Zoysia disappointment

Jim98 – posted 19 August 2001 18:59

I recently plugged with zoysia,unfortunately I did not know that zoysia was as slow growing as it is. This grass grows ridiculously slow compared to anything else in the plant world even with fertilizer.

What compounds this is the fact that rain and watering of the lawn gradually washed the soil between the plugs leaving the zoysia in mounds with low spots where soil is. Given the amount of rain that we have been getting this has made the situation pretty bad and the lawn will eventually need at least a good inch of soil later on to even out the undulations when it fills out(next year)The undulations are also causing the mowing to look uneven and is compounded by the fact that zoysia is low growing but I cannot cut it much since if I set the mower low it will scalp when the wheels go down in the low spots.Also because of its slow growth the weeds have ample time to spring up between.

I would highly advise anyone to avoid a zoysia lawn.

I am seriously considering spraying roundup and bringing in a load of soil and raising the level about 2 inches then planting something else such as st augustine

greengal – posted 26 August 2001 18:29

I had mayers zoysia sod put in my yard and it is absolutley beautiful…I tried to plug last year and it failed…please consider meyers before giving up on zoysia…it is like carpet…even the UPS man commented and wanted to take his shoes off and try it out

seed – posted 26 August 2001 19:43

Thanks, Jim98 and greengal, this will give future zoysia planters some pause for consideration, about how good as well as how badly it can do.

Can you please add,

“From what state or country are your experiences?”

That will help people try to form their own expectations and questions for their area, if they live in a similar state or country.

Thanks, Phil

greengal – posted 28 August 2001 20:49

Oh I am so sorry….I am in North Carolina…we mowed today by the way and it is looking so great…….if you could just tell me what to fertilize it with…and how not to burn it while doing it…thanks happy zoysia owner

seed – posted 28 August 2001 22:10

greengal, by most reports, one should go low on fertilizing zoysiagrass. The same can be said of any turfgrass: spoon-feeding is best. It is easy to add more fertilizer, but hard to correct the feast-and-famine oscillations caused by overfeeding.

Fertilizer burn is not a problem in turfgrass if you make sure: don’t fertilize when the blades are wet and don’t fertilize when the soil is dry. A light watering after fertilizing will wash the fertilizer off the leaves, which is good.

The specific analysis in N-P-K (or N-P2O5-K2O , nitrogen, phosophorus or phosphoric acid, and potassium or potash, depending on your state’s labeling requirements) and other valuable nutrients such as Fe (iron) is probably not as critical as the form and quality of the nutrients. Especially, slow-release sources of N (nitrogen) not only provide more continuous feeding of the turf, but they are less likely to pollute, if they are used appropriately, than more available sources of N. But in cases of high soil pH (alkaline soils), ammonium sulfate, one of the most water soluble N sources is actually quite beneficial by helping lower soil pH to the highest possible degree.

Phil

Jim98 – posted 30 August 2001 21:01

I am from Trinidad, hot tropical, heavy rainthis time of year.

I am not too sure why type of zoysia I have,it is a fine leaved type, very dense.

I would like to start top dressing some low areas which are not 100% filled as yet,will this smother and kill the grass which is now starting in these areas ?Should I wait until the grass is fully filled before top dressing ?

I really wish it was levelled somewhat so that I could at least start mowing decentlyto encourage the horizontal growth.

rowdyboy – posted 08 September 2001 20:21

I had a Zoysia lawn in Alabama (southern USA) and it was gorgeous! Once I learned not to mow it too low. I was killing my grass, and stunting it’s growth, by mowing it about 2 inches high. Once I began to mow 4 inches high, it really spread and became a carpet.

On another subject, if you top dress with sand or vermiculite, you shouldn’t have a problem with smothering, but top dressing with soil will smother most any grass.

saltturf – posted 15 September 2001 19:28

Try Seashore paspalum. visit etsturf.com or email me at etsturf.com. It grows fast, is fine textured. Available as sod or plugs

quote:Originally posted by greengal:I had mayers zoysia sod put in my yard and it is absolutley beautiful…I tried to plug last year and it failed…please consider meyers before giving up on zoysia…it is like carpet…even the UPS man commented and wanted to take his shoes off and try it out

johnygo – posted 27 September 2001 17:41

I live in Phoenix, AZ and my zoysia plugs did not take. Should I try again? John

ro*****@ms*.com – posted 27 May 2002 16:30

I live in Phoenix. The zoysia plugs we purchased from Zoysia Farms was TERRIBLE!! Not only did it take forever to grow, it turned into stickers when it did. The company refused to refund my money, and kept telling me to wait another few months to see if it would grow better. I have been picking stickers out of clothing for months now, and finally put fire to it. The company refunded 1/4 of my money when it was all said and done.

frenchman – posted 03 June 2002 20:31

rowdyboy, Zoysia is a low mowing grass If you take more than 1/3 of the grass you will turn it brown.

