Zoysia, dying or dormant in FL?

Empire – posted 21 February 2006 21:19

I am in central FL with my first full winter with a new Empire Zoysia lawn.With the moderating temps now, I would have expected it to green up, now I am concerned it is dying. It is 50/50 green to straw color spread fairly uniform. I just put down 14-4-14 this past weekend. It turned quite a bit straw color in late Nov. I was surprised at very little green up after my last fert. application in mid Nov. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alex_in_FL – posted 25 February 2006 07:48

I think you are okay. The cold weather (even a freeze here in Merritt Island) has the grass dormant (brown/golden yellow).

Zoysia is also slower to green up than many other grasses. Have patience and it should be fine with warmer weather. Best of luck.

Alex

Empire – posted 01 March 2006 19:06

Alex, thanks for the reply. One other question I have about the lawn is the mow height. I had been mowing at 1.5 inches all along and really liked that height. This past August I had to raise the mower to 2in. If I didn’t areas looked slightly scalped and brownish. It grew back by about thursday, but then I mow on Sat. Those areas get sun all day.

Hedgehog – posted 08 May 2006 13:47

1.5″ may be a bit short for once-a-week mowing. My mower is set around 2″. Also, don’t apply too much fertilizer or water or you will get thatch which will make your lawn look brown after you mow.