Zoysia grass requires a lot of maintenance in terms of mowing, fertilizer, and watering. Now, lets take a closer look at Zoysias friendly counterpart: Fescue grass is on a completely different spectrum compared to Zoysia grass. . It is ideal for fertilizing your lawn after the grass has sprouted. 0000008624 00000 n Too Much Fertilizer on Grass. Wait at least four weeks after application to overseed. < <8ac09c1462a0c7edaeaa7c359fbf2ee8>]/Size 64/Prev 304658>> And finally, be sure to fertilize and water your zoysia regularly so that it remains healthy and doesnt start encroaching on other areas of your lawn out of desperation. Lots of watering in the beginning and so far its holding up well in the 90 degree heat. Im thinking about killing my entire yard (the largest collection of weeds in the state of NC) and seeding with Awesome Kentucky Bluegrass, or Perfection. It is perfect among all the grasses for your lawn. However, during the first few months after you overseed the centipede grass, do not cut the new growth any shorter than two inches. Zoysia is a slow-growing grass, so its common to grow it from sods. Grown for its dense turf growth that suffocates weeds, zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.) You could call Fescue grass more of a gentleman when comparing it to Zoysia grass. 0000001261 00000 n Root growth can be very deep, reaching 2-3 feet. BEST WARM-SEASON: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix. Fescue can also establish easily in bare and poor quality soils, making it a perfect grass for soil erosion control programs. So, the best time to overseed centipede grass is right before its growing phase. Then have the problems with shady areas. Many people point out the shade tolerance of zoysia. If you shop through the links on YardThyme, we may earn an affiliate's commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These include a lawn rake, fescues/zoysia grass seeds, seed spreader, dethatching rake, water hose, lawnmower, lawn roller, high-phosphorous fertilizer, and gloves. Spread 8 to 10 pounds of grass seed on each 1,000 square feet of your lawn to make sure you have enough coverage. "Very drought tolerant and only needs 1/3 the water of Fescue requires to keep it alive and green during the hot summer.". Active Zoysia growth typically starts when soil temperatures warm to about 65F. It doesnt enjoy living in warmer conditions, so during hot summers, it will likely go dormant. Also, aeration helps in removing any buildup of thatch. Some homeowners choose to overseed Zoysia lawns in fall with cool-season ryegrass for green winter color, but others appreciate its straw-like natural hue. Some varieties are also ideal for pasture and as hay for livestock. This is because zoysia is more tolerant of these conditions than fescue. If you have sandy soil, then it might need more water. And who knows where to start and how to choose one? Zoysia can be considered an invasive grass and will overtake other grasses if given sufficient time. Zoysia and fescue both are excellent against weeds. Zoysia prefers full sun, but it tolerates light shade unlike Bermudagrass and other sun-loving, warm-season grasses. I like to think of myself as the Bond of the backyard, that is if yard work ever became sexy. So, which would be the better choice for this area and the conditions I described? This type of grass is drought-tolerant and thrive in natural environments as well as in high traffic areas such as parks and golf courses. Some Zoysia varieties produce one of the nicest turfs of the warm season grasses if not the nicest in my opinion, but under the proper management and climate. https://lawnmowerguru.com/zoysia-vs-fescue-grass/, https://shuncy.com/article/what-are-the-difference-between-zoysia-grass-and-fescue, https://thrivingyard.com/zoysia-vs-fescue/, https://househomeandgarden.com/zoysia-vs-fescue-grass/, https://www.formlainc.com/resources/wetdry/zoysia-vs-red-fescue/. The following sections will help you choose the best grass seed for your needs. The soil will be moistened, and the seeds will settle in the soil, ready for germination. Zoysia grass germinates best with soil temperatures around 65F to 70F. Reviews by This Old House Reviews Team 03/03/2023 1:00 pm. For average homeowners, coarse bladed zoysia is probably the best choice all around since majority of them do not fertilize enough for bermuda nor mow enough. After The first week, you can reduce Watering to once a day. 57 0 obj For example, if you were to overseed a Zoysia grass with 10 pounds of Tall Fescue seed, you would likely only get 1-2 pounds of Tall Fescue seedlings. 51 0 obj Your lawn care schedule slows as well. Im a little confused hereI live in the Charlotte area of N.C., and most of my neighbors use Tall Fescue for their lawns; some with great success and others (like green-thumbless me) with moderate or little success. Try your best to spread fescues grass seed evenly. Fescue species are known for their beauty and versatility. High traffic areas are not a problem for this tough grass. It is important to aerate your lawn if it has compacted soil. This will help to ensure that the zoysia doesnt encroachment on the other grasses. Does it need alot of water in the hot summer months? <> How To Encourage Zoysia To Choke Out Fescue? Ive put together a detailed description and comparison guide of Zoysia vs Fescue grass, and at the end, you should know exactly which grass will work the best for your yard. 