Seeing Red – posted 14 June 2002 21:25

I purchased Zoysia plugs from Zoysia Farms to plant in my yard in Texas. It took hours trying to cut the pieces in 1″ plugs. It has been such a disappointment and a waste of water. I resently asked for a refund of my money—have not heard back.

XHerakleitos – posted 18 June 2002 09:15

You have to be patient…..and clear any area away from the advancing zoysia to speed it’s movement. Also, once you’ve got an area with some substantial coverage – buy a bulb planter – take cores at least 5-6 inches deep and plant these as super plugs in other areas (the deep roots of such plugs are superior – so, if you know someone who will let you take some from established zoysia, you will be in better shape than solely using commercial plugs).

mexjoe – posted 29 March 2003 08:40

To: Seeing Red

Where in Texas did you try to plant it. I live in the Dallas area, and just received my order of plugs. Will try to set them in next week. You can email me a me****@wo******.net

Thanks

redbird – posted 10 April 2003 07:54

I am not an expert – or I wouldn’t be using this forum to gain some valuable information! But – I keep seeing a common thread from those who are unhappy with zoysia:

a) They try to start with plugs.

b) They buy these plugs from an out of state mail-order supplier, oftern with no information on the variety of zoysia they are buying (and no idea whether that variety is suited for their area).

The people that I have talked to who lay sod of an approipriate variety for their area (El Toro or Empire for hot/humid areas) are all thrilled with the grass. I am planning to plant Empire sod from a respected regional turf producer in my region, hopefully, it will turn out well. It will be expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Synopsis: It sems that the big problem may not be the grass – it may be the method of establishment/cultivar selection. What do you say, Phil?

seed – posted 10 April 2003 08:30

redbird, one can establish a zoysia lawn from plugs as a 2-year operation in temperate areas, and 1 year in the subtropics. The homeowner can do the same things that the sod producer is doing, but a lot can go wrong during that time. In my experience in South Florida, pushing zoysia too fast with too much fertilizer can lead to sudden death from disease. Weeds will have a many and long opportunities to get established.

The other question is whether zoysiagrass can perform even as sod. That answer appears to vary regionally, and the real test will not occur in the first year or the second year when usually any new grass will look its best. Over several years, depending on soil type and location and management, zoysiagrass es sometimes show severe thinning associated with the high sting nematode numbers and severe root damage (particularly in sandy coastal areas). In rocky areas and marl, zoysiagrass often does well, where nematodes are probably not a major factor.

What we need are long-term case histories of zoysiagrass plantings that have done well. At Stone Mountain, Georgia, around 1989 I saw a magnificent stand on an outdoor concert area. If it’s still there, it shows that the managers have done well. In some cases zoysiagrass does best under relatively low maintenance, and it particularly does poorly when it is fertilized out of season, e.g., when it’s dormant, because off-season fertilization encourages weeds.

Phil

Scott – posted 14 April 2003 18:18

Speaking from experience …

1) Tried zoyisa plugs (Emerald) once – was a huge disaster.

2) Convinced wife to let me try one more time and layed El Toro zoysia sod. Now I’m her hero.

Skip the plugs and lay the sod. More expensive, but well worth it.

Kevster – posted 14 April 2003 20:35

I’m in the process of planing Empire zoysia into my fescue lawn. I live in NC. Since the 3×3 inch plugs are more expensive than the sod pallets (6x), I’m considing buying the sod and using the plugger to cut out the 3×3 plugs out of the sod to plant. Has anyone had luck with that. Looking at around ~2700 plugs (yeah, a bit of work!).

