Zoysia has a stronger aesthetic appeal overall and requires less maintenance when it comes to patching the lawn and keeping the weeds out. I just recently installed an irrigation system, so Im primed to make a turfgrass change while my lawn is still cris-crossed with filled trenches. Get real! We hope that you will learn a lot from our findings. If you've centipede grass that is patchy or bare spots on the lawn, you can overseed it with fescue or zoysia grass as the warm season ends. I was talking with a neighbor today, and he likes the Tall Fescue better as well because of the plushness of it along with the year-around color. If you're unsure about typical frost cycles and cold weather extremes for your local area, contact your county extension agent for advice. This means that Fescue will stay green throughout the year in climates with mild winters and summers. For many homeowners, Zoysia grass is their warm-season grass of choice. Soil condition needs are better for fescue as it can even accommodate. Bahia Grass, Bermuda Grass, Centipede Grass, Fescue, Lawn Care, Rye, St. Augustine Grass, Zoysia / By Joe Bethel. However, in deep shade or moderate shade, Zoysia is much less likely to take over a fescue lawn. You could call Fescue grass more of a gentleman when comparing it to Zoysia grass. Fertilizer is a critical component in the growth of healthy lawn grass. And finally, zoysia grasses typically dont do well in shady areas, so if you have a lot of trees on your property, they may not be the best choice for your lawn. 45 0 obj you can gradually lower the blade as the grass gets taller. Continue to water overseeded lawns so cool-season grasses receive 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water per week. But I have to do a lot of maintenance to the Fescue and during the hot summer it turns brown because of the heat. 0000000653 00000 n In conclusion, while there is always the potential for zoysia grasses to take over your lawn if given enough time, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Getting rid of the bermuda is next to impossible as the small seeds remain,even after eradication, for years. So before we decide, lets take a glance at some of the key differences: If wondering about other grasses, check out these articles on the differences between Zoysia and Bermuda Grass or St Augustine. Being a warm season grass, this species can survive with low water content, less frequent mowing, and fertilizing. endobj I write about everything about lawn care and gardening and the dread-it-but-still-need-to-do-it chores around the yard, like cleaning out the gutter guards. Many lawn enthusiasts side with zoysia being a resilient grass while many prefer fescue for its resistance. When finalizing a grass species for your lawn then make sure to take into account some important specs. In comparison, zoysia grass is widely grown in Australia and Asia. Next is to spread the fescues grass over the prepared area using a seed spreader. It doesnt enjoy living in warmer conditions, so during hot summers, it will likely go dormant. Zoysia turns brown again as freezing temperatures return. They both might have many differences but some of the amazing features are commonly shared by both of them. Most of us love long hot summers, where we can get our vitamin D fix, and enjoy barbecue and pool season to the max.I wish I could say the same for our lawns.Blazing sun, coupled with little Dormant Grass vs Dead Grass How to Tell the Difference & What to Do? Finally, supply 2-4 lbs of fertilizer rich in nitrogen at least twice a year. 59 0 obj How To Encourage Zoysia To Choke Out Fescue? Zoysia can be a bit on the expensive side but can also be reasonably priced. Summary: Tall fescue has been crowned the winner again! After getting rid of the weeds, dethatching, and readying the fescues seeds, the next step is to aerate the lawn. Similarly, cold winter temperatures in the zone's northern reaches challenge some warm-season grasses as well. While Zoysia grass will be more aggressive in warmer regions, and areas with more sun in the yard. During its active growing season, Zoysia typically stays light to medium green. To ensure that the seeds have settled in the soil, water the lawn for around 5 to 10 minutes. Can You Put Epsom Salt in a Humidifier: Complete Guide with 6 Benefits. Its root system consists of rhizomes and stolons. This is incorrect if you follow the 1/3 rule. I am offering aeration, overseeding and milorganite as a new service to my customers. Compared to many other lawn grasses, Zoysia has relatively low nitrogen requirements. They have samples of all types out front. If going with zoysia, I would get a sod cutter and remove all the grass you currently have and sod it with zoysia. Zoysia and fescue both are excellent against weeds. 3. loosen the soil to a depth of 1 inch with a garden hoe or rototiller. Keep your kids and pets away from the lawn when mowing. endobj PPM Chart for Hydroponics: Level Adjustments Guide for 2023, DIY Aeroponics: 2023 Comprehensive Guide with Pros and Cons, Net Pots for Hydroponics: 3 Ways in Which They Work 2023 Guide, Best Humidifier for 24 Grow Tent: What 6 Things to Look Before Buying, Best Humidifier for Mushrooms: 5 Types for Perfectly Plump Mushrooms, Best Humidifier for Greenhouse: 6 Experts-Approved Models, Essential Protective Wear When Operating a Tiller. The blends often contain ryegrass, which provides cover and helps prevent weeds from growing on the couch. It can take pretty hard hits and stay healthy. just seed it in the spring and fall and water regularly. You dont want to risk any injury or accident while working on the lawn. If left to its own devices, Fescue grass can be invasive and aggressive. I take it you already have grass in your lawn except where the ditch witch went right? But in terms of overall performance, tall fescue wins the race! However, it is possible in some areas for them to grow at the same time. Greyish-green is the dominant color of the leaves. However, if you are looking for a grass that is more resilient to salt, wear, and drought, then zoysia is the better choice. Which sod to place? I cant afford to sod with Zoysia. Weather type, soil conditions needed, watering requirement, & durability against foot traffic, pests, diseases as well as drought. Andy Gibson. It does not bother me to see the Bermuda dormant in the winter because it stays thick. It grwos much better under my tree. "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.". Too Much Fertilizer on Grass. If you are calculating the maintenance cost then you are in for a surprise. Keep your lawn clear of stones or winter debris so you're ready for an early spring. Be it summer months or clear winters, both plants will maintain their growth but might suffer under certain circumstances. To keep your Zoysia grass lawn at its bests, always keep these natural seasonal cycles in mind. It needs to be mowed to 1 and a minimum of 4 times per year. I live in Charlotte and you can call or go down to Supersod on Downs RD in Pineville. Zoysia has a deeper root system than fescue, so it can better compete for water and nutrients. 