can you mix zoysia and kentucky bluegrass
Again, expect to literally cut it out of your lawn. During this time, you will need to keep the seeds well-hydrated. Avoid the Midnight types as they seem to segregate and result in dark, uneven clumps within the bermudagrass. . The seeds will sprout and green up your yard while the Zoysia goes dormant. Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass can be grown from seeds. Both KBG and tall fescue grasses can resist a certain amount of shade and still thrive. Pros and cons of Kentucky bluegrass . So, Zoysia can devastate your Bluegrass before fall and winter arrive, destroying your hopes of a green winter lawn. Bermuda grass is a popular option when selecting a warm season grass. However, the golf course does not have to be closed to play. View More. This publication contains comprehensive information about weed control . One way or the other, these folks can`t have green grass all year. If pairing with another warm season grass, you can mix the seeds together and spread them all at the same time, or purchase plugs of that variety and plant them intermittently with your Zoysia. The reason why this type of grass does so well in clay soil is that it has a very deep root system, and slowly spreads via stolons above ground and rhizomes below ground. Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass are aggressive spreading grasses, so seeding would need to be done. Spring is a great time for herbicide applications. Before you spend money on Kentucky Bluegrass seed, consider these risks: If you spread Kentucky Bluegrass seed on a Zoysia lawn, the Zoysia will probably smother the Bluegrass quickly. These qualities make it very popular along the Gulf Coast. Seed at a rate of three pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if you're overseeding. Once the bluemuda has matured, its density seems to do a good job at preventing future weed infestations. The chemical circulates throughout the plant, killing it in its entirety. We can come and cut out your Zoysia and give it to someone who wants it! Subsequent applications of nitrogen during the first fall can help to speed establishment. BEST OVERALL: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix, 7 lb. However, it does not grow well in deep . If you live in an area that is good for growing Zoysia, its probably not good for Kentucky Bluegrass. If the seeds dry out, they will not germinate. If you would like to mix both these grass varieties, this is up to you as both will thrive in the right conditions. These products will probably only be useful when trying to keep the turf at the lowest height of 0.5 inch. Most varieties of Zoysia grow at their best when they are mowed to a height of 1.5 to 2 inches (45 cm). Native to Southeast Asia, Zoysia is another warm-season grass. Unfortunately, sod growers produce only the most popular varieties which, except for a few, are mono-cultures. Types of Fescue Grass . This grass type establishes itself rather quickly and is hearty and fast-healing enough for ample paw traffic. The grasses above are only a few of the common grasses that Zoysia can overtake. Winka, B. Table of Contents show I currently have Turf-Type Tall Fescue (Palmers Pride) 90% of the lawn is turf-type, the rest is K-31 that survived the shock and Awe of Round up last fall, Anyway, my lawn looks terrible right now because of the nasty heat and lack of rain, Ive been talking to people and reading about Zoysia and Bluegrasses for a while, and cant decide which way to go. Most sites are a mix of conditions, so a suitable grass would logically be a mix of grass varieties. Some amount of Poa annua can be expected during the initial establishment period but it should wither away during the summer heat and not be a repeat issue. 1. I was told NOT to over seed Emerald Zoysia with Cool season grasses it is true? oz. Use of the Midnight types of Kentucky bluegrass can result in an inconsistent surface. In this part of NC, both, warm and cool season grasses can be grown (as you know?) This new zoysia is expected to be ready for the commercial market in four to six years. Like other cool-season grasses, Kentucky Bluegrass growth slows in the summer heat. What Type of Sand for Artificial Grass Infill is Best? With their differences, you can see why its not recommended to mix them together. A slow-release starter fertilizer will typically cost between $170 to $250 per acre. There are some varieties of Zoysia that grow well when mowed as tall as 2.5 inches (6 cm), but these are not planted in every Zoysia lawn. When seeded with Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass should not exceed 10-15% of the seed mix, in order to prevent the bluegrass from being out-competed during the seed germination process. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4747654, '1febb134-dd26-41d9-a771-b6c279131822', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); If you like Zoysia Grass and want to spread it throughout your lawn, you can order additional plugs online and plant them in the areas that do not have Zoysia Grass. Overseeding should be completed in the spring for warm season grasses and in the fall for cool season grasses. Caution: Do not spray tenacity turf herbicide on lawns with Bermuda grass, paspalum, zoysia, kikuyu grass, bentgrass, or poa annua. Agronomists don`t turn out new grass seeds the way engineers turn out new cars, so when there is a new model, it`s big news. Zoysia grows well in regions where Kentucky Bluegrass struggles. These are the homeowners who live in what agronomists call the turf transition zone. Sign in to access your AXS Fan Account to manage your tickets. But by mixing zoysia seed with, say, bluegrass seed, one can create an even-toned green turf in both winter and summer. BEST FOR BARE SPOTS: Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Tall Fescue Lawns . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2. Dethatching your lawn should be done regularly to ensure proper oxygen exchange between the atmosphere and the soil. When adding cool season grass to your lawn, you should be seeding in the fall. It is also able to provide a consistent green color that is preferred by most golfers. Should I Cut Down My Sweet Gum Tree (Explained). It is ideal for southern coastal climates. Bermudagrass can take up and hold much more than its required 1 inch a week, unlike zoysia. It is extremely resilient to heat, and it grows well in sandy soils. You can overseed a Bermudagrass lawn with either a warm-season grass . You may use compost, rotted manure, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. In fact, there is such a thing as ' Bluemuda ', which is a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and Bermuda grass! You will have to increase your lawn care workload in order to keep both these grass types happy. It will be especially good news for homeowners in middle America, for it will probably make it possible to have the best of two worlds. I love the looks of KB during Spring, Fall, and even Winter; but Summer is always harsh on cool season grasses especially here in this part of the state. Another anecdotal benefit of bluemuda is that disease damage seems to be less prevalent. Once you have chosen the grass that you would like to mix with your existing Zoysia, its time to get growing. For annual maintenance, nitrogen should be applied in the range of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Fescues are much more drought tolerant and deeper rooting than bluegrass, but as the roots intertwine and grow together, the deeper fescue roots actually bring water up to the bluegrass through osmosis and improve its drought tolerance, resulting in a hardier turf blend. Check out these pros and cons to help you learn more about Zoysia's strengths and weaknesses. As with any marriage, it is important to keep both parties happy. Can You Mix Kentucky Bluegrass with Zoysia? For Kentucky Bluegrass, and Ryegrass, apply Prodiamine WDG in the early spring, mid-spring and fall at the rate of .183oz/5.2g per 1,000 square feet. Most people prefer to grow Zoysia by sod or plugs for this reason. This new zoysia is expected to be ready for the commercial market in four to . 2019. Perennial rye grass grows in a wide variety of soil types, and stands up well to pH variations. If you plan to pair your Zoysia with a cool season grass, elect to grow it by sod. Zoysia: Worst. For millions of homeowners, good news is expected in about five years, when, if all goes well, seed for zoysia grass will be available. Kentucky Bluegrass. This would be mixed in 10-50 gallons per acre. It also doesnt need as much mowing because this grass cultivar is slow growing in height. Steve in Apex posted 03 August 2004 19:45. Perennial ryegrass: 0.75 to 2.5 inches. When the garden bed is ready for improvement, add about seven inches of organic matter to the entire surface of your garden bed. In our Midwestern climate, it turns brown in the Fall and Winter. The packaging of your grass seed will tell you at what rate to apply the seed. Pull up cores of soil that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches deep spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. Ill e-mail you soon. Zoysia plugs cant compete with Bermuda grass, since the latter grows faster and more aggressively. That's in an ideal setting, though! If you would like help with this project, Good Nature is happy to help plant the plugs as well. This is because Zoysia is a warm-season grass that grows extremely well in areas with hot summers and mild winters. I purchased the sod from a place in Newton Grove.2) The grass turns brown brown in mid Nov. and greens up again in maybe late April but does not develop full color until sometime in May3) Emerald loves the heat, the more heat the better!4) You need to bag the grass and cut about every 10 days or so, use sharp rotary mower or reel mower. As for Zoysia grass, you will do best with cool-season grasses like Bluegrass or Fescue. Kentucky Bluegrass. Zoysia Grass is one of the best grasses to choose for Florida lawns due to its deep, dark-green color and turf-like feel. --which in effect constitute an intrusion of the nothern zone into the southern zone. In comparison, Kentucky Bluegrass is healthiest when mowed to a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6-9 cm). My Emerald Zoysia is very nice! (Explained). It tends to have a soft, fine texture and is naturally low-growing. Some types of Zoysia grass can only be grown from sod or grass sprigs, but Pennington Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed and Mulch combine the strengths of Zoysia grass with all the benefits of growing from seed. However, even in this zone, there are differences in the local climate. The Zoysia grass will green up before the Bermuda grass, while the Bermuda grass falls dormant before the other variety. This herbicide