Zoysia grass goes dormant during colder months as a self-preservation mechanism. This is because cool-season grasses, like cool-season fescues, thrive in cold weather, making them more competitive than warm-season grasses, like Zoysia.
During cold weather, Zoysia grass will go dormant to avoid competition from cool-season grasses, and conserve its energy for when temperatures increase during the spring.
This is why it’s important to take care of your Zoysia grass over the dormant season. Make sure that your grass is healthy and properly fertilized before the cold months so that it is well equipped to recover in the spring when temperatures warm up.
Additionally, be sure to mow Zoysia lawns correctly in the late fall and winter so that the lawn is not scalped by the blade. When the grass is dormant, it requires less water, so be sure to reduce water applications during the dormant season to avoid any potential nutrient runoff.
How long does it take zoysia to come out of dormancy?
Zoysia plants typically come out of dormancy around mid-spring when the warmer weather starts to set in and the temperatures begin to rise. Before that, the grass needs to receive several consecutive days of temperatures in the 40- to 50-degree Fahrenheit range for it to start its transition from a dormant state.
Depending on the amount of warmth received and the thickness of thatch, it can take 3 to 5 weeks for zoysia grass to come out of dormancy. Such as the area that the grass is located in, the amount of sunlight received, and how cold the winter was.
Additionally, no two lawns are the same, so the rate of growth can vary between properties.
Should you water dormant zoysia grass?
Yes, you should water dormant zoysia grass. Dormant grass does not actively grow during colder months, but it is still important to water it regularly. Not watering dormant grass can weaken it which can result in damage to the turf grass.
When watering your dormant grass, it should be done typically once a month or every other month. The amount of water you give should be equivalent to an inch, and you should make sure to not over water it.
Additionally, it’s important to allow any water run off to soak in before adding more. If you live in a warm region and you’re expecting a dry period of weather, you should increase the amount of water you give your dormant grass every few weeks to extend its dormancy period.
How do I bring zoysia grass back to life?
Bringing zoysia grass back to life is not difficult, and in some cases, it can be done without major effort. First, you need to assess the condition of the zoysia grass and determine the best approach.
If the grass is merely drought-stressed and has dead patches, you can revive it by reviving the turf. Run an aerator over the affected areas to ensure soil and fertilizer get to the roots. If the grass is dead in large areas, overseed the turf with a quality grass seed that is suitable for the area.
Begin by preparing the soil by adding a half-inch layer of topsoil and a generous helping of fertilizer. Rake the area gently and overseed with the recommended grass mix. Repeat this every four to six weeks until the lawn has a complete coverage of grass.
Water the area liberally for a few weeks and keep the soil moist until the grass can establish itself. You can mow your zoysia grass with a mulching mower when the grass is around three inches tall, but avoid scalping the turf.
Ensure your zoysia grass is fertilized twice a year, mowed at least once a week, and watered regularly. With these simple steps, you can revive your zoysia grass easily.
How can I speed up zoysia growth?
To speed up zoysia grass growth, you should start with a soil test to make sure your soil is balanced with the right combination of essential nutrients and pH levels. You can then fertilize with a slow-release balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen and other essential nutrients.
Water the grass deeply but infrequently to encourage deeper root growth. Make sure to give your zoysia grass 1-1. 5” of water every week. Additionally, you should mow the grass at least once a week. You should leave the grass clippings on the lawn as they provide additional nutrients to the soil and the grass.
Lastly, trim any overgrowing foliage to promote side-to-side growth.
At what temperature does Zoysia start to go dormant?
Zoysia grass typically starts to go dormant when temperatures dip below 60°F and when they dip to 45°F, the grass goes into a deeper state of dormancy. During dormancy, Zoysia will stop growing and its color will become less green.
However, even though the grass is dormant, it will still retain its leaves. As soon as temperatures start to rise again, Zoysia will become green shortly thereafter. Zoysia will remain in the deeper state of dormancy until temperatures reach approximately 55°F.
Should you cut Zoysia grass short before winter?
The answer depends on several factors such as the climate and type of Zoysia grass you have. Generally speaking, most Zoysia grass should be cut slightly shorter than usual in fall to provide extra protection and prevent snow mold.
Weeping or fuzzy varieties tend to respond better to a lower mowing height, since their texture is more prone to winter damage. The ideal mowing height for these varieties is 0. 5” to 2”. If you have a wide-blade species, you can leave the grass a bit longer, at 3” to 4”.
For all varieties, you should avoid cutting more than one-third off the length of the grass.
Also, watch the weather when determining the timing and length of the cut. If your area is expecting a mild winter, you can wait until just before the first snowfall. If your area has harsh winters, aim for a shorter mowing in late October or early November.
Overall, it’s best to do some research on your specific type of Zoysia grass to get the best advice for mowing before winter. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the weather and adjust your mowing schedule accordingly.
Does Zoysia grass turn brown in winter?
In general, yes, zoysia grass will turn brown in the winter. This is generally due to a reduction in the grass’s growth caused by cold weather. This is normal and it isn’t necessary to be concerned – your grass will turn green again in the spring when temperatures rise.
Although some species of zoysia can survive temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C), they become stressed when faced with temperatures lower than 25°F (-4°C). Low temperatures and shorter days limit the grass’s ability to photosynthesize which reduces its ability to remain green.
As it enters its winter dormancy, zoysia grass shuts off its growth and turns brown as it conserves its energy when faced with cold winter weather. When temperatures rise in the spring, the grass is ready to wake up from its winter dormancy and start growing again.
Is my Zoysia dead or dormant?
It can be difficult to determine if Zoysia is dead or dormant without seeing it in person. Generally, if you see grass blades that are curly or rolled, this can be a sign of dormancy. Additionally, if the area looks healthy with green color instead of straw color, it is likely dormant.
You can also check the soil with your finger to see if it is moist or dry. If the soil is moist, then the grass is probably just dormant. If the soil is extremely dry and the grass blades feel crunchy, the grass may be dead.
Additionally, you can perform a “scratch test” by digging up a few of the grass blades with your fingernail and checking the crown of the grass to see if it is thick and green. If the crown is dry and brittle, the grass may be dead.
Lastly, test your sprinkler system by running it for approximately 10 minutes the following morning to see if the grass responds. If the grass stays dry, it is likely dead.
How long can Zoysia go without water?
Zoysia grass is a type of warm-season turfgrass that typically thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is relatively drought-tolerant compared to other grasses, and can survive relatively long periods without water.
In fact, Zoysia has the ability to go up to two weeks without water in peak growing season. However, this length of time without water can vary based on the climate and weather of the local area. It is important to note that Zoysia grass can suffer damage after being left without water for more than two weeks.
Lengthening the time between waterings increases the chance of grass death, especially in conditions of high temperatures and/or windy conditions. In general, Zoysia grass should be provided with at least one inch of water per week in order to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn.
Does Zoysia grass reseed itself?
Yes, Zoysia grass does reseed itself. The plant’s seeds, which are about the size of a pinhead, drop during peak bloom season in late summer and early fall, and that’s when reseeding occurs. The seeds sprout in spring and early summer when soil temperatures are right.
The plant has a dense and thick growing habit and is self-repairing, which means any damaged or bare spots in the lawn it will fill in with new growth. To ensure the reseeding process is successful, it’s important to mow regularly and keep the lawn at a high level of health, which will help ensure the lawn’s optimal performance.