2. Wait until all threat of frost has passed. Professional Grass Advice for the Perfect Lawn, Pennington Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed and Mulch, Pennington UltraGreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer III 30-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Southern Weed & Feed 34-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14, Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix. 51 0 obj Best no-mow variety: No-mow Zoysia ( Zoysia tenuifolia ), also known as temple grass. And if you have bare areas or brown patches, you can add up the number of seeds you spread. "Only needs mowed once every 7 to 10 days because it grows much slower.". Overseeing a Zoysia grass will result in very few Fescue seeds. This can be done by scraping up the moss, digging the soil and planting fescue again. This will mean that your Fescue seed costs will be wasted. When those elements align with Zoysia's strengths, this versatile lawn grass may be the ideal choice. I am also thinking about the Bermuda because the fescue is dead as usual this time of the year. It is hassle-free turf grass. Heres a video on how to prepare Zoysia as spring approaches: Its best to plant Zoysia in late spring to early summer, once the threat of frost is well out of the way. If given the proper nutrients and care, it should remain green all year round. I do like the fact that zoysia is heat/drought tolerant especially here in GA. Go for it if that is what you want. Don't do it, Zoysia is a nightmare to maintain for the average homeowner in the transition zone. And so they can grow successfully in both the northern and transition zones of the United States. Thick & rich turf makes it too good to be true and sometimes it looks like. Lets spot some interesting qualities of this turf grass! Second, mow your lawn regularly and remove any clippings to prevent them from spreading and taking root elsewhere in your yard. bless this house series filming locations. Recommending Zoysia as a home lawn in the Transition zone is like recommending Bentgrass in the North. This roughly corresponds to daytime air temperatures near 80F or more. Let us know in the comments section! link to Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? If you are looking for a grass to grow in part shade, then fescue is a good choice. Bermuda and zoysiagrasses. The best time to overseed your lawn is in the early fall, when the temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful. The root system of Zoysia is too dense and too thick for Fescue seeds to germinate or take root. Moss grows in places where bermudagrass can not grow because it is too shady or wet. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Lake Oswego Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, The estimated time it takes to mow a lawn using a Toro Timecutter 50in. Bahia Grass, Bermuda Grass, Centipede Grass, Fescue, Lawn Care, Rye, St. Augustine Grass, Zoysia / By Joe Bethel. In its native climate it might be, but certainly NOT in the transition zone. Even its sod is very pricy. Aerate, if needed, to improve compacted soil. Fescue will grow well in shady and cold conditions, requiring less maintenance in the long run, however youll need to help it along when it experiences heavy traffic. Does it need alot of water in the hot summer months? Youll have to weigh up the pros and cons of each grass and assess whether Fescue grass or Zoysia grass will be the best for your unique location and climate. We are always motivated to read your feedback and help you in this matter! If the ground is tilled before planting, fescue can tolerate full sun and summer drought. It grows via rhizomes & stolons. - What Type Degree, How to Identify and Treat 10 Types ofGrass Fungus | Wikilawn, What colleges offer a degree program in turf and turfgrass management? . I really wanted to overseed with that Penn 1901 but after talking with several pros decided not to, anyways, my common/sahara bermuda mix looks preety good, espicially using the Lesco 28-3-10 fert. There is always the possibility that some zoysia can come back and contaminate your new cool-season lawn. But when it gets cold, this grass may struggle, and thats why you need to overseed it and protect it from the cold winter season. In addition, the bermuda spreads both above and below ground by shoots and rhizomes respectively. It turns brown when winter dormancy sets in, but it stays green much longer than Bermudagrass and other warm-season grasses. <> In comparison to drought tolerance, drought resistance is the ability to look good during drought. endobj Its called: survival of the fittest folks! This is because fescue is more tolerant of shade than zoysia. The root system of Zoysia is too dense and too thick for Fescue seeds to germinate or take root. Types of Gardening Tools The Essential Guide to What You Need in Your Shed! The best time to overseed your lawn is in the fall, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful. Better if you wait for the ground to thaw completely, especially if youre considering overseeding it during the spring. If you live in the northern half of the United States, you should use a cool-season grass. 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. endobj So, the best time to overseed centipede grass is right before its growing phase. The following errors occurred with your submission. Heres a video on how to establish Tall Fescue from seed: Most Fescues are easy to establish from seed, and so it is less common to grow from sods. Zoysia has a very dense turf and another easy way is that zoysia has surfaced roots. 0000008924 00000 n Apply the right type of fertilizer after the seeds have sprouted. Zenith Zoysia also offers improved cold tolerance to give lawn owners even greater advantages in this challenging region. Over the years, I have found Zoysia grass to be the best for my yard. The best time to plant Fescue is during its peak growing season, in fall or spring. Second, zoysia grasses can be more difficult to control than other grasses once theyve established themselves, so you may need to be more diligent in mowing and trimming them back. Will Bermuda grass overtake fescue? Be sure to plant zoysia at least 6-8 feet away from any other existing grasses, mow regularly and remove clippings, and fertilize and water regularly. However, you can also overseed in the spring, as long as you keep the newly seeded area moist until the grass germinates and begins to grow. 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