Thanks.

redbird – posted 15 April 2003 06:08

Phil,I am still using round-up to kill off the argentine bahia/common bermuda that my contractor put on my lawn against my instructions – preparing to put down sod. I am in a coastal area of GA (15 miles inland) about 30 miles North of Jacksonville, FL. Can you give me any advice regarding Empire Zoysia in my area? Am I about to do something really risky? Would Palmetto St. Augustine be a safer bet (the bugs seem to eat up all the St. Augustine around here; even the gorgeous lawns seem to have small bare spots upon close inspection). Everyone has an opinion, they all seem to contradict. HELP! I am stressing out trying to do the right thoing to get a solid, low-maintenance lawn.

Mike

Tim Allen (no, not him!) – posted 20 May 2003 16:34

I live in Redlands, Calif. and am considering trying to restore my mother-in-law’s lawn with zoyshia plugs. After reading all this stuff, I’m not really enthusiastic about it.

Can some of you out there with experience with this product give me a little guidance as to:

1 – Plugs. Is this a viable option and do they really work?2 – Sod. I’m seeing where that seems to have more success (according to the posts). Where do you get it and how much does it cost?3 – It seems that Zoyshia Farms is not reliable, and El Torros sounds like it is. Can someone point me in the right direction.

I’ll try and check back here for some answers, but if you can please e-mail me at ta****@rc**.us

Thanks.Tim “Not the Toolman” Allen

redbird – posted 21 May 2003 09:56

I can only tell you that I have recently sodded my entire lawn with Empire zoysia – purchased from Phillip Jennings Turf Farms in N. Georgia. I am very happy at this point with the incredibly gorgeous, dark green mat of dense turf. I understand that the sod is new, but it is the most beautiful stuff around. The only caveat is this – have your lawn well graded before you lay it. Like bermuda, the seed-heads will grow vertically more quickly that the grass. You might not feel inclined to mow every week but for the fact that these red-brown seed-heads growing just above the tips of the grass detract from the overall emerald green color of the lawn. You will have to mow the grass low – no higher than 2″ – to remove the seed-heads. The lawn cuts fine with a nice rotary mower, but the ground has to be very well graded to cut this close without scalping.

It seems that plugging with zoysia can involve risk, misery, and the patience of Job. Seeding (hydro-seeding is best) is a newly developed alternative. I have yet to speak to anyone who has laid sod (of a cultivar appropriate for their area/need) who has had a bad experience. RESEARCH THE VARIETIES BEFORE YOU PURCHASE. Empire seems to be emerging as the front runner for home lawns in hot, hunid, coastal areas which had experienced mixed success with other cultivars.

Mike

Truck Guy – posted 25 September 2003 14:43

I too live in Phoenix and ordered from Zoysia Farms. THe plugs I received were dead with almost no sod. Only 5 plugs out of 600 took. Great waste of time. Zoysia would not refund money. I called credit card company and got my money back

quote:Originally posted by ro*****@ms*.com:I live in Phoenix. The zoysia plugs we purchased from Zoysia Farms was TERRIBLE!! Not only did it take forever to grow, it turned into stickers when it did. The company refused to refund my money, and kept telling me to wait another few months to see if it would grow better. I have been picking stickers out of clothing for months now, and finally put fire to it. The company refunded 1/4 of my money when it was all said and done.

CraigB – posted 25 September 2003 15:52

Seed,Have you had any experience with Zoysia from King Ranch in South Bay? They are the closest grower to me.

Also, they grow in muck (I assume) and I have well drained sand. Do you see any problems with this?

Larry Livingston – posted 15 November 2004 01:24

quote:Originally posted by Jim98:I recently plugged with zoysia,unfortunately I did not know that zoysia was as slow growing as it is. This grass grows ridiculously slow compared to anything else in the plant world even with fertilizer.

What compounds this is the fact that rain and watering of the lawn gradually washed the soil between the plugs leaving the zoysia in mounds with low spots where soil is. Given the amount of rain that we have been getting this has made the situation pretty bad and the lawn will eventually need at least a good inch of soil later on to even out the undulations when it fills out(next year)The undulations are also causing the mowing to look uneven and is compounded by the fact that zoysia is low growing but I cannot cut it much since if I set the mower low it will scalp when the wheels go down in the low spots.Also because of its slow growth the weeds have ample time to spring up between.

I would highly advise anyone to avoid a zoysia lawn.

