Topsoil over newly laid Zorro Zoysia and mowing…

Brown Bear – posted 12 July 2007 21:35

I just laid 3 pallets of Zorro sod here in Austin, TX and am wondering if I should fill in some of the gaps between the pieces as well as some of the low spots with a quality top soil? Also, all I’ve got is a 20″ rotary MULCHING mower. Will this do for now for the first growing season? I’ve read that leaving the clippings can lead to excessive thatching and that a reel mower should be used. Any opinions from those who have Zorro? I know this variety is prone to thatching anyway and should be de-thathched yearly.

Any advice is welcomed,Jack

tommy – posted 13 July 2007 13:25

Yep, you can use top soil- but not more than a half inch at a time. Super low spots will have to be raised a little at a time, because too much all at once will snuff out the turf. You can use a rotary, and yes, once a year de-thatching will be perfect. (early fall or mid spring)

Brown Bear – posted 14 July 2007 22:14

Hi Tommy,

Your advice sounds reasonable. I’ll topsoil the low spot (1/2″ or less) and keep the rotary mower then. Thanks a bunch. I’ve got the sprinklers on the newly laid grass right now and hope it takes off well.

Oh, one more thing: When should I fertilize and do you have any recommendation?

Best regards,Jack

Alex_in_FL – posted 20 October 2007 12:20

You might want to just use sand. Topsoil often comes with weeds in it. Topsoil also makes it more likely a weed seed blown in from elsewhere will survive.

Brown Bear – posted 21 October 2007 13:57

Alex, you have an excellent point that I hadn’t thought about. In fact, since I’ve laid my sod, I’ve had zero weeds with the exception of an occasional one that pulls up easily. I probably should hold off on laying down any sand until the early spring. Here in Texas, all grasses are starting to go dormant including my Zorro Zoysia. You’ll have to tell me what Zoysia you’ve got, how old it is, and what sort of maintenance program you’ve been doing.

Thanks from Texas,Jack