Winter and Pre-Spring Care for ZOYSIA Grass in North Texas
Zoysia grass is a popular choice for lawns in North Texas due to its durability, lush appearance, and drought tolerance. While it thrives in warm weather, Zoysia grass, like other warm-season grasses, enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to forget about your lawn altogether.
Proper winter and pre-spring care for Zoysia grass is essential for ensuring that it recovers quickly in the spring and thrives throughout the warmer months.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about caring for Zoysia grass during the winter and early spring. Plus, we’ll include some fun “Did you know?” facts to make you a Zoysia lawn expert!
1. Understanding Zoysia Grass Dormancy
Zoysia grass, like other warm-season grasses, slows down and goes dormant in winter. During this time, the grass turns brown and stops growing, conserving energy until temperatures warm up. It’s important to understand this dormancy cycle so you don’t overwater or over-fertilize during the colder months.
Did you know? Zoysia grass can stay dormant for several months during the winter, but it typically begins to green up again when soil temperatures rise above 55°F. In North Texas, this usually happens around mid to late March.
2. Mowing Before Dormancy Sets In
Before Zoysia grass goes dormant, it’s a good idea to give it one last mow. But be sure not to cut it too short. In late fall, when the grass is still actively growing, mow it to a height of about 1.5 to 2 inches. This height allows for better air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. Cutting your Zoysia grass too short can stress it out and lead to an unhealthy lawn when it comes out of dormancy.
Did you know? Zoysia grass has a slow growth rate, so it may require fewer mowings throughout the season compared to other grasses like Bermuda or Kentucky Bluegrass.
3. Watering During Winter Dormancy
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is over-watering their dormant Zoysia grass. Since Zoysia grass is not actively growing in the winter, it doesn’t need as much water. In fact, over-watering can lead to root rot and promote the growth of fungal diseases.
During the winter months, Zoysia grass typically only needs watering once every two to four weeks, depending on rainfall. If there’s a dry spell, a deep watering every few weeks is usually enough. Avoid watering when temperatures are below freezing, as this can lead to ice accumulation and damage to the grass.
Did you know? Zoysia grass is highly drought-tolerant once it’s fully established. Its deep root system allows it to access water from lower soil layers, which makes it an ideal grass type for North Texas’s hot summers and dry conditions.
4. Fertilizing Zoysia Grass in Winter
Fertilizing Zoysia grass during the winter is not recommended, as the grass is dormant and won’t be able to absorb the nutrients. However, you can start planning for your spring fertilizer application.
Zoysia grass benefits from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) when it begins to green up in early spring. Fertilizing too early can result in weak growth that may be susceptible to frost damage, so wait until the soil temperature consistently stays above 55°F.
Did you know? Over-fertilizing Zoysia grass in the winter can cause the grass to green up too early, which makes it vulnerable to late-season frosts. Be sure to fertilize only when the grass is actively growing.
5. Protecting Your Lawn from Weeds
Winter weeds like chickweed, henbit, and dandelions can invade your Zoysia lawn during the dormant period, especially if your lawn has thin spots or bare patches. To prevent weed growth, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall is essential. Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
If you didn’t apply pre-emergent herbicide in the fall, you may still spot-treat weeds manually during the winter months. Be careful when using post-emergent herbicides, as they can damage dormant Zoysia grass if applied improperly.
Did you know? Zoysia grass, once established, forms a dense carpet-like layer that is excellent at crowding out weeds. However, it can take a couple of years to achieve this level of density, so early weed prevention is key.
6. Raking and Cleaning Up Debris
Even though your Zoysia grass is dormant, you should still keep your lawn clean and free of debris. Fallen leaves, branches, and other yard waste can block sunlight from reaching the grass and trap moisture, which could lead to fungal diseases. Plus, excess debris can make it difficult for your lawn to wake up properly in the spring.
Use a leaf blower or rake to remove debris, especially in areas where water tends to collect. Raking can also help reduce thatch buildup and keep your lawn looking tidy.
Did you know? Zoysia grass tends to have a slower recovery time from thatch buildup compared to other grasses. Aerating in the fall or early spring can help improve airflow to the roots and reduce the risk of thatch-related issues.
7. Prepping for Spring Green-Up
Once winter begins to fade and temperatures rise, your Zoysia grass will begin to break dormancy and start greening up. The best way to prepare for this transition is to do the following:
- Rake up any remaining debris: By removing leaves and other clutter, you allow sunlight to reach the grass and promote healthy growth.
- Aerate your lawn: If you didn’t aerate in the fall, early spring is a good time to do so. Aerating helps reduce soil compaction and improves water and nutrient absorption.
- Increase watering gradually: As temperatures climb, you’ll need to begin watering your Zoysia grass more frequently to support its growth. But be mindful not to over-water, as Zoysia grass is highly drought-tolerant and prefers deeper, infrequent watering.
Did you know? Zoysia grass typically takes longer to green up than other warm-season grasses like Bermuda. However, once it begins growing, it develops a lush, carpet-like appearance that is highly valued in residential lawns.
Conclusion
Caring for Zoysia grass in North Texas during the winter and early spring months involves understanding its dormancy cycle and providing just the right amount of attention. Avoid over-watering, over-fertilizing, or disturbing the grass too much while it’s dormant. By following these simple tips — from proper mowing and watering to weed prevention and early spring preparation — you’ll be setting your Zoysia lawn up for success in the coming months.
Zoysia grass may be slow to wake up in the spring, but with the right care, it will reward you with a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn throughout the hot Texas summer.
Don’t let weeds steal the spotlight! Contact American Lawnscape today to learn more about our Weed Control and Ferilization Program. Our experienced technicians will assess your lawn and recommend the most effective solution to keep those pesky winter weeds at bay.
Any Questions?
As always, please reach out with any questions pertaining to your yard. You can reply or call/text (214-308-1322). We appreciate getting to work with you and appreciate your partnership.
Check back often as I will be giving you the “dirt” on all of our common grass types!
Keep it Green!
Learn More Information
2024/25 Winter Weed Series (#1 of 8)
How do I manage my Sprinkler System during all of this rain?
Why it’s Important For Turf Health To Aerate Your Lawn
Understanding Watering is Critical to Your Lawn’s Health
What are Pre-emergent Products?