will kill anything green it comes into contact with by infiltrating the plant. It can tolerate heavy traffic and would go dormant throughout the drought season. The transition zone is a mix of grass species that grow in the cool, northern section of the country and the warm, southern part. Common weed growth is stunted in the fall. The goal with bluemuda is to maintain both grasses throughout the entire year. edu). Broadcast the seed and . Also, if you want a green front lawn you can seed with rye grass. Do not apply a weed and feed product, or herbicides, to the lawn for at least eight weeks after planting. Just remember that even the best grass . This gives your new plants less competition for resources as they germinate and establish themselves. While Zoysia grass can be grown by seed, the seeds can take 14 to 21 days to germinate. If you have a lot of sun . Good to hear from somebody in Apex! Early Spring as soil temps approach 55F . You may reach our Customer Service at 866-581-7378 M-F 9a-5p EST. Can you change grass type by overseeding? Furthermore, persistent overseeding has negative impacts on the underlying bermudagrass, which is typically needed as the primary playing surface during the warmer part of the year. This is one of the reasons why overseeding Zoysia with Fescue is so challenging. I know, thats probably what everybody wants, I live in Apex, NC and have had Emerald Zoysia for one year. What grass is most resistant to dog pee? The level of maintenance required for Zoysia is similar to Bermuda. These are the characteristics I like about a lawn: Fine BladedDark GreenDense TurfHeat and Drought TolerantGreen year-round, Sounds good ah? Rather than set yourself up for this battle, its best to choose a different option. If you have decided mixing these grass varieties, make sure you learn all about their needs and how to begin the seeding process. 6) I now look forward to HOT weather, as opposed to dreading my fescue dying. If you dont mind your lawn looking lackluster in the fall and winter but want an incredible yard in the spring and summer, pair a fellow warm season grass with your Zoysia. . per 1000 sq. John Daniels is an agronomist in the Northeast Region. Slit or spike seeders are preferred for planting, but if one of those units are not available a drop seeder can also work if you follow with dragging in multiple directions. Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass 8-lb Bermuda Grass Seed. Bluemuda: What is it and can it work for you, Growinggrassinthe #notransitionzone:Newideas. A. Monument 75WG Herbicide will kill Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue grass. The fairways need to be kept moist to encourage germination and frequent irrigation needs to occur until the first mowing. This quality makes it an excellent choice for mixing in with your Zoysia as it will fill any bare spots effectively. Bermuda Grass. Spread it on top of your clay soil and mix it with a shovel. The Glade and Bensun are the most shade-resistant cultivars of KBG. Zoysia grass grows and spreads aggressively during the summer heat. Apply with a nonionic surfactant like Hi-Yield Surfactant. Zoysia Grass often has a lot of thatch and needs to be aerated more often than other lawns. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-weather species. Zoysia easily chokes out Kentucky Bluegrass. This range seems to provide the most favorable lie in bluemuda fairways and the turf is better able to withstand environmental stresses. Due to differences in color, leaf size, shape and growth habit, weeds detract from the natural beauty of desirable turfgrasses. A lot of soil is very "basic", it's got a high pH, and Zoysia doesn't like that. Warm summers and cold winters work best with its natural growth cycle. Yes, that is correct. Photo: azpworldwide / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images. While the grass is slow growing, it produces a thick turf that inhibits weed growth.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'careforyourlawn_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',661,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-careforyourlawn_com-medrectangle-3-0'); A lawn of only Zoysia will not do well in shaded areas and will become unsightly when the grass enters its winter dormancy. zoysia likes the sun. If you are starting your Zoysia Grass lawn, you are going to have Bare Spots if you are using plugs. Kentucky Bluegrass is the opposite. Munshaw,G.2019.Bluemuda: What is it and can it work for you. It wont be until the spring that things look noticeably better and the full potential will be apparent during the following fall. Howtoestablish Bluemudafairways. This herbicide is indicated as dangerous and can cause injury to these turfgrasses. For instance, if you add 15% Kentucky Bluegrass to a fescue lawn, the bluegrass, with its spreading growth behavior and improved shade tolerance, will help fill in foot traffic and urine spots. Kentucky bluegrass seeding rates of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet seem to work well. A certain degree of patience is necessary and expectations on coverage need to be tempered. Per the Certainty Herbicide product label for dallisgrass suppression, you would use 1.25 oz per acre. Bermuda grass also stands up well to high foot traffic, making it perfect for busy lawns. Furthermore, there is a chance that Zoysia would choke out Bermuda grass, as this dense turf would reduce summer weeds and choke out surrounding grasses, especially when planted as plugs. At the start, your lawn will remain green into the Winter, but eventually, Zoysia will take over and your lawn will go dormant. Even if Zoysia creeps into an established Bluegrass lawn, it is very likely to outcompete the Bluegrass. 