Why is my Zoysia lawn not green?

Have you noticed your Zoysia grass is not as green as it was a few months ago? Zoysia grass may go dormant during colder temperatures. We have experienced quite a few nights recently that for Floridians were down right cold. When the soil temperature goes below 70 degrees there will be little to no growth. (the average temp right now is 65 F as of 2/27/24). This will also impact any recovery from disease during the Zoysia grass prolonged dormant to semi dormant conditions. Zoysia grass is usually the first turf species to go off-color in the fall and the last to green-up in the spring. Don’t be alarmed if your neighbor’s St Augustine grass greens up sooner than your Zoysia grass.

What is the best height for mowing my Zoysia lawn?

Zoysia grass should be mowed at a height of 1.75 – 2.5 inches and should be mowed weekly during the growing season. The sod fields keep the Zoysia grass they are growing at 2 – 2.5 inches so when it comes in from the farm, it is beautiful and green with little to no thatch layer. We are finding that as early as six months into mowing zoysia higher than 2.5 inches the grass may start to develop what we call stem growth. This is where the Zoysia sheath/stem starts to grow off the soil and the leaf blades are at the top.

When this occurs, we see more of the white stem/sheath and less of the green leaf blades giving the turf an overall dull appearance especially after a mowing.
If your turf has been mowed too high for a while do not worry as this is the time of year to fix it. As the soil temperature warms up the Zoysia grass will come out of dormancy and start to grow.

How do I correct my Mowing Height?

If your Zoysia has been Maintained over 2.5 inches:

There are a few ways to fix a lawn that has been mowed too high.

1. Bring the mowing height down slowly. For example if your turf is being mowed at 4 inches
   bring it down to 3.5 inches the first week, 3 the second week, 2.5 the third week, and finally 2 inches the next week. This method is for maintaining the turf at 2.5 inches
   During the above mowing height reduction period it is highly suggested that you have very sharp mower blades, you remove the grass clippings, and even some of the excessive thatch with a rake.

2. The second is to “Scalp” your turf. This is the easiest method, however it can be a little stressful to the turf. This method involves making sure you have very sharp blades, but also mowing extremely slowly. By mowing slowly you will cut more cleanly and reduce the tearing of the plant tissue. This is important because tearing of the plant tissue increases your chance of fungal pathogens entering the plant. Once you have scalped the turf you will need to remove the excess thatch and clippings. If you are using a bagging mower this should be much easier.
   

What is Thatch?

Zoysia grasses typically develop a thick thatch layer in the years after establishment. This is especially when over-fertilized with nitrogen and/or mowed above 2.5 inches. Proper mowing heights will help to prevent thatch buildup. Thatch is an intermingled layer of living and dead turf grass shoots, stems, and roots between the green vegetation and the soil. Thatch must be controlled or removed mechanically to maintain a uniform grass appearance. The University of Florida recommends removing the thatch every year or two. There are two different ways to do this, one way is using a vertical mower, the other is a power rake. Currently we are not aware of anyone supplying that service in this area. A thatch rake can be purchased or rented at your local hardware store or online.

Brought to you by your friends at Blue Frog Lawn and Bugs! If you are in need of Sarasota Pest Control or lawn care, do not hesitate to reach out.  

Springtime in Sarasota is a season of renewal and growth. As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, it’s also the perfect time for pests to become more active. From ants and mosquitoes to termites and rodents, a variety of pests can become a nuisance in your home during the spring months. That’s why hiring a pest control company in Sarasota during this time can be a smart decision to protect your property and family. In this blog post, we will explore why springtime is the best time to hire a Sarasota pest control company and how doing so can help you maintain a pest-free home.

One of the main reasons why springtime is the best time to hire a pest control company in Sarasota is that pests become more active during this season. As temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, pests start to come out of their winter hiding spots and search for food, water, and shelter. This increased activity can lead to more pest sightings and potential infestations in your home. By hiring a pest control company in the spring, you can address pest issues early on and prevent them from becoming a more significant problem.

Another reason to hire a pest control company in Sarasota during the spring is that many pests start breeding during this time. For example, mosquitoes breed in standing water, which is more common in the spring due to rain showers and higher humidity levels. Termites also start swarming in the spring, looking for new places to establish colonies. By having a pest control company inspect your property in the spring, you can identify and address potential breeding sites and prevent pest populations from growing out of control.

Spring is also an ideal time to hire a pest control company in Sarasota because it allows for proactive pest control measures to be implemented. By scheduling regular pest control treatments in the spring, you can create a barrier of protection around your home to prevent pests from entering. This proactive approach can help you avoid dealing with pest infestations later in the year when pest populations are at their peak. Additionally, spring treatments can target pests that are most active during this time, such as ants, mosquitoes, and termites.

In addition to being a proactive time for pest control, spring is also a convenient time to hire a pest control company in Sarasota. With the weather warming up and more daylight hours available, pest control technicians can perform thorough inspections and treatments to address pest issues effectively. Spring is also a time when many homeowners are doing spring cleaning and home maintenance tasks, making it easy to schedule pest control services alongside other home improvement projects.

When hiring a pest control company in Sarasota in the spring, it’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced company. Look for a company that is licensed and insured, has a proven track record of success in dealing with pests in the Sarasota area, and uses environmentally friendly pest control methods. A professional pest control company will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, identify potential pest issues, and create a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

In conclusion, springtime is the best time to hire a pest control company in Sarasota to protect your home from unwanted pests. By addressing pest issues early on, implementing proactive Sarasota pest control measures, and working with a reputable pest control company, you can enjoy a pest-free home throughout the spring and beyond. With the right approach to pest control, you can maintain a healthy and comfortable living environment in Sarasota, allowing you to fully enjoy all that this beautiful season has to offer.