The Green Industry's Resource Center

cgaengineer · #11 05-04-2010, 03:33 PM

Cut that zoysia at 1/2" with a reel mower, you will make your lawn happy.
Posted via Mobile Device

dcnc · #12 05-10-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgaengineer

Cut that zoysia at 1/2" with a reel mower, you will make your lawn happy.
Posted via Mobile Device

Man, I thought Zoysia was supposed to be LOW-maintenance!!

I'm cutting it at roughly 1.25", and I swear it grows back FAST. YES, I have a nice reel mower.

I'd love to cut it lower, but the fact is that when I "mow the lawn", I'm only cutting about 25% zoysia in most parts of the yard. Most of the lawn is still showing weeds and poa annua. Trying to power my reel mower (at 1/2") through a sea of thick poa annua.... not gonna happen. Its hard enough at 1.25", and I'm 6' tall and strong.

How often could I mow and not damage the zoysia?? As in, could I mow at 1.25" on Monday, 1" on Wednesday, 0.75" on Friday, and 0.5" on Sunday?

Still wondering what I should do with the thatch that is still hanging around, too... (?) I raked a lot of it up in March, but there is plenty more.

cgaengineer · #13 05-10-2010, 01:36 PM

You need a powered reel mower!
Posted via Mobile Device

dcnc · #14 05-10-2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benjammin

Go to the closest Ag Ext Office and get a soil sample box, follow the instructions and send off a soil sample. My Empire Zoysia just started to green up here in Wilmingoton a week or two ago. NC Ag Turfiles say to fert 3 weeks after greenup. You likely won't get your soil sample results in that time frame but they (Ag Ext) are going to tell you 1 pound N per 1,000 square feet, it's the other nutrients that will vary. So, you could fert with just 1/2 pound nitrogen in the next week or two and then 1/2 pound with whatever else your soil test says.

Many thanks!!

Liquid? Granules? Brand? Amount for 1500 sqft? Any recommendations?

dcnc · #15 05-10-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgaengineer

You need a powered reel mower!
Posted via Mobile Device

LOL!! No, I just need less poa annua.

Powered reel mower = $$$$. Not necessary, imo.

dcnc · #16 05-10-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benjammin

I see some dollar weed in there too. I used "Image" last year with good results. I'd wait a few more weeks for any chemicals.

And if your Z is going from seed head to flower, cut it! You don't want the grass to waste energy on seed and flower. This time of year I cut mine as soon as I see the seed heads, long before the blades need cut. That keeps more "energy" in the roots in blades.

I was thinking the same thing... just seems like the seed heads are quick to come out. Never thought I would need to mow every 3-4 days...

...and no, I'm not confusing the poa annua seed heads with the Zoysia.