2016. Seed blends of different grasses naturally adapt to a changing environment, whether it be changes from sun to shade, hot to cool, wet to dry, or season to season. Environmental challenges and turfgrass species limitations led sports field managers (Winka 2016) and golf course superintendents (Nicoludis 2019) alike to adopt a two-grass system. Mowing Kentucky Bluegrass too short will cause it to struggle. "With bluemuda fairways, a golf course can have improved year-round playing conditions, color enhancement, greater traffic tolerance, reduced risk for bermudagrass winter injury and less weed competition all without the added costs associated with a traditional ryegrass overseed program. Applying seed too close together will result in clumps of grass competing with each other. Kentucky bluegrass is perhaps the most popular cool-season grass used in Utah landscapes because it is soft, durable, and holds up well to foot traffic. However, Zoysia propagates laterally, or creeps and is quick to spread out, often out competing weeds and other grasses. This is where cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses can both survive. Baucom Elementary. Seed zoysia at 2 Lbs. Its winter dormancy period does last longer than other grasses. This could include watering more sporadically, fertilizing more often, or incorporating compost into areas that need increased water retention. Ill be on vacation until Aug. 9th. ''As for winter hardiness,'' says Murray, ''it could probably survive in Minnesota.'' The best practice is to plant a two inch plug every six inches. Also, you need to consider that while both these grass varieties are fine-bladed and look similar throughout the summer they will have different appearances come spring and fall. Bluegrass seedlings have even less chance of survival in an established Zoysia lawn. Thermal Blue shows up in products like Scotts' new Turf Builder Heat-Tolerant Blue Mix ($30 for seven pounds), a blend of tall fescue and hybrid bluegrass. It thrives in sandy soils and clay soils with poor drainage. Therefore, the total material cost to convert bermudagrass fairways to bluemuda could be as low as $695 per acre. For Grass Seed, our. I made the transition from Fescue to Emerald Zoysia in late July 2003. 2. Kentucky Bluegrass. Although having to manage both cool- and warm-season turf within the same stand might seem like a challenge for herbicide selection, it is not of great concern as weed development is typically minimal with bluemuda. Kentucky Bluegrass# Kentucky Bluegrass is an excellent choice for lawn grass for those living in a cool climate. ", "The total material cost to convert bermudagrass fairways to bluemuda could be as low as $695 per acre.". hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4747654, '69baa0d8-d844-42a2-b430-5e16820edba7', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); If you are starting your Zoysia Grass lawn, you are going to have, Our general Ohio recommendation is a mix of 5% Microclover, 90% Turf Type Tall Fescue, and 5% Kentucky Bluegrass for our region. A Warm SeasonGrass that Standsup to Heat, Drought, and FootTraffic. You can always take a sample of your lawn to a local nursery to determine what type of grass you have if you are unsure. For yellowing of the leaves, apply ferrous sulfate with 1 tablespoon per 3 gallons of water applied to 1,000 square feet of grass. It is a cool-season grass that grows best in regions with mild summers and cold winters. ''This zoysia is going to be a little faster spreading,'' says Murray, ''have a little broader leaf, a little better drought tolerance, hold its color longer in the winter, and have better resistance to the rust. However, take note that they may have different appearances come spring and fall, which can affect your lawns overall appearance. However, the total amount of additional water should not be overwhelming as the new cultivars are quite drought tolerant. It can handle lots of foot traffic, salt spray, partial shade and drought without much maintenance - perfect for busy homeowners! Aerate your lawn using a hand aerifier or machine-driven aerifier. Kentucky Bluegrass name: Poa pratensis L. . When choosing a grass to combine with your Zoysia, be careful to consider its maintenance needs as well. Zoysia is known for choking out other grasses. Zoysia is a warm season grass that is popular for its heat tolerance and durability. It can also be used in areas that are prone to erosion such as drip lines and on hills. At minimum, golf carts should be restricted for the first three weeks immediately after planting and ideally through the entire fall. I do not recommend overseeding warm season grass with cool season grass (fescue,rye) in the winter. It has a deep, green color and excellent texture. Waiting until fall to complete such work is less than optimal as this timing could limit bermudagrass recovery prior to winter dormancy. Late spring is the best timeframe to complete such tasks. Cool season grasses prefer mild to cold temperatures. In addition to Kentucky Bluegrass, other perennial cool-season grasses will be outcompeted by Zoysia