zenith zoysia

chuckwhite8 – posted 11 August 2010 07:12

Hello — couple of weeks ago the contractor completed a backyard leveling project at our home (Roswell, GA). Project involved building a 3.5ft high, 66ft wide block wall, filling with 5 truckloads of dirt, installing 6pallets of Zenith Zoysia purchased from Super Sod Farms, putting in a PT pine fence and installing a sprinkler system. We thought the contractor did a good job involving eight days of work.

He suggested that I run the sprinkler twice a day (6am & 8:30pm) for 10mins which I have been following. I let the rotor heads run a little longer and spray heads go a little shorter. I have also been going around everyday with a hose to see if there is any color changes in areas, and manually adding water as required (very minor addition of water). The sod was laid 13 days ago and as of today, everything looks lush green (including the pallet of Bermuda he installed in our front yard).

Couple of days ago, I notice a small area (<2%) which was turning black (seemed dry). I watered it well and today it seems to be growing new blades as well. My question is: could that happen due to over watering? under watering (which is my guess)? fungus or other pest activity? sod which was at the lower end of the pallet which might have gotten a little more heat than it was supposed to?

Thank you.

turfgrass – posted 11 August 2010 17:35

could be slime mold….which is harmless.

be on lookout for armyworms, they can and will attack zoysia.

chuckwhite8 – posted 30 August 2010 16:06

Different issue — yesterday I observed that a small part of the zoysia lawn has white spots on the top part of the blade. The yard was mowed for the first time today (4weeks and 4days after the sod was put in).

I tried the soap test. Made a soapy liquid with dish washing soap and poured it in a 1ft x 1ft area. I observed it for about 20mins and nothing came to the top.

Would be correct in concluding that this is some sort of fungus? This part of the yard gets a little more shade than the other parts. What should I be applying to the lawn?

Thank you.