After dethatching, your lawn will look bare briefly, but … Thatch Removal: Periodically it may be necessary to remove accumulated thatch. This is when sod is actively growing and can quickly recover from the process. If possible, use a mower with a bagger to collect the clippings and remove any dead material left from winter dor… This layer of … Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Denise Brown is an education professional who wanted to try something different. Dethatching Your Zoysia Lawn October 28, 2010 Dethatching is the mechanical removal of the layer of cuttings and stems that build up between green blades and soil in a lawn. Dethatching causes a lot of damage to your grass and should be done at a time when the grass is growing so it can fix the damage before the next dormant period. A dethatcher works best … jugheadfla – posted 27 September 2011 10:59. Perform the thatching in the spring after the grass has been green for two to three weeks. Dethatch cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, in late summer or early fall. Failure to dethatch zoysia can lead to drought injury, insect infestation and plant disease throughout the lawn. When long periods go between … If it makes a difference, you can lightly rake across your lawn to break up the soil plugs for a … Dethatching In parts of the country where winters are frigid, you would want to avoid dethatching warm season grasses (Bermuda, buffalo, zoysia, for example) in March or April because spring frosts will likely … Dethatching zoysia yard we installed 4 years ago. A dethatcher works best when the lawn is lightly moist — not too wet or too dry. They are what will help break down your thatch layer. This layer of material called “thatch” accumulates in your lawn when air, water, and light cannot reach the surface of the soil. Zoysia thatch removal only needs to occur every year or two. Dethatch warm season lawns (green in summer; dormant in winter) such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede during different times of the year, depending on your method of choice. If you try, you might permanently damage the stand of grass. Once it gets a half inch or more though, thatch actually reduces the health of the sod. Nighttime temperatures should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Thatch – Another one of the facts about zoysia grass is that is prone to thatch problems.While you will have less mowing, you will have to do more thatch control, which is significantly more labor intensive.. In the case of thatch in zoysia grass, very little is produced when compared to other turf grasses. In order to repair your lawn, it is necessary to remove the thatch. The resulting holes aerate the sod while the little plugs rot over time and create a top dressing in the lawn. Early spring is the best time to dethatch. Excess thatch limits the plant’s ability to uptake nutrients, water, promotes fungus, and harbors pests. Dethatching a zoysia lawn can help minimize the impact of that heavy organic matter surrounding the lower blades and roots. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. The best management of … This should be done just before the time of lawn green-up, which usually occurs during late April or early May. Thatch needs to be removed every two to three years through core aeri­ fication or dethatching, but care should be taken because the recovery rate of some zoysiagrass cultivars is slow. Preparing to Dethatch Lawns should be … This will tell you which direction the … It is recommended that the lawn be core aerated once a year, Zoysia can be aerated anytime during the growing season but it is recommended that it be done during early summer when growth is at it’s peak. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) Dethatch warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass or Zoysia grass, after spring green-up, as they enter early summer's peak growth. For more information about thatch, see Thatch … Cut out a plug of grass and soil from your lawn to determine the thickness of the thatch layer. In parts of the country where winters are frigid, you would want to avoid dethatching warm season grasses (Bermuda, buffalo, zoysia, for example) in March or April because spring frosts will likely impede growth and cause damage. You can prevent some of that thatch by mowing frequently or using a bag on the lawnmower. Warm season grasses such as zoysia, Bermuda and buffalo shouldn't be dethatched in March or April, when a late frost will hurt new growth. The mower setting should be around 1 to 1½ inches high. Dethatching in fall will make them weak in … Warm-season grasses, including Zoysia, Bermuda and St. Augustinegrass, should be dethatched in summer, again, when they’re growing most. Dethatch warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass or Zoysia grass, after spring green-up, as they enter early … Never dethatch when your lawn is dormant or stressed; you can damage it beyond recovery. Theycallmemrr Posts: 34 Joined: Thu May 16, 2019 1:02 pm Location: Watkinsville Grass Type: Bermuda Lawn Size: 20,000 sq. Remove thatch from areas the dethatcher can't reach with a thatch rake. Zoysiagrass will recover from dethatching best when it is actively growing in mid-to-late spring or early fall and generally benefits from annual dethatching. The dark, matted layer that rests on top of the soil is the thatch. You can use the wire-tine type of dethatcher on Kentucky bluegrass or fescue lawns. Apply 1 pound of balanced nitrogen, phosphorous and potash per 1,000 square feet