I am seriously considering spraying roundup and bringing in a load of soil and raising the level about 2 inches then planting something else such as st augustine

I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and had become very dissatisfied with the various cultivars of fescue. I began plugging Meyer Zoysia in 1999. My front yard is like a carpet, a plush carpet.

I had large amounts of shade in my back and side yards and I have not the success I wanted there. I did find out that Zoysia is more shade tolerant the further south you are growing it.

This year, 2004, I have removed the really large oak, maple and sweetgum trees (I did leave many smaller trees that can be managed better than 100 ft. tall trees) to accomodate the zoysia in shaded areas.

I really would urge you to continue with the zoysia. It truly is a great lawn.

TK – posted 08 April 2005 07:26

Here is a link that may be helpful. Anytime you use sod instead of plugs or seed you can expect immediate results and beauty no matter what type you may use.

Anything you “plant” is going to take time to grow, naturally!

Im getting ready to plug 7000 sq ft with this stuff. I’ll let you know how it turns out in a couple of years! I’ll try spending the 300 bucks to do this first before calling in sod at 165 bucks for a pallatt that covers only 500 sq ft.

nchelp – posted 26 April 2005 17:11

kevster how did it go with zoysia.

lawnman – posted 10 June 2005 15:27

I recently laid Emerald Zoysia in the Dallas, TX area and it is beautiful! I was very dissapointed with the farm I got mine from (weeds, dead sod, and split my delivery), but the grass is a great looking grass. (that, that was not delivered dead)I did my research and decided Zoysia was worth the extra $$ if put down as sod. I wonder why companies are even trying to sell plugs?I read a report from a university that said Zoysia is by far the slowest growing of all turf grasses.

Tungsten3333 – posted 11 June 2005 14:28

Only fools would plug zoysia. In the end, it doesn’t make a difference for overall costs. Just sod the entire yard! It’ll save you a lot of pain and griefs. I found a local place that sells Empire Zoysia NOT MUCH more expensive than SA Palmetto! Ya’ll need to quit ordering plugs out of state. You’ll do much better by having someone deliver a pallet (450sqft)from a local place to your door and just lay ’em down in your yard.

terrilou – posted 13 June 2005 09:19

I live in Dallas, TX and have recently built a retainting wall and backfilled with sandy loam. It’s 100% morning sun. Because of the unexpected cost and quantity of dirt, sod is now out of the question. I decided to seed with Zoysia. I’ve got the patience and the irrigation – my question is; what should I do to prepare the soil properly? Right now it’s just sandy loam.

TexanOne – posted 15 June 2005 00:38

terrilou,

Zoysia doesn’t need a complicated soil preparation – just keep the seedbed damp until the seedlings are up. Bear in mind that Zoysia is very slow – it will take weeks or months for any results, but the rewards of a beautiful turf are worth the effort. Take a look at my post under “Anyone Planted Zoysia Seed aka Zenith or Cathay” for my 6-year experience with seeded Zenith…

AledoTexasGrassGuy – posted 16 June 2005 08:45

I laid ElToro Zoyisa this spring. Very very slow to cover. Jury is still out on whether this is a better grass than St Augustine although I will say the lack of rain this spring hasn’t helped.

catfish – posted 17 June 2005 17:35

Dittos – Soil preparation is much less important than just making sure that the sod/seed/plug/whatever is in direct contact with the soil, and making sure you keep it adequately damp. I have had excellent results with sodding where I did nothing to prep the ground other than to use an areator blade to espose the bare dirt.

ncflynns – posted 18 June 2005 14:30

quote:Originally posted by greengal:Oh I am so sorry….I am in North Carolina…we mowed today by the way and it is looking so great…….if you could just tell me what to fertilize it with…and how not to burn it while doing it…thanks happy zoysia owner Alex_in_FL – posted 21 June 2005 17:59

Zoysia lovers that are on a budget CAN get a wonderful lawn using zoysia plugs. It will not fill in over night but it does grow reasonably fast.

The cheapest and best way in my opinion is to buy a pallet and make your own plugs. I tried several ways and found the following produced the best results.

