using more than recommended seed

lennyk – posted 19 September 2006 08:23

I plan to attempt seeding zenith zoysia again.

Due to heavy rain washout issues, I plan to use a lot more seed as well as do the seeding in days, seed, rake in first day, water and roll to firm up soil, and then do the same a couple days later in hope that the soil will be firm enough so that it can survive a heavy rain washout better.

Is there any problem with using too much seed ?

tommy – posted 19 September 2006 19:46

Too much seed is a problem with clumping type grasses,( tall fescue, and rye), but zoysia should be ok with the heavy seeding.

TexanOne – posted 22 September 2006 02:41

After I seeded my 4000 sq ft Zenith Zoysia lawn in April 1999, there were a couple of low areas in the lawn where a thunderstorm had washed the seed in concentrated areas. The Zenith that came up in those “heavily seeded” areas became VERY thick, but sparse in the washed out areas. The thick areas persist to this day and are very healthy. I would estimate the areas that are extremely thick had about 5 to 6 lbs of Zenith seed / 1000 sq ft.

The only complaint I had with Zenith seed was that it came up very spotty and unpredictable in thickness. I seeded 6-lb over 4000 sq ft evenly, and I had about 95% coverage by August 1999. The problem was, most of the Zenith that did come up was weak, and VERY slow to spread and “knead” into sod. It took over 3 years for something resembling sod to form. Since 1999, most of the weaker areas of Zenith have died out and have been overrun and replaced by a much more adapted Texas Common St Augustinegrass.

In all fairness to Zenith Zoysia (and other Zoysias), my hot, semi-arid climate and alkaline water and soil are probably not to it’s liking. LennyK, I believe you said you lived in the West Indies – well, Zoysia is probably perfect for your climate, soil, and water. I think you will get good results by seeding heavily (if you can take the expense!) and if you can keep the seed where you put it without a washout. I would recommend 3 lbs / 1000 sq ft for a thick stand within 4-5 months.

I know that Texas A&M is experimenting with Zoysia cultivars that are adapted to near-brackish water conditions and hot, arid climates. The day those varieties are released will probably be the day I replace my entire yard with that variety.

TexanOne – posted 22 September 2006 02:52

LennyK, don’t cover the seed with too much soil or it won’t come up. My opinion is not to cover it with more than 1/8” (about 2-3mm) of soil at the most. I know it’s tempting to cover the seed with a thicker soil covering to reduce washouts, but try not to do that. If you have access to some type of organic mulch, or matting to break up the heavy rainfall, try that instead.

Please keep us informed of your Zenith trial!

TexanOne – posted 22 September 2006 03:17

This is what 7-year old Zenith Zoysia looks like in the hot, arid climate of West Texas. This is really the only area (about 300 sq ft) of my yard where it still looks good. This is also the area where a thunderstorm washed most of the seed (about 5-6 lbs of seed / 1000 sq ft).

The photo doesn’t do the Zenith justice – it is very thick, dark green, and just mowed to 3” in the photo. The Zenith is very thick and a weed doesn’t have a chance to come up. It is the perfect lawn grass in this photo. If only I could get the same results in the rest of my yard, I would give it a perfect “10”!

The day this photo was taken, the temperature was about 102 F deg with very low humidity.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l57/CPF-SAphoto/SApictures060722003.jpg