Expanding Zoysia in existing lawn

Eric – posted 20 November 2002 12:27

I live in southern Illinois (62864)and have about 1/3 of my 2+ acre lawn in Zoysia(it was already established when we moved in last year) and would like to start a program to expand it throughout the property.I don’t really know the options for planting Zoysia…I’ve heard about plugs & sod but am not really clear on all the options. Many questions!!:1) Is there seed like other types of turf grasses?2) When is the best time to start? Spring?3) Do you need to plant the same type of Zosia that’s currently growing? How do you know what type it is??4) Do you need to completely kill all other types of grass in an area first?THANKS!!!!

Will-PCB – posted 22 November 2002 08:15

I’m not a EMPRESS Zoysia grass owner, but I was able to do a little research for you …

Fortunately there is plenty of information on the net concerning your specific turfgrass without using this forum to provide free advertisement to any specific provider. Just follow the link below for some resources for questions I could not answer here.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22EMPRESS+Zoysia

quote:I live in southern Illinois (62864)and have about 1/3 of my 2+ acre lawn in Zoysia(it was already established when we moved in last year) and would like to start a program to expand it throughout the property. I don’t really know the options for planting Zoysia…I’ve heard about plugs & sod but am not really clear on all the options.

Just from my quick research, it seems as if Zoysia is a warm climate grass. How moderate is your weather there? However, it seems as if there is one variety called “Companion Zoysia” which is advertised to be a good performer in both extreme summer and winter climates.

quote:1) Is there seed like other types of turf grasses?

Yes, I was able to find a seed provider for “Companion Zoysia” by simply visiting http://www.zoysias.com

quote:2) When is the best time to start? Spring?

It is recommended to plant in Late Spring/Summer. Planting rate is advertised at 2 to 3 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.

quote:3) Do you need to plant the same type of Zosia that’s currently growing? How do you know what type it is??

Your local extension office would be a good resource in helping you discover the type of Zoysia that you currently have. However, not knowing the different characteristics of ZOysia, I could not tell you if one variety is greener than the other or whatnot (Phil, fill in here for me bro!), but if it is anything like St. Augustine, then maybe the cultivars are not so drastically different in their distant visual appearance or maintence needs.

quote:4) Do you need to completely kill all other types of grass in an area first?THANKS!!!!

I think this would more depend on the grass type. Zoysia is advertised as a dense growing turfgrass that inhibits weeds. Most of the Zoysia links I read all agree that mixing your Zoysia with a turf-type tall fescue can produce an excellent year round turf, in the transition zone and temperate climates. Again, your local extension office should be able to help you identify which types of grasses are growing on your property. Then you can research them all and make some informed decisions from there. It would appear as if you do have some time for research since the prime Zoysia seeding time is in late Spring.

I believe this chart below (click image properties for URL) could be a good start for you to print and follow:

Hope I have helped somehow. I am sure that Phil can elaborate on a more professional level than I could.