Empire Zoysia cutting Height

luisc – posted 30 May 2012 19:00

My sod is almost 2 months old and it is looking beautiful. I have been cutting it at 3.5″ since I did not want to scalp areas of the lawn since it is new. Todsy was my first time cutting at 3″ and it scalped 3-4 areas but not too bad. The rain today helped me since it rained after cutting it. Can i bring it down lower? or is 3″ good enough and if i do go down to like 2.5″ will it scalp the sod.

Thanks,Luis

aleicgrant – posted 30 May 2012 21:09

I have mine at 4 actually. Scalping is only suggested once right at the very start of spring. I would keep it at 3 but thats just me

jugheadfla – posted 31 May 2012 07:10

quote:Originally posted by aleicgrant:I have mine at 4 actually. Scalping is only suggested once right at the very start of spring. I would keep it at 3 but thats just me

I cut at 3″ as well.

mrmumbels – posted 31 May 2012 18:00

I’d put it back to 3.5″

In my experience it’ll just keep scalping those same spots until finally grows back in around the current twigs that are sticking up. Like the last guy said, wait till it’s dormant to scalp it then mow it often or it’ll scalp each time.

ezf – posted 31 May 2012 21:14

I cut mine around 3″. Mowing with a rotary mower, the wounded blade area is not small. The percentage gets higher if cut too short.

luisc – posted 31 May 2012 22:00

So should i stay at 3″ now then or go back to 3.5″?

aleicgrant – posted 01 June 2012 08:32

I cut mine at 4 here in Orlando for a reason. Yes it makes me cut it more often but it keeps the grass cooler in the root area and wards off crabgrass and other weeds. Combined with a spring and fall aeration and I am good. I would do 3.5 if you can manage otherwise 3 should be OK

jugheadfla – posted 01 June 2012 09:53

quote:Originally posted by jugheadfla: I cut at 3″ as well.

Sorry, I forgot to mention I use a reel mower and cut at 3″