How to Water Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is a warm weather grass that will turn brown during the cool temperatures of the fall and winter season. While this species of grass is drought tolerant, it does require a specific watering schedule. According to Texas A&M University, water requirements must be met even during dormancy periods. Failure to irrigate the grass during the cool winter months may damage the zoysia root system. All watering to zoysia lawns must be in the early mornings to reduce the possibility of disease.
Irrigate the zoysia lawn when the grass begins to turn green in early spring. Utilize a timed irrigation system or a garden hose with a sprinkler attachment. The garden hose will require the sprinkler to be moved periodically during the watering process.
- Zoysia grass is a warm weather grass that will turn brown during the cool temperatures of the fall and winter season.
- Failure to irrigate the grass during the cool winter months may damage the zoysia root system.
Water the zoysia lawn deeply, to a full depth between 4 inches and 6 inches deep. This may entail taking some samples of soil around the edges of the zoysia lawn to ensure the deep watering method.
Apply 1 inch of water to the zoysia lawn every week during the mid-summer months. According to Texas A&M University, it is best to apply this full amount of water two times or three times during the week. In other words, apply a ½ inch of water twice a week or 1/3 inch three times every week during the growth season of the zoysia lawn.
Irrigate the zoysia lawn during winter dormancy if a drought is experienced. The lawn may only require a ½ inch of water, every other week, during its dormancy period.
- Water the zoysia lawn deeply, to a full depth between 4 inches and 6 inches deep.
- In other words, apply a ½ inch of water twice a week or 1/3 inch three times every week during the growth season of the zoysia lawn.
Water Zoysia Sod
Screw a pulsating sprinkler head to the end of a garden hose. Attach the other end of the garden hose to a pump, well or other source of water. Push the sprinkler into the ground as far as it will go. Turn the sprinkler on during the morning hours. Water the sod to a depth of 1 inch. Do not allow the sod to dry out. Water to a depth of 6 inches every third day while the sod is producing new roots.
- Screw a pulsating sprinkler head to the end of a garden hose.
Tip
Application of approximately a ½ inch of water per week during a drought period in mid-summer is enough moisture to keep the zoysia lawn alive.
References
- Texas A&M University: Zoysiagrass
- University of Missouri: Establishment and Care of Zoysia Lawns
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Zoysia Japonica 'Meyer'
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Zoysia Japonica 'Compadre'
- University of California IPM Online: Irrigating New Lawns
- University of California IPM Online: Zoysiagrass — Zoysia spp.
- University of California IPM Online: How to Water
- University of California IPM Online: When to Water
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns
Tips
- Application of approximately a ½ inch of water per week during a drought period in mid-summer is enough moisture to keep the zoysia lawn alive.