these conditions as well.
I have Saint Augustine grass and grub control is something that I discovered late in the game and so now have patches of grass where I am replanting Saint Augustine plugs. I am thinking about planting Zoysia seeds or plugs in that area.
It is not really any more resistant to grubs than St. Augustine grass. Unfortunately, you will need to address the grubs in order to improve the grass. This article may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/lawn-grubs-how-to-get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm
My lawn is already Zoysia grass but has several "thin" spots. It's not bad enough to re-sod, but is there something I can do to thicken it up? Can I add Zoysia seeds to the thin spots, or is there a frertilizer that will make it grow and cover the thin spots? I'm in The Villages, in Florida.
You can reseed, but if zoysia is getting thin, than either it is overshaded or it may have a fungus. I would check the grass in those areas for signs of a fungus and treat the fungus if you find one. Here is some information on common grass fungus:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/grass-fungus.htm