New Emerald Zoysia Sod Browning..???

backnine – posted 13 July 2008 12:29

I’ve just had Emerald Zoysia sod installed within the last 7-10 days. It’s browning in certain area – especially along seams. I realize the seams are where the most exposure to air and heat is at but in some cases whole slabs of sod have browned out. I’m watering twice a day for 40 minutes per zone and have even gotten a bit of rain. Does it still need more water to get established?? I’m beginning to get concerned that I’m going to lose quite a bit – maybe I’m overreacting. I doubt it’s even had time to root yet and perhaps it goes through some shock associated with the process…? Can anyone confirm. Also, will the browned out areas bounce back? I’m a sod-virgin and need some reassuring.

tommy – posted 14 July 2008 00:12

Peel back a brown piece of sod, and make sure its wet underneath. Zoysia will almost always bounce back, but new sod that has dried too much, may have permanent damage. If the dry areas do not show life in a week or so, you may have to replace those spots. If its mostly on the edges, the turf will eventually spread and fill in by itself.

backnine – posted 14 July 2008 19:03

Thanks for the response. I spoke to my landscaper today to discuss my concerns. He explained that zoysia sod is one the worst looking sods at the time of installation. He said zoysia sod normally goes through a period of shock that leads to the brown edges and other distressed symptons. He also stated some squares might indeed die as some of them may have been shaved off too close for the roots to survive the transition process. He’s assured me he and the supplier would replace any out and out dead pieces of sod after a few weeks if some not bounce back as he expects most of it should. To your point, however, I will check beneath the more extreme brown pieces to ensure it’s getting water beneath it.