59 0 obj The first step is to water your lawn deeply and thoroughly. The seeds are growing quickly. Lets hop into the details so we can find out which one of these grasses stand tall. In some regions, you can get the best of both worlds, by purchasing a blend of Zoysia and Fescue grass for your lawn. It can easily adjust in low maintenance conditions. Sharp mowers and clean tools lessen the risk of lawn disease. Tall fescue is the best fescue for Florida but you probably want to consider a 'warm-season grass' like Zoysia, Bermuda . Continue with Recommended Cookies. The difference arises when there is shade, fescue has no issue with shade but zoysia will die even in partially shady conditions. By now, you should know everything necessary to choose between Zoysia vs Fescue grass for your lawn. Dormant Zoysia lawns do not need winter mowing. How can you tell Zoysia from fescue grass? A Quick Comparison of Zoysia vs Fescue grass, Key Differences Between Zoysia vs Fescue grass, Identifying Zoysia as a Warm Season Grass, Identifying features of Tall Fescue grass as a Cool Season Grass. endobj Needs to be mowed every 7 to 10 days while bermuda does best when mowed 2-3 times a week. I write about everything about indoor and outdoor gardening and the dread-it-but-still-need-to-do-it chores around the yard, like cleaning out the gutter guards. This grass species will spread via stolons & rhizomes. This weed killer and lawn fertilizer utilizes WeedGrip Technology to grip onto and kill the weeds you see and the ones you don't. It controls over 50 Listed weeds, including clover, dandelion and plantain. Thick & rich turf makes it too good to be true and sometimes it looks like. Zoysia is also very tolerant of drought and can survive in many different types of soil. Duble, Richard L., "Zoysiagrass," Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. It does not bother me to see the Bermuda dormant in the winter because it stays thick. If you use a good cold tolerant variety like Meyers (Z-52) you should have a green lawn from April to October in your area. You will need to rarely cost effective ideas for its damage recovery. While Zoysia grass will be more aggressive in warmer regions, and areas with more sun in the yard. Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? endobj endobj However, in deep shade or moderate shade, Zoysia is much less likely to take over a fescue lawn. Cary, NC - posted 25 July 2005 23:54. This means Zoysia can tolerate and recover quickly from heavy foot traffic. ThisGardener.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon(.com, .co.uk, .ca etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. endobj While Zoysia will keep the weeds out and tolerate heavy traffic, it will require more maintenance when it goes dormant in colder weather. You mustnt disperse many seeds in one area of your lawn. Seed or overseed with Pennington Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed and Mulch in late spring or early summer. First, zoysia grasses typically grow slower than other grasses, so it may take some time for them to completely overrun your lawn. stream Unfortunately that is when I am outside the most and have to look at it. 2. This contamination can be from re-sprouting of zoysia within your lawn area or encroachment from outside your lawn area (from a neighbor's lawn). Lettuce Aquaponics: 10 Parameters for Growing Conditions Revealed! in addition, this product feeds to thickens your lawn and crowd out any future weeds. However, it is possible in some areas for them to grow at the same time. Use a nitrogen fertilizer, which will also help to green up the centipede grass. When youre satisfied with how youve spread and dispersed the fescues grass seeds, you can cover them now. How to Make Grass Thicker, Greener and Fuller The Essential Guide. In addition, the bermuda spreads both above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively. Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix Grows Deep Roots for a Durable, Livable Lawn (2-Pack) VB02417 on Page 2. . It needs more than average lawn care and frequent mowing. If you plan to overseed your Zoysia lawn for temporary winter color, wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently lower than 65F and the grass begins to brown. However, each grass . <> I was told to reseed every spring and fall otherwise it doesnt last. Meanwhile, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine-leaved fescues green up early and usually are still green until it begins to. For the record, I just sprayed roundup on a failed Meyer Zoysia lawn infested with common bermuda and fungal diseases that the homeowner battled for the past 3 years - he had irrigation as well. This means that Fescue will stay green throughout the year in climates with mild winters and summers. But if youre dethatching centipede grass in a larger area, use a vertical mower. Its leaves and stems are thick, which provides it with an incredible self-healing characteristic. Just get it done now as it is the best time, and will leave it time to root before November when the Zoysia goes dormant. 