Zorro Zoysia yellowing and turning gray

Brown Bear – posted 12 July 2008 14:35

Hello All,

I live in Austin, TX and laid Zorro Zoysia exactly one year ago. The grass took off very nicely and remained healthy through the growing season. I kept the grass cut at 3″ tall. The grass went through the dormancy period okay and came up okay this spring, but then developed yellow patches which turned to now gray patches. There are now large matted areas in the yard. The grass doesn’t appear to be dead, however. My thoughts are that there’s a fungus, but also, does anyone feel that I should dethatch the yard? If so, when during the season? The grass is very dense, but then, I’m not sure if this is the problem. I’ve kept the grass well-watered every four days or so despite the current drought we’re experiencing here in central Texas. Sorry I don’t have any photos.

Any advice is appreciated,Jack

jerrytur – posted 13 July 2008 07:41

When it is hot out I have to water twice a day for 30 minutes each zone other wise the lawn starts to turn brown. I live in Southern Calif. and our temps are around 100 plus on many days. Have you fertilized yet. Sounds like you are on water restriction good luck Jerry

Brown Bear – posted 13 July 2008 20:38

HI Jerry,

Thanks for the reply. I haven’t fertilized and am thinking of doing that. Yes, it’s been, easily, 100 degrees everyday almost a month now. No joke. A lot of yards with different varieties of grass are becoming stressed. I can’t tell if I’ve got a fungus, or it’s just not getting enough water and the water it is getting may be sinking too fast through the somewhat compacted soil. Do you know if I’d benefit from a shallow layer of a top soil mix with nutrients that way I could build up the soil level as well, and maybe help the soil retain more water? Just a thought…

Thanks,Jack

BuckinNC – posted 26 July 2008 08:18

No need to guess about the moisture. Go to a garden center, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc. and for about five bucks pick up a soil moisture probe. I have Zorro and find the probe invaluable. Particularly for trying to figure out how quickly water applied on top drops down. Moisture is of course critical to the development of a solid root structure, growth, etc. Far too important to merely assume that watering every X days is sufficient. You may also be surprised at the differences in watering frequently for short intervals compared with giving it a good soak once a week or so.

Very inexpensive tool that provides essiential information.

Brown Bear – posted 26 July 2008 13:02

Good tip about the hydrometer! My thoughts about my grass condition is that it may be chinch bugs. I’ve been reading about this and the bugs thrive in grasses that are in full sun and less so in the shade. That’s exactly where I’m seeing the yellowing patches — full sun areas. In the shady part of the yard, the grass is still green. Hmm, any thoughts or experience with chinch bugs? I’ve read that they’re difficult to treat. I will do the “coffee can” test this weekend and fill it with water to see if any bugs float to the top.

Thanks for your reply and have a great weekend,Jack