– Prep the soil as you would if sodding.- Fill a wheelbarrow with about 6″ of water. – Cut the sod strips into narrow strips – about 2″ x 6″ works well – with sharp shovel.- Immerse the strips fully in the water for about 10-20 minutes.- Plant the stips about 4″ – 6″ a part with a staggered pattern.- Plant the strips so their soil is flush with or just a tad (1/4″ or so) below the yard surface. (The grass will be above the surface.) – Sprinkle some sand atop each piece to make the strip level with the ground if needed.- Water reasonably and cut a few weeks later when you need to do so.- Watch for billbugs or similar- You can also add a pre-emergent (yes it is late in the year but it will help some)

This produced a very good lawn quite fast for me. The pieces planted the deepest spread the fastest. They were also the most drought tolerant and had the fewest insect problems.

Good luck!

Alex

mhoward – posted 06 July 2005 11:43

quote:Originally posted by Alex_in_FL:Zoysia lovers that are on a budget CAN get a wonderful lawn using zoysia plugs. It will not fill in over night but it does grow reasonably fast.

The cheapest and best way in my opinion is to buy a pallet and make your own plugs. I tried several ways and found the following produced the best results.

– Prep the soil as you would if sodding.- Fill a wheelbarrow with about 6″ of water. – Cut the sod strips into narrow strips – about 2″ x 6″ works well – with sharp shovel.- Immerse the strips fully in the water for about 10-20 minutes.- Plant the stips about 4″ – 6″ a part with a staggered pattern.- Plant the strips so their soil is flush with or just a tad (1/4″ or so) below the yard surface. (The grass will be above the surface.) – Sprinkle some sand atop each piece to make the strip level with the ground if needed.- Water reasonably and cut a few weeks later when you need to do so.- Watch for billbugs or similar- You can also add a pre-emergent (yes it is late in the year but it will help some)

This produced a very good lawn quite fast for me. The pieces planted the deepest spread the fastest. They were also the most drought tolerant and had the fewest insect problems.

Good luck!

Alex

Alex, What tool do you use to cut the zoysia strips into smaller strips?Lynn

roaddogmm – posted 06 July 2005 17:19

I’m not alex, but when I installed my zoysia sod, I used a carpet knife to cut it. It worked well

mhoward – posted 07 July 2005 07:31

quote:Originally posted by roaddogmm:I’m not alex, but when I installed my zoysia sod, I used a carpet knife to cut it. It worked well

Thanks for the reply. I am picking up some zoysia strips today and will try a carpet knife.

Alex_in_FL – posted 15 July 2005 17:05

I just used my shovel. Put blade on grass and stomped it! theplantation2860 – posted 16 July 2005 20:17

Hi Alex, I see you’re on Merritt Island, so am I. I was thinking of redoing my yard with empress zoysia, how is yours doing? I haven’t seen anyone around here with zoysia except one person. Would you still recommend it.

th***************@ya***.com

Alex_in_FL – posted 16 July 2005 22:21

Hi Again.

I moved two houses over. Last time I checked the zoysia was “Looking Good!”. I am strongly considering zoysia for my back yard in the new house. Just have not yet got motivated enough and have been busy fighting ants (finaly won decisively last week!)

Yes, I still recommend it. Thick, weed free, and everything zoysia should be. May try empire in the new house . . . just to see how it looks/does.

Alex.

brandy – posted 22 July 2005 12:43

I have get plugs from zoysiafarms to test in SO Cal region, first time the plug did not come up and i got replacement plugs which growing up now. Its about 5 weeks its slow but I am just waiting to seen how it turns out. I have heard UN-Successful story of zoysiafarms plugs, I need about 1000 sqft to cover, please letme know where to get the good quality plugs out of very successful stories.ThaksBrandy

termides – posted 23 July 2005 09:35

quote:Originally posted by ncflynns: Don’t know what part of NC you’re in…we’re in Charlotte. We just sodded today with Emerald Zoysia and have 1/2-3/4 of a pallet left over. Do you need any or know of anyone who would? If so, email to: nc******@ya***.com

I live in Charlotte and considering sodding with Zoysia or seeding with Centi-seed. It is nearing the end of July and my tall fescue is brown as usual. I am tired of it. I am curious about the looks of your lawn now. Where did you purchase the sod?