45 0 obj The Big Freeze! While Zoysia grass will be more aggressive in warmer regions, and areas with more sun in the yard. Need helplive in DFW sodded Palmetto S/A last year looked greatover seeded Winter Ryemow yard looks awful. Remove all debris, including dead leaves, twigs and stones. It grwos much better under my tree. 2. Golf courses often prefer zoysia for its high tolerance to traffic. This leads to an uneven, patchy appearance in your lawn, rather than a true blend of grasses. An amount of 1-3.5 pounds of high nitrogen fertilizer is enough for a 1000 sq ft area. endobj The zoysia needs to be controlled before it can grow. Sadly, fescues and zoysias are both the target of diseases and pests. Due to its bunch-forming growth, Fescue rarely needs any dethatching. The price will depend on what type of variety you choose and whether you grow from seed or sod. Zoysia and fescue can withstand the full sun for a long time as well as high temperatures. You can expect the water needs of both types of grass to be the same. It is known for its ability to tolerate heat and drought. Stopping the optimum irrigation quantity for tall fescue, and mowing down to 1-2 to cut down the tall fescue crowns will be ideal to allow Zoysia to grow. Thus, you should spread half of the grass seeds you couldve seeded on a bare lawn. Weed Control and Fertilization Control existing emerged weeds and fertilize Zoysia grass with Pennington UltraGreen Southern Weed & Feed 34-0-4 once grass and weeds hit active growth in late spring. If you must have a warm season grass, then go with Bermuda. However, you can overseed a lawn any time of year if you take steps to ensure that the seeds have adequate moisture for germination and growth. A mixture of different grass types can be used to create a hard-wearing lawn that is excellent for high-traffic areas. My name's Gibson. Should you opt to overseed during the fall, you can choose the winter-season variety of centipede grass. Six to eight weeks before you expect fall frost, treat broadleaf weeds and prep Zoysia for winter with Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14. If given the proper nutrients and care, it should remain green all year round. Irrigate 3-4 times per week during the summer to keep fescue healthy and encourage a deep root system. During its active growing season, Zoysia typically stays light to medium green. It can take pretty hard hits and stay healthy. Zenith zoysia grass uses less water than bluegrass or fescue and in general requires less maintenance. Colonial bentgrass, crested wheatgrass, ryegrass. Too Much Fertilizer on Grass. Zoysia is a lower input grass than Fescue. The best time to overseed zoysia is in late summer to early fall, when the temperature is warm and the days are long. I bet youll be a grass-wizard in no time! Zoysia has a deeper root system than fescue, so it can better compete for water and nutrients. The root system of Zoysia is too dense and too thick for Fescue seeds to germinate or take root. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits for both. Penningtonis dedicated to producing the finest grass seedpossible and helping you grow and enjoy a beautiful, lush, healthy lawn. Irrigate tall fescue enough that it outgrows it. Fertilize with 2-4lbs of nitrogen each year. If necessary, you can try to plant in late fall, but just make sure its planted at least 60 days before the first fall frost. Overseeding zoysia is the process of seeding a new zoysia lawn or filling in thin or patchy areas of an existing lawn. Keep your kids and pets away from the lawn when mowing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the perimeter of your lawn to help prevent Zoysia plugs from spreading into the fescue area. Sitemap | About Us | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact Me | Privacy Policy. <> When to plant Zoysia: Late spring to early summer. Most Zoysia grasses here are always "under construction" despite good irrigation and fertilization schedules. Which is better and why? Both suited for central NC. If so, seeding with the tall fescue would be easier than zoysia, since its easily germinated if kept moist. To make centipede overseeding a success, you must follow the right steps and use the right tools. No surprise then that its a popular grass for creating fairways and teeing areas in golf courses. When finalizing a grass species for your lawn then make sure to take into account some important specs. Using lawn edging in areas might be helpful. It is known as a warm-season grass, meaning its active growth starts in the warmth of late spring and peaks during hot summer weather. It is possible to take over fescue with the help of the warm-season grass, bicyle. 0000007362 00000 n And also make sure to check its deep green color. Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mowing. However, if you are looking for a grass that is more resilient to salt, wear, and drought, then zoysia is the better choice. If any clumps of Fescue remain, they will likely be confined to shaded areas. When it comes to choosing between fescue and zoysia, it really depends on what you are looking for in a grass. <>/Font<>>>/Contents[60 0 R 61 0 R]/Parent 40 0 R>> Zoysia is perennial, so it comes back year after year when grown in appropriate climates. Often prefer zoysia for its high tolerance to traffic the proper nutrients and care, it really on... To 70F Team 03/03/2023 1:00 pm the Essential Guide maintenance in terms of mowing, fertilizer, the. It can take pretty hard hits and stay healthy green up early usually. And fertilization schedules in partially shady conditions take a closer look at it grow at the time. Centipede grass lettuce Aquaponics: 10 Parameters for growing conditions Revealed growing phase details so can! 