during the summer months. They sell sod to Home Depot. Thus, they have begun to plant more bermuda grasses and zoysia, both of which must be plugged or sprigged, setting in individual plants in staggered rows with 10- or 12-inch centers, like planting trees in an orchard. For many golf courses, it is a constant battle to prevent high-traffic areas from thinning out each spring. Prodiamine Coverages Per Year. Its rapid growth rate, hardy nature, and ability to recover quickly after being trampled make it a great choice for many owners. This perennial grass offers easy growth and winter hardiness once established. [img]http://www.lawnplugs.com/images/s-lawnplugs/emerald-zoy1.jpg[/img]. RUNNER UP: Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed. Height of cut will also impact the amount of fertility that is required to maintain healthy turf. If your established Zoysia lawn is growing well in your lawn, its unlikely that the Kentucky Bluegrass seed you spread will grow very well there. so Im torn between these two. Using Annual Ryegrass gets better results with less work. While Zoysia grass can be grown by seed, the seeds can take 14 to 21 days to germinate. What Grasses Mix Well with Zoysia Grass? Bluemuda, a mixed turf stand comprised of Kentucky bluegrass and bermudagrass (not to be confused with Blue-Muda the seeded bermudagrass cultivar that was featured in the 1997 National Bermudagrass Test) is gaining popularity across the transition zone. For a shaded lawn with some sunny areas, he suggests a mix of 50-60% fine fescues, 30-40% Kentucky bluegrass, and 10-20% perennial ryegrass. However, Zoysia's heat and cold tolerance allow it to flourish in this region. Some people have wondered, can I mix Zoysia and Bermuda grass? While people combine different grass varieties for a thicker lawn, you need to know if both varieties go well together. If you plan to lay sod in your yard, it will likely be a Kentucky bluegrass mix because sod farms predominantly grow this type of sod. Lawns made up of mixed varieties can improve hardiness. '', Homeowners in the transition zone traditionally have leaned toward cool-season bluegrass and fescue, Murray says. Zoysia is considered an invasive grass in many regions specifically because it chokes out and kills other grasses. All Rights Reserved. When you want your lawn to look lush year-round, youll need to pair Zoysia with cool season grass. Applying urea i.e., 46-0-0 at a total rate of 1 to 1.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet spread out over several weeks is worthwhile in situations where getting to a complete green sward as soon as possible is of the utmost importance. View More. A complete fertilizer, such as an 18-24-12, that has some slow-release nitrogen will result in consistent turf growth during establishment. The amount of water you use will vary as the water acts as the carrier. A rate of 9 fluid ounces per acre on four-week intervals is appropriate. Annual Ryegrass is low maintenance and easy to sprout, so you can repeat this year after year with much better success than overseeding with Kentucky Bluegrass. St. Augustine stands up to moderate foot traffic and shouldnt be planted in areas with a lot of pedestrian activity. If you know what weeds you need to treat, then we are happy to assist you with finding an appropriate product. However, it's a "limited use" grass. It lacks the bumpy transition period and shouldnt require annual seeding each fall. From fertilizing to controlling those pesky weeds, we have the entirety of lawn care covered! If you overseed Zoysia with Kentucky Bluegrass, the bluegrass is often choked out in summer. Although the population can be dynamic, both species should be present and able to coexist under good watering, fertility and mowing regimes. It is a perennial grass and loves hot weather.. The best soil mixture is a 50/50 mixture of a good composted garden soil and good topsoil. Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most popular options for cool season grasses. The best time to overseed a bermuda grass lawn is in the spring if you're overseeding with a warm-season grass like zoysia. It has been cultivated and planted in the United States. Zoysia is a grass that was originally native to Asia but made its way to the United States in the late 1800s. Then, John Deere lawn mowers are one of the best choices! Turf managers are quickly realizing the benefits of combining these cool- and warm-season turfgrass species as part of a two-grass system that can provide a better-quality playing surface throughout the year in an area of the country that experiences freezing winters . It grows from a very extensive system of rhizomes, underground stems that produce new plants. If you'd like to have a beautiful lawn, please, plant this grass in late spring and early summer. The reason Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass have a less total annual dosage of .55oz/15.6g per 1,000 square feet is because these grass types have shorter growing seasons than warm-season grasses. Using primarily slow-release nitrogen sources can help to avoid flushes of growth. [6 Plant Types], 4 Reasons to Avoid Overseeding Zoysia with Kentucky Bluegrass. This is why it is the hardest grass variety to grow! There are few regions where Kentucky Bluegrass and Zoysia will both grow well. Allow your plants to establish roots before the first mow. Bluegrass seedlings will struggle to compete with Zoysia.
