Zoysia grass is a popular choice for warm-season lawns due to its fine texture, dense growth habit, and resilience against heat and drought. The grass spreads vigorously through both rhizomes and stolons, creating a thick, carpet-like lawn that effectively crowds out weeds. While Zoysia can be grown from seed, installing sod is the preferred method for homeowners seeking immediate establishment and a uniform, mature appearance. This guide focuses on the preparation, installation, and initial care required to achieve a dense, healthy lawn.
Preparing the Planting Area
Preparing the soil bed is crucial for successful Zoysia sod establishment. First, eliminate existing vegetation by physically removing the old lawn with a sod cutter or applying a non-selective herbicide. Once cleared, perform a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH, as Zoysia thrives best in a slightly acidic to neutral range, typically between 6.0 and 6.5.
Next, loosen the soil to a depth of at least four to six inches using a rototiller to encourage deep root penetration. Use this opportunity to incorporate any necessary amendments, such as lime to raise a low pH or compost to improve drainage and overall soil structure.
The planting area must then be graded to ensure a smooth, uniform surface and to establish a gentle slope away from any buildings to facilitate proper water runoff. Apply a starter fertilizer rich in phosphorus, which supports the development of new root systems. Lightly rake the fertilizer into the top few inches of the loosened soil and remove any remaining rocks or large debris.
Finally, lightly roll the entire area with an empty or partially filled roller to create a firm, stable base. This prevents the sod from settling unevenly after installation. Ensure the final grade sits approximately one inch below paved surfaces to account for the thickness of the turfgrass.
Laying the New Zoysia Sod
Installation timing is crucial: Zoysia sod is perishable and should be laid immediately upon delivery, ideally within 24 hours. Keep the pallets in a shaded location and lightly moisten them if installation is delayed. Before starting, lightly water the prepared soil bed to prevent it from drawing moisture away from the new sod.
Start the installation by laying the first row along the longest straight line available, such as a driveway or sidewalk, gently unrolling the pieces without stretching them. Ensure the ends of the sod pieces are firmly butted against one another, avoiding both overlapping and leaving gaps between the segments.
Subsequent rows must be staggered in a brick-like pattern, which prevents long, continuous seams susceptible to drying out and potential erosion. Use a sharp utility knife or a garden spade to cut pieces to fit around curves and obstacles. Avoid using small scraps along the perimeter, as these pieces dry out quickly and struggle to establish roots.
Minimize walking on the freshly laid sod by using planks or working from the edges to maintain soil-to-sod contact. Once the area is covered, roll the new Zoysia with a lawn roller that is about one-third full of water. This ensures maximum contact between the sod and the prepared soil beneath, eliminating air pockets that prevent water transfer.
Establishing the Sod
The first step after installation is a deep, thorough watering that completely saturates the new sod and the top four to six inches of the underlying soil. This initial soak settles the turf and provides a deep reservoir of moisture for the Zoysia to begin rooting. Lift a corner of the sod in several locations to confirm the soil beneath is visibly wet and saturated.
For the first seven to ten days, the Zoysia lawn requires frequent, light watering, typically two to four times per day, to keep the upper soil layer consistently moist. The focus during this initial period is on hydrating the rhizomes and encouraging initial root hairs to emerge.
After the first week, gradually decrease the frequency of watering while simultaneously increasing the duration of each session. This encourages the new roots to grow deeper into the soil profile in search of moisture.
Check for successful establishment by gently lifting a small section of the sod; resistance indicates active rooting. Keep all foot traffic off the new turf for the first four to six weeks to prevent compaction and root displacement. The first mowing should occur only when the grass blades reach approximately one and a half times the desired cutting height, using a sharp blade set to a height of about two inches.