Getting Rid of Zoysiagrass
Whether you, a previous owner installed it, or a neighbor has it
in their yard and it is now making it's way across your lawn, you
know how unsightly Zoysia grass
can be in cooler areas of the country. Long before winter sets in,
Zoysia grass has already turned a straw-brown and remains that way
long after the cool season grass has turned a lush green.
If you live where cool season grasses are the norm and have Zoysia grass
in your lawn and you want to get rid of it, here's a few tips that might
help. But be warned, it's not pretty or easy.
In late summer, typically around early August, you have to begin the
process. It requires killing the entire lawn with a non-selective herbicide.
You have to be careful with this as it will kill desirable plants as
well. Spray on a calm day, and FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. Apply
the herbicide evenly and consistently so you don't miss any spots.
This step one should turn everything into a straw brown. Once it has
died back, mow the dead lawn as low as possible (1/2" if possible).
Wait for 2 — 3 weeks. Zoysia grass will begin reemerging. Wait another
week and reapply the herbicide again to any of the new growth. Wait
another two weeks and again reapply the herbicide if you see any new
growth.
After going through the herbicide and wait process 3 times, it is now
time to begin the renovation process. You don't need to remove the dead
grass. Leave it in place. If you have compacted soil, aerate heavily.
Then re-seed and follow label directions on the seed.
If you don't have compacted soil, you can use a slit-seeder that cuts
small slits in the soils surface and drops the seed into place. Run
it left to right once and then top to bottom.
Another option is to remove the sod with a sod cutter. Include a small
layer of top soil if possible. This will work for either small or large
areas. Once the sod is removed, wait several weeks to make sure no new
seedlings emerge. If they do, use high strength Roundup. After the 2
weeks, either reinstall new sod, or add top soil and till in with existing
top soil. Re-seed.
If after reading this, you've decided to live with the Zoysia grass and all
of it's nasty habits, you can always hire a professional to do the job
for you. Pros have a lot of experience renovating lawns and can handle
just about any problem that arises. By the end of October, you should
have a beautiful lawn that will only improve next season and the season
after.
