Aside from a sod cutter, what type of poison couls I ise to remove zoysia grass? Have had zoysia since planting plugs approximately 40 years ago. We're tired of the dormant look of the grass, always brown. You can always tell where the zoysia begins and ends. We're looking for an alternate option to remove, such as a poison. We are not interested in going thru removing sod piece by piece. Just want to kill the grass, and re-seed. Thanks!
Treat the entire lawn area with a non-selective herbicide, like Round-up. While herbicide treatments usually begin in late summer, to achieve the best results, apply the herbicide while the grass is still green and actively growing.
Also keep in mind that non-selective herbicides still have the potential to kill other plants on contact. Therefore, use it with caution when applying near garden plants.
I've heard that you must mow zoysia with a reel-type mower only. . . That is a lot of work ! What will happen if I use a riding mower? I live in north central Florida.
You can use a reel mower for zoysia grass, but you don't have to. It's ok to use an ordinary lawn mower. Zoysia grass should be kept at a mowing height between 3/4 to 2 inches.
Generally, Zoysia grass should be kept at a mowing height between 3/4 to 2 inches.
I live in S. Illinois, near St. Louis. My yard is mostly weeds and crabgrass and the various areas of the yard run the gamit between mostly shaded to full sun. I have some limited experience with zoysia grass as my parents managed to get a few plugs to survive in their yard when I was growing up in S Indiana. Their stunted success was due more to the fact that the sod pieces were mostly dead when received rather than from a lack of effort from my parents, I believe. That being said, I remember the plugs that survived to be everything the companies that sell zoysia grass claim it to be: lush, carpet-like, low maintenance. Would this be really be a wise choice? I am not concerned about it going dormant in the winter months.
It depends on what kind of soil it is going in and what conditions the grass is growing under, but for the most part, zoysia would be suitable for growing in your area, especially since its going dormant (and turning brown) is okay with you.
If you do cut it very low, like Bermuda, do you do this while it is still dormant or when recovered? What height should I cut it to?
Yes, it can be scalped to one inch now in spring. After that the zoysia grass should be kept at a mowing height between 3/4 to 2 inches.
How much should I water zoysia? I sodded last summer. I live in Bandera, Texas.
I would water once or twice a week only. This creates a healthier grass as the roots grow deeper. The amount you water should be between 1-2" (or more), depending on how hot it gets in your area.
My zoysia grass is thick and well established. Should I bag or mulch when I mow?
Since zoysia is prone to developing thatch, especially in thick lawns, I would not leave it to mulch but instead bag the grass and toss it into the compost heap.