of lawn. No matter the type of grass, dethatching is best accomplished with a dethatching machine or a vertical mower. The key is – a little thatch. Sign up for our newsletter. If you … Pull it across the lawn to cut thatch and pull it to the surface. You can also manually remove the thatch with a hard rake. Difficult to remove – One of the most frustrating zoysia … Dethatching causes a lot of damage to your grass and should be done at a time when the grass is growing so it can fix the damage before the next dormant period. ft. Mower: Cali.Trimr, Toro 1600, JD S240 The best time of year to burn Zoysia grass is in the early spring, just before the grass begins to grow and turn lushly green again. Warm season grasses such as zoysia, Bermuda and buffalo shouldn't be dethatched in March or April, when a late frost will hurt new growth. The best time in most areas is late spring or early summer, when these grasses are growing and producing new runners. Zoysia Patch disease (Rhizoctonia fungus) can be a problem in over-fertilized lawns. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. At this level, the grass may root in the thatch making it less stable, winter injury may occur, drought is more extreme, and pests and disease become more frequent. Lawn experts agree, very little thatch is produced by zoysia grass. Dethatching. Cut out a plug of grass and soil from your lawn to determine the thickness of the thatch layer. Your cue to dethatch warm-season varieties like zoysia and Bermuda grass … Warm season grasses such as zoysia, Bermuda and buffalo shouldn't be dethatched in March or April, when a late frost will hurt new growth. Early spring and early fall are ideal times for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. It is best not to do it in the middle or late of summer. They are what will help break down your thatch … Replace the plug. A little thatch isn’t a bad thing. Aeration and dethatching, done in fall on cool-season lawns, should be done in … For example, if you ran the dethatcher east to west on the first pass, run it north to south on the second. 2 You do have to dethatch a zoysia lawn whenever the thatch buildup gets too thick, and because of the growth habit of zoysia, the vertical mower or rake will naturally pull up stolons. How Make a Grid Pattern in the Grass With a Lawnmower, Seedland: Where to Grow Zoysia Grass in the USA, How to Dig Up a Lawn to Replant Grass Seed. You can perform a similar action by spreading a thin layer of compost over soil, but you will miss the aeration benefit. Go over the entire lawn with a power rake or lawn dethatcher, … A healthy lawn will have a small amount of thatch and I think you should leave it. Way overdue and started to lose the yard. Dethatching in fall will make them weak in winter. As you pass back and forth across the lawn with the power rake, overlap passes by at least 2 inches so you cover the entire area. Also, as the grass reseeds itself, new growth may take hold in the … 1. That's when your grass is growing most vigorously. When it’s 110 degrees everday, that small amount of thatch is what helps protect the roots and prevent moisture from evaporating so quickly. Pass over the lawn a second time with the dethatcher, but this time work at a right angle to the first pass to loosen the soil even more. If there is a bunch of dry, dead leaf blades built up at the base of the plug, it is probably time to dethatch. To prevent thatch, mow often, water less and apply fertilizer frugally. What is produced is a mixture of the plant’s fine and coarse leaf blades. To avoid dethatching at all, mow once per week, provide the right amount of fertilizer and water, and use your lawnmower bag to pick up clippings. And remember to overseed with zoysia grass seeds to encourage new growth and recovery. For thick grasses like Bermuda grass and zoysia grass, use a vertical mower with steel blades. is a warm-season turf species prized for its drought tolerance and an ability to withstand heavy traffic and slight shade well. Brown holds a master's degree in history education from Truman State University. A light … You can prevent some of that thatch by mowing frequently or using a bag on the lawnmower. In fact, it actually conserves moisture and insulates roots. Plan to dethatch the lawn if the layer is more than 1/2 inch thick. THATCH REMOVAL In addition to the deeper roots, the plugs of soil that are deposited on top of the ground help decompose thatch – without the risk of turf damage that power dethatchers pose. Thatch Removal in Emerald Zoysia. Organic Lawn Care: Your Guide to A Healthy Lawn, Seniors And Houseplants: Indoor Senior Gardening Ideas, Mason Jar Snow Globe Ideas – Creating Snow Globe From Jars, Gardening Questions And Answers – Our Top 2020 Gardening Topics, Hose Nozzle Watering Guide: Learn About Garden Hose Spray Settings, Upcycled Garden Hose Ideas: How To Cleverly Reuse Garden Hoses, East North Central Lawns: Alternatives To Grass In Upper Midwest. Following aeration with fertilization and Lime for Optimal results. The best time … Rake the entire lawn with a lawn rake to remove the thatch debris pulled up by the power rake. Be careful not to set the mower too low, as it may scalp the lawn. Go over the entire lawn with a power rake or lawn dethatcher, which you can rent from an equipment supplier. How to Dethatch a Zoysia Lawn. If you scrupulously catch zoysia grass clippings every time you mow, you don’t need to. A more practical reason is that dethatching is done only when the grass is vigorously growing in June. A healthy lawn will have a small … Use a sharp knife or a hand trowel to dig straight down and get a cross-section view of the plant structure both above and below the ground. Removing thatch in a lawn is an important, although infrequent, part of lawn maintenance. If you are doing a light fall overseeding on a fescue lawn, the holes left by the aerator make a perfect place for the seeds to fall into and germinate. Northwestern Lawn Alternatives: Choosing Lawn Alternatives In Northwest U.S. Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees, Evergreens In My Heart – Three Must Have Evergreen Trees, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing An Evergreen In The Landscape, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens. Adjust the depth of the cutting blades based on the thickness of the thatch layer. However, over time a buildup will occur and should be removed. And remember to overseed with zoysia grass seeds to encourage new growth and recovery. In Arizona, however, this can be the best time to detatch your lawn if you have warm season grass. Use a lawn spreader to apply the fertilizer evenly. Zoysia grass turns brown during its dormant phase but this doesn't mean that it's dead. This may result in the removal of some of the grass and require reseeding, so dethatch in late summer or early autumn. Mowing: Mow the lawn slightly lower than the regular summer mowing height of 1½ to 2 inches. You should … There is no hard and fast rule on dethatching a zoysia lawn; however, you can take a small plug and examine the level of thatch easily. The thatch layer doesn’t build up overnight, so don’t expect to remove all of it in one season. While the soil plugs may look unsightly to you, don’t remove them! Pests and disease are the top two zoysia thatch problems, but it can also reduce the plant’s ability to feed itself. Also to know is, when should you Dethatch Zoysia grass? Another way to correct the problem is with core aerification. When Zoysia grass builds up a thick layering of thatch at the bases of its blades, the thatching can suffocate the root systems. October 28, 2010. If the thatch is less than ½ inch thick, you should not dethatch. Zoysia may need dethatching every few years, but this can be reduced by practicing annual core aeration. Carefully light the grass on fire in an area well away from anything flammable other than the lawn, and watch it closely. Dethatching is the mechanical removal of the layer of cuttings and stems that build up between green blades and soil in a lawn. Try not to dethatch … The best time to dethatch cool-season lawns is late August to early October, depending on your location, when the grass is growing vigorously and few weed seeds are likely to germinate. Cut out a small plug and look at the root zone and the base of the leaves. Spring & … Zoysia thatch removal should happen when the thatch is visible. Here’s how to do it: Mow the lawn a little lower than normal right before you dethatch. For thick grasses like Bermuda grass and zoysia grass, use a vertical mower with steel blades. The key is – a little thatch. … While the soil plugs may look unsightly to you, don’t remove them! When long periods go between mowing, the grass blades are long and resilient, resulting in zoysia thatch problems. THATCH REMOVAL In addition to the deeper roots, the plugs of soil that are deposited on top of the ground help decompose thatch – without the risk of turf damage that power dethatchers pose. Grubs and bill bugs (plus mole crickets in the Lower South) are soil-borne insects which can cause damage. It also means more frequent mower blade sharpening to prevent injury to the grass. As they decompose, the clippings provide nutrients for the roots. Dethatch cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, in late summer or early fall. When it’s 110 degrees everday, that small amount of thatch is what helps protect the roots and prevent moisture from evaporating so quickly. Dethatching in fall will make them weak in winter. Warm-season grass can be … The rough nature of the coarse blades takes a long time to break down and results in a thick, impenetrable thatch. The best time of year for dethatching is the same as for aerating: early spring or early fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer (after the second mowing) for warm-season grasses. General Recommendation on de-thatching – If there is more then 1/2” of thatch present (Thatch is the presence of dead leaves and stems that build up on the surface of the soil). Aeration/Dethatching. The rule on most grasses is a half inch (1.2 cm.). The best time of year for dethatching is the same as for aerating: early spring or early fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer (after the second mowing) for warm-season grasses. You can use the wire-tine type of dethatcher on Kentucky bluegrass or fescue lawns. Aerate from April-September each year, and dethatch if there is more … Warm-season grass can be dethatched in late spring or early summer after it starts to grow. Leaf rust is a lesser problem. Since zoysia grass tends to accumulate the layer of dead surface roots, stems and runners known as thatch more than other types of grass, you need to know how to dethatch zoysia. Use a sharp knife or a hand trowel to dig straight ... 2. Because of Zoysia's dense growth habit, it tends to develop thatch, that layer of thick organic matter that builds up at soil level. The machines that perform this task pull up small cores of sod. What causes thatch in Zoysia? 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