When it comes to talking about Zoysiagrass, it starts with choosing the right Zoysia grass, establishing it properly, checking the durability of the chosen grass, maintaining it with proper mowing, and implementing effective water management.
Visit any one of the United States’ 15,000 golf courses, and you will likely find that each is more unique than the last. Despite this, every golf facility (and every golf professional) knows that no matter the course, turf is the top priority. The conditions of your green affect not only the overall appearance of your property but also its playability.
Turf management considers all the unique qualities and needs of each turf type, including temperature, disease, fertilization, mowing, and a variety of other factors. Improper or incorrect maintenance practices will inevitably show in the overall appearance of your course, leading to a decline in your players’ enjoyment — and your profits.
There are numerous turf types utilized in course construction, but over the years, one variety has become recognized as a favorite among professionals: Zoysiagrass.
Why Zoysiagrass?
Zoysiagrass is renowned for its durability, adaptability, and attractiveness. Capable of withstanding heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic, it has become a front runner among previous turf favorites such as Bermuda grass and Bentgrass. While Bermuda grass is heat tolerant and Bentgrass is cold-resistant, Zoysia grass can thrive in the wide range of climates present across the United States. Not only is it tough, but it also stays green longer, conserves more water, and requires less maintenance once established.”
Zoysiagrass offers numerous advantages for golf courses seeking a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance turf option. By carefully selecting the right variety, such as Zeon or Zorro, and ensuring proper establishment through sodding or other methods, golf course owners can enjoy the benefits of Zoysiagrass. Its dense, resilient nature allows it to withstand heavy foot traffic and wear and tear from golf carts, while its natural resistance to diseases and pests reduces the need for chemical applications. Additionally, Zoysiagrass’s ability to conserve water and thrive in various climates makes it an excellent choice for golf courses across the United States.
Selecting Your Zoysiagrass
There are numerous Zoysia grass cultivars to consider, but we will cover the two main varieties, Zeon and Zorro.
Zeon Zoysiagrass is known for being low maintenance and unique in color. A properly fertilized Zeon will form a deep emerald color. Careful consideration should be taken when purchasing Zeon Zoysiagrass and always check to make sure it is a licensed and certified variety.
Zorro, on the other hand, is considered a slightly higher maintenance variety of Zoysiagrass. However, if maintenance is performed properly, it will resist yellowing far into the winter season. The National Turf Grass Evaluation Program voted Zorro Zoysiagrass as the highest quality turf variety.
Getting Established
Regardless of your chosen sub-variety, Zoysiagrass typically requires complete sodding before installation. Because of this, its establishment is more expensive than that of other turf types. It can be successfully established through seed, sprigs, and even sod stripping, but these methods will take significantly more time and expertise. Upon completion, most courses see a dramatic drop in maintenance costs.
Zoysiagrass Durability
Once established, your Zoysiagrass will be a dense, carpetlike thatch, with soft grass and thick root systems. This layer of root provides the support and resiliency for your course to withstand the traffic from repeated rounds of golf as well as wear and tear from carts.
Zoysia is naturally resistant to most diseases, weeds, and other pests and insects. However, it can be vulnerable to the fungus Rhizoctonia Solani if overwatered or excessively fertilized. Make sure that whoever is managing your turf is experienced and knowledgeable enough to provide proper care.
Billbugs should also be considered, and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program established. As Zoysia is highly resistant to most diseases and pests, fewer chemical applications are required, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly management program.
Many golf facilities that have Zoysiagrass find that single-core aeration each year is sufficient to maintain quality course conditions. However, the longer the growing season and the more rounds of golf played, the more likely you’ll require the second aeration.
Mowing Recommendations
Mowing Zoysiagrass can be tricky as the stiffness of the leaves can cause the mower to shift. This is because of its high concentration of Lignin, an organic compound more commonly found in tree bark. A heavy cutting unit and larger reel diameters create more downward pressure and can help prevent shifting. The consistent and reliable growth rate of Zoysiagrass makes upkeep rather simple. It can even be mowed as little as once a week if conditions allow.
Recommended grass height will vary by cultivar, but typically anywhere between 0.4 inches – 0.625 inches is acceptable. Height can and should be adjusted to account for the anticipated skill of your players. The higher you allow your Zoysia to grow, the simpler it is for beginners to play. Alternatively, a lower cut makes for a more enjoyable and memorable play for the experienced golfer.
Water Management
Zoysiagrass requires significantly less water than other turf varieties and can conserve it more effectively. As a drought-tolerant plant, it can be weakened through overwatering and will become more susceptible to disease the more oversaturated its roots become.
Proper drainage is a necessity, and wet or poorly drained soils will not be able to effectively host Zoysiagrass. When properly managed , it consumes less water, retains moisture/color longer, and easily bounces back from wear and tear.
Turf You Can Trust
Overall, switching to or establishing Zoysiagrass is not a task for the inexperienced. If you intend to utilize it for its cost-effectiveness and decadent color, you’ll need a professional who can guarantee those results. DTE Golf® maintains more than 600 holes of golf and employs a dedicated professional staff of Class-A superintendents, irrigation auditors, certified pest control operators, and access to our full-scale landscape & irrigation division. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
When it comes to Zoysia Grass maintenance and care, DTE Golf® stands out as the industry leader. With a team of experienced professionals, including Class-A superintendents and certified pest control operators, you can trust DTE Golf® to ensure the health, beauty, and longevity of your turf. They deliver exceptional results that enhance the playability and overall aesthetics of your golf course. Contact us today for a consultation!
