[Tim]

I have been considering switching my lawn over to this stuff for awhile. Any input about it, pro or con would be greatly appreciated! Tim

[Nebraska]

Tim...

First things that you will notice is that it will go dormant (brown) at the end of September beginning of October in your area. It will not come out of dormancy and green up until early to Mid May in your area.

My question to you would be what are you trying to accomplish by going to zoysia?

[Stonehenge]

My limited experience with Zoysia has been that it is extremely invasive. If you plant it in one portion of your yard, it will go everywhere in your yard. And your neighbor's yard, too.

I had a potential client somehow end up with Zoysia in a little part of their yard, and through their mowing practices distributed it throughout the entire yard.

So I guess it depends what your goals are.

[Tim]

I have noticed it's tendency to stay dormant. I guess the draw to it for me is that I like the way it feels under my feet the most! I also have been told that it is very efficient at choking out every other undesirable grow under the Sun. People have told me you must burn it off annually for it to grow right. Is there any truth to this? I also have heard that you only have to mow it a few times a year...true? The property I want to use it on has a steep terrace. My thinking is that it may lower my yard maintenance there too. Tim

[Nebraska]

It does feel like carpet under your feet.

It is recommended to burn it....not many people can if they live in the city limits.

It will reduce your lawn maintenance.

You'll have to mow more than a few times a year. When it gets hot it will grow like fire.. When it's growing rapidly you'll find that you have to mow more frequent, especially if your using a 21" mower, just to get through it because of how dense it is.

It is invasive....will take over landscape beds not maintained and even the neighbors lawn..

[Tim]

Thanks for the input Nebraska.
I am considering using this grass at my rental property which is located right next to a local college that is in an area of pretty much all duplexes. There has been Rag Weed, and Horse Weed as high as 5ft tall on the surrounding properties this year.
I'm just tired of fighting the horrendous weed problem every year. Every Spring, you would swear that you just drove by a Marigold nursery when you pass by the neighborhood because of the solid blankets of Dandelions. Thistle, Creeping Charlie, Jimsom, Button Leaf, Poke... I end up with 'em all. Not to mention all of the Maple and Walnut spouts too. I guess I am just looking for a more practical way of dealing with the property maintenance that will involve less expense than in prior years. I don't think the local lawn services have ever sprayed any of the surrounding properties other than mine, and the College's. Tim

[Tim]

Still would like more input here. Should I plant this stuff yet this year, or is it best to implement in Spring? thank you everyone that responds. Tim

[Nebraska]

It comes in plugs...now it most likely dormant; it is here.

I would wait till Mid-May..

Then buy 1000's of plugs and a spade...or you could even use a drill with something similar to a bulb auger...and have fun!

[Tim]

Thanks Nebraska!

I almost sent my order in today for the plugs. They sell a plugging tool for the install too. I thought I'd buy that too, or am I still being a Green Horn by thinking that way?

Can I expect it to take over within a year? Two?

Is there an aeration schedule I should keep with this stuff?

I know it has an incredible root base. I've worked in yards that have had it in the past. Could barely get a shovel through it! Tim

[Nebraska]

We've done zoysia plugging twice 5 years ago... Just used a spade and they took just fine... The tool may make it easier???It took both of them about 3 full seasons to dominate the lawn. We used 600 plugs per 1000 square feet.

I hear that they now have zoysia seed????

[Tim]

I have yet to see the seed advertised. I may go searching on the web for that. It would have to be easier than digging all those plug holes. But with anything, I am assuming with ease, and time savings comes expense. Thanks again for the input. Tim

[Nebraska]

Tim

'Googled' Zoysia and this is one of the first that came up: http://www.zoysias.com/

[Tim]

Thanks for the link. I was just going off an old magazine page offer for where I was planning to buy from. The Internet!! What a blessing!! Tim

[DandBLawnCare]

We do not care for the grass. By mowing it weekly the height is hard to control. The thatch rises with it. So if you try to keep the height at 1 - 2 inches before the year is up the lawn is 3 - 4 inches deep. It needs to be mowed every 3 days and be kept at 1 - 1 1/2 inches in height. Using a regular mower will not work either. They are not heavy enough to sink into the grass and will float along the top. When the floating starts and you hit a low spot your mower will bog and this creates a bad brown spot in the lawn. It has a tendency to kill itself by growing to thick. It is hard on the ankles and the knees because when the thatch grows it is like walking on a foamy pad. There isn't an insect problem. But it does have a habit of developing mold and fungus. But if you have the time to mow it right it does look good.

[Tim]

Thank you for the input. It sounds like the benefits are some what outweighed by the added maintenance. What type of mower would have to be used for this type of lawn to flourish? Do you suggest another type of grass seed for my particular problem? You also mentioned fungus. Does this just appear as dead or yellow patches in the lawn? Do I need to have a fertilizing program, or aerating program for this too? I appreciate any and all responses. Thanks!! Tim