How to Install Zoysia Sod

Zoysia, a warm-season grass, grows best from sod. Zoysia is an effective choice for lawns, and does well in drought and shade. It typically goes dormant and turns brown after the first frost and during periods of drought. Plant zoysia grass on lawns that see moderate traffic during the growing season, and less during the winter. Preparing the soil, planting the right sod and making sure to irrigate very well during the establishment period will ensure that zoysia will grow the roots it needs to develop into a healthy lawn from sod.

Tape measure Calculator Glyphosate Top soil Peat Manure Rake Steel drag mat Tiller Sharp sod knife Roller

Instructions

- 1
  Install zoysia sod in spring or early summer, giving this warm-season grass an opportunity to establish healthy roots before cold weather and providing it the benefit of spring rain. Zoysia requires more time to cultivate roots than other warm-season grasses; expect it to take up to two months to become fully established.
- 2
  Calculate the size of your lawn. Sod is usually sold in square yards, with one pallet including 50 square yards or 450 square feet. Order 10 percent more sod than your lawn's are, to account for waste and errors in measurement.
- 3
  Examine the zoysia sod carefully to ensure that it is the correct type, that it is free from weeds, disease and insect infestation, and that it is moist and harvested within the previous eight hours. If it is dry, sparse and lacking healthy soil, do not purchase or install the sod.
- 4
  Prepare the site by eradicating weeds, existing grass and stumps. Use a glyphosate solution, and repeat application up to three times if necessary to get rid of any leftover grass. If the sod is being laid for a new lawn at a construction site, make sure that wood, concrete, pipe or other scraps are not in the soil.
- 5
  Add topsoil to the site if the soil quality is poor. Plan to add 19 cubic yards of topsoil to get a 6-inch layer over 1,000 square feet. Add organic matter like peat or manure to the topsoil if it does not already include it.
- 6
  Rake the site by hand, or use a steel drag mat or tiller for large areas, after the soil settles for about a week. Test whether the soil has settled enough by walking on it; footprints should sink no deeper than 1/2 inch.
- 7
  Water the site thoroughly, and begin laying the sod immediately upon delivery. Install the first strip against a straight edge, then continue placing sod parallel to it without leaving space in between strips. Stagger the edges of the sod in every row so that the pattern resembles a brick wall. Cut the sod with a sharp sod knife to make it fit around areas that are not straight. Water and roll the sod consistently during the installation process.
- 8
  Water the sod again after it is installed and rolled, and continue watering every day for two weeks. Reduce watering gradually after the first two weeks. Walk on it as little as possible for one month after installation.

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