Both underwatering and overwatering can be damaging to Zoysia and overwatering your lawn is actually worse than under watering.
Overwatering – We have a tendency to overwater when temperatures are extremely high and hot. Overwatering will make the grass plugs have a shallow root system making the plugs less cold tolerate and subject to root rot. Your lawn may start to turn yellow, develop more thatch than usual and be prone to pests, it can even develop a lawn fungus. If you do overwater your lawn, in most cases the lawn will come back, once you stop, but, you will need to address any other issues the overwatering created.
Underwatering – An underwatered Zoysia lawn will struggle to grow. If in drought conditions for an extended period of time, zoysia can go into a dormant stage. This protects the plant and and can be reversed once rain arrives or watering begins.
Watering New Grass Plugs – Zoysia is extremely drought resistant and needs very little water to get new grass plugs established. Water new plugs once daily no more than 15 minutes, a light drink or sprinkle (preferably in the morning); then you do not have a chance of the water evaporating from the afternoon sun and heat. It gives the water time to soak into the soil and roots. The key to new zoysia grass plugs success is to not overwater no matter the temperatures and heat.
Watering Established Grass Plugs – As temperatures creep up the thermometer towards 50’s, 60’s and 70’s the winter Zoysia dormancy period is coming to an end; the grass will naturally drop off the dormant, yellowish grass and new vibrant green shoots of grass will appear in your lawn. If a very dry spring and winter your zoysia lawn may need some supplemental watering. If your soil around the plugs is cracked, very dusty dry, then the plugs do need a drink of water. Only, about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches weekly and that includes natural rain.
No reason to even second guess if your plugs are too dry or too wet, we have available a moisture meter that works great on testing the soil for moisture. It is very convenient and easy to use. https://www1.zoysiafarms.com/prodspec.jsp?id=8895&cat=16
A great benefit of Zoysia grass is its ability to stay thick and green with much less water than any other type of grass.
The post A little Watering…Zoysia Grass is a “Sipper” first appeared on The Zoysia Farm Nurseries Blog.