doclalor – posted 27 July 2005 12:49

I, too, am disappointed in zoysia, specifically, Zoysia Farm Nursuries. See my page on it: http://zoysia.thereitis.org …

chemming – posted 09 September 2005 12:49

Zoysia is a fine product. I have planted it in Texas, Western NC, and Virginia. I have never had success with seeds. In Texas, Dallas, the weather is just to hot and dry to easily establish zoysia plugs. Sod works well if you get the right variety, and water it extensively. Plugs worked well in the piedmont of NC (These were Zoysia Farms plugs), not so well in Charlotte. So I went to bigger sections, say 4 to 9 plugs at a cut. It does work much better. In Va, on the Chesapeake Bay, (White Stone, VA) The larger plugs are working well. We use a shovel to cut the sheets, and a spade to prepare a bed for the plug. I have dealt with Zoysia Farms for over 15 years. The plugs I have lost have been replaced, but not promptly. I still buy from them. BUT, their variety certainly is not best for many. So do talk to anyone you can find who knows about it (usually not the county agent). * For easiest and best results, use Sod, and water a lot. A little slow release fertilizer is good in the first 2 years * If not that, use big plugs. Water. Keep the spread area clear. Fertilize as above. Be patient. It will fill in if you do your part in 2 to 3 years.Cliff Hemming

Brandyfitz32 – posted 17 May 2007 11:21

I purchased a house 6 yrs ago that already had Zoysia grass, or as I call it, pain in the ass grass. I think this stupid stuff has a life span because it appears that it is now dying, weeds are taking over and my lawn looks like crap. I want to sod, but can’t do it because I can’t get rid of what Zoysia is left. If anyone knows how deep you have to cut or how kill this stuff I would appreciate it.

green in atlanta – posted 18 May 2007 11:47

without reading the entire thread of replies, I’m just going to be blunt. If you can’t afford zoysia sod, maybe you just can’t afford zoysia at all. You’re right, it grows too darned slow. On the other hand, if you’re dead-set on zoysia and plugging is your only option, buy sod and cut your own plugs. 3″x3″ plugs will grow in much faster than the 1″x1″ plugs that many people buy. You can also tighten the spacing between plugs. I realize none of this advice does much good for you since your zoysia is already in the ground. But hang in there. Zoysia is a truly beautiful turfgrass (all of the cultivars), and you will be proud of your lawn one day.

Jersey shore gardener – posted 31 May 2007 10:15

We have a bungalow on the Jersey shore and need to re-do the front yard. We aren’t there all the time and need something that doesn’t need to be mowed or watered frequently. It is also closed in the winter, so it is ok if the lawn turns brown then. Would you recommend Zoysia grass for here? We could do the sod. I haven’t seen any posts from New Jersey so I’m not sure Zoysia grows this far north.

quote:Originally posted by green in atlanta:without reading the entire thread of replies, I’m just going to be blunt. If you can’t afford zoysia sod, maybe you just can’t afford zoysia at all. You’re right, it grows too darned slow. On the other hand, if you’re dead-set on zoysia and plugging is your only option, buy sod and cut your own plugs. 3″x3″ plugs will grow in much faster than the 1″x1″ plugs that many people buy. You can also tighten the spacing between plugs. I realize none of this advice does much good for you since your zoysia is already in the ground. But hang in there. Zoysia is a truly beautiful turfgrass (all of the cultivars), and you will be proud of your lawn one day.

green in atlanta – posted 31 May 2007 13:45

jersey shore gardener: I do not know the answer to your question. Might I suggest that more people will see it and you’re more likely to get a knowledgable response if you ask it again by starting a new thread. If you look back, this particular thread was started several years ago. I never would have posted my previous reply if I had noticed how old this thread was.

blowfly – posted 16 June 2007 17:18

While in high school and college, I worked in the southeast for as an agron. tech applying pesticides and fertilizers to lawns. I worked for a prof. baseball team grounds crew, as well. I have aminor in Agronomy too. Zoysia is by far the best turfgrass for homeowners in the southeast – period. It requires less fertilizer and weed controls and has fewer problems with disease. It greens up quicker than other warm season turf grasses and stays green longer. Some hybrid Bermudas you see on golf courses and baseball fields are better looking but you’ll need a grounds crew to keep them looking good. Can’t afford sod? Then use seed. Just be sure to read-up on how to seed with zoysia as you will not have success trying to overseed an established lawn. Also, if you have Emerald zoysia, especially, you should use a reel mower to get it to look its best. That goes for other cultivars too and be sure to mow at the cultivar’s recommended height. Most problems I saw were caused by homeowners not mowing low and often enough.