How to Grow Zoysia Grass on Existing Lawn?

Growing zoysia grass on an existing lawn can be a great way to add a new type of grass to your landscape.

Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass known for its drought tolerance and ability to tolerate various soil conditions. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. 

If you’re interested in growing zoysia grass on your existing lawn, there are several steps you’ll need to follow to ensure that the grass becomes established and thrives. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to grow zoysia grass on your existing lawn.

How to grow zoysia grass on Existing Lawn?

Here is a list of steps you can follow to grow zoysia grass on an existing lawn:

1. Choose the best technique for seeding zoysia grass onto your lawn, such as overseeding, plugging, or sod.
2. Prepare your lawn for planting zoysia grass by mowing, removing weeds or debris, and loosening the soil.
3. Ensure your zoysia grass gets enough sunlight, as it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well.
4. Plant your zoysia grass at the right time of year, typically in the spring or early summer when temperatures are warm, and there is plenty of moisture in the air.
5. Take care of your newly planted zoysia grass by keeping the soil moist, mowing regularly, and controlling weeds.
6. Mix zoysia grass with other types of grass if desired, but choose grasses with similar growing requirements.
7. Control weeds in your zoysia grass lawn by mowing regularly and using a pre-emergent herbicide if necessary.
8. Mow and maintain your zoysia grass lawn regularly to keep it looking its best.

What are the best techniques for seeding zoysia grass onto an existing lawn?

Several techniques can be used for seeding zoysia grass onto an existing lawn. These techniques include:

Overseeding:

Overseeding involves scattering zoysia grass seeds over your lawn and then covering them with a thin layer of soil or mulch. To overseed your lawn, you’ll need to mow your existing grass as short as possible, loosen the soil with a garden fork or aerator, and then scatter the zoysia grass seeds over the surface of the lawn.

You can then cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or mulch to help keep them in place and protect them from birds and other animals. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist until the zoysia grass is established.

Plugging:

Plugging involves planting small plugs of zoysia grass directly into your lawn. To plant plugs, you’ll need to prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork or aerator.

Then, press the plugs into the soil, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Water the plugs regularly to keep the soil moist until the zoysia grass is established.

Sod:

Sod is pre-grown grass cut into rolls and installed on your lawn. To install sod, you’ll need to prepare the soil by removing weeds or debris and loosening it with a garden fork or aerator.

Then, lay the sod on the surface of the soil, making sure that the edges of each piece are butted up against each other to create a seamless look. Water the sod regularly to keep it moist until it becomes established.

How do I prepare my existing lawn for planting zoysia grass?

To prepare your existing lawn for planting zoysia grass, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Mow your lawn as short as possible: This will help to remove any excess foliage and make it easier for the new grass to take hold.
2. Remove any weeds or debris: Clear your lawn of any weeds or debris competing with the new grass for nutrients and water.
3. Loosen the soil: Zoysia grass needs well-draining soil to thrive. Use a garden fork or aerator to loosen the soil and improve drainage.
4. Fertilize the soil: Zoysia grass needs nutrients to grow, so consider applying a balanced fertilizer to your lawn to boost it.
5. Water the soil: Make sure the soil is moist before planting your zoysia grass. This will help to ensure that the grass has enough moisture to become established.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to preparing your existing lawn for planting zoysia grass.

Learn More: How to plant zoysia grass seed?

How much sunlight does zoysia grass need to thrive?

To thrive, Zoysia grass needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If your lawn is shaded, consider pruning trees, installing reflective materials to increase sunlight, or planting shade-tolerant grass instead.

What is the best time of year to plant zoysia grass?

The best time to plant zoysia grass is in the spring or early summer when temperatures are warm, and there is plenty of moisture in the air. Avoid planting zoysia grass in the fall or winter.

How do I care for newly planted zoysia grass to ensure it becomes established?

To care for newly planted zoysia grass and ensure that it becomes established, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Keep the soil moist: Zoysia grass needs plenty of water to become established, so make sure to water your lawn regularly, especially during dry periods.
2. Mow regularly: Mowing your zoysia grass regularly will help to keep it healthy and encourage it to grow thick and lush. Be sure to mow the grass to a height of 1 to 2 inches to promote healthy growth.
3. Control weeds: Weeds can compete with your newly planted zoysia grass for nutrients and water, so be sure to remove any weeds you see by hand or with a weed killer. You can also apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn in the spring to help prevent weeds from taking hold.
4. Fertilize: Zoysia grass needs nutrients to grow, so consider applying a balanced fertilizer to your lawn to boost it.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Last Word

To grow zoysia grass on an existing lawn, choose the best seeding technique, prepare the lawn, plant the grass in the spring or early summer, take care of it, mix with compatible grasses, control weeds, and mow and maintain the lawn regularly.