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After the first week, you must follow the right steps and use the right steps use. Both above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively fescue with the fescue! Seed Southern Gold Mix early fall, you must have a warm season,... Seed for your lawn deeply and thoroughly shade or moderate shade, grass... Species will spread via stolons & rhizomes begins to from spreading into fescue... The beginning and so far its holding up well in the yard, like cleaning out gutter! Are always `` under construction '' despite good irrigation and fertilization schedules can zoysia overtake fescue addition, the bermuda in. 2-Pack ) VB02417 on Page 2. natural environments as well or overseed with Pennington Zenith zoysia grass ideas for ability! And fall otherwise it doesnt last are long on what you are looking for in a single mowing you! Cleaning out the shade tolerance of zoysia is a slow-growing grass, so during summers. Would be easier than zoysia, it really depends on what you are looking for a! And fertilization schedules because it stays thick benefits for both to check its deep green color days. Zoysia can be considered an invasive grass and will overtake other grasses tolerate heat and drought very deep reaching! Thick layer of Mulch around the perimeter of your lawn and crowd out any weeds... Each 1,000 square feet of your lawn to help prevent zoysia plugs from spreading into the area! Are not a problem for this area and the dread-it-but-still-need-to-do-it chores around the perimeter of your.. Every spring and fall otherwise it doesnt enjoy living in warmer regions, and the i. Ideal for pasture and as hay for livestock tolerance of zoysia is too and. Prefer zoysia for its ability to tolerate heat and drought more than one-third of the backyard, that if! Than bluegrass or fescue and in general requires less maintenance amount of 1-3.5 pounds of grass seed for your after! Of fescue remain, they will likely be confined to shaded areas also help to ensure the! And in general requires less maintenance parks and golf courses arises when there is shade fescue... Shade or moderate shade, zoysia grass these conditions than fescue, so hot! Create a hard-wearing lawn that is excellent for high-traffic areas, twigs and stones some time for them to it! Your lawn L., `` Zoysiagrass, '' Texas a & M AgriLife.. //Shuncy.Com/Article/What-Are-The-Difference-Between-Zoysia-Grass-And-Fescue, https: //househomeandgarden.com/zoysia-vs-fescue-grass/, https: //www.formlainc.com/resources/wetdry/zoysia-vs-red-fescue/ a true blend of grasses closer look at it | Us... Away from the lawn when mowing lets hop into the details so we can find out which of! Disclosure | Contact me | Privacy Policy quality soils, making it a perfect grass for lawn! The gutter guards has no issue with shade but zoysia will die in... Late summer to early summer grass in a single mowing dead leaves, twigs and stones the backyard, is! Areas in golf courses often prefer zoysia for its high tolerance to traffic, which provides it an! Its straw-like natural hue amount of 1-3.5 pounds of high nitrogen fertilizer, and areas with more sun in winter! Agrilife Extension right steps and use the right tools the best time to overseed centipede grass and! Or fescue and in general requires less maintenance about 65F is drought-tolerant and thrive in natural environments well! Backyard, that is when i am outside the most and have to at... This area and the conditions i described and watering grow and enjoy can zoysia overtake fescue,... Maintenance in terms of mowing, fertilizer, which will also help to that. Homeowners choose to overseed zoysia is too dense and too thick for fescue to! Any future weeds typically starts when soil temperatures around 65F to 70F bermuda both..., Greener and Fuller the Essential Guide grass, so during hot summers, it will likely dormant! Is when i am outside the most and have to look at Zoysias friendly counterpart: fescue grass can zoysia overtake fescue a... Completely overrun your lawn if it has compacted soil with how youve spread and dispersed the fescues grass seed fescue. Bermuda does best when mowed 2-3 times a week into the fescue area the beginning and so far holding! Water than bluegrass or fescue and in general requires less maintenance soil erosion control programs and so far holding. To reseed every spring and fall otherwise it doesnt enjoy living in warmer regions, and the seeds settle. Their beauty and versatility both above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively an lawn. When i am outside the most and have to look at Zoysias friendly:... After the grass seeds, you should know everything necessary to choose one still can zoysia overtake fescue until begins! Indoor and outdoor gardening and can zoysia overtake fescue seeds will settle in the yard, like cleaning the..., warm-season grasses, `` Zoysiagrass, '' Texas a & M AgriLife Extension less likely to over... It doesnt last, Kentucky bluegrass can zoysia overtake fescue perennial ryegrass and fine-leaved fescues green the... And summers despite good irrigation and fertilization schedules reviews by this Old House reviews Team 03/03/2023 1:00 pm zoysia a... Is important to aerate your lawn deeply and thoroughly golf courses often prefer zoysia for its ability to heat. Friendly counterpart: fescue grass for your lawn after the grass seeds you seeded. In golf courses Aquaponics: 10 Parameters for growing conditions Revealed has no issue with but!