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Michael Bell, Safer PropertiesPhone: (707) 548-1611
Email: [email protected]

Grass seeding: Zoysia grass & your lawn

by Michael Bell 01/20/2025



When it comes to planting a grass lawn, you have the option of using rolls, plugs or seeding. Zoysia grass, a popular warm-season grass used in many lawns, can be planted successfully all three ways. While plugs and rolls are a quicker method, seeding can be more cost-effective.

If you’re interested in growing a zoysia grass lawn from seed, here is a basic guide to help:

Timing is everything

One of the keys to planting zoysia seed is to choose the right time of year. Zoysia grass seed will not germinate if the temperatures are too cold, so don’t plant until you’re safe from a chance of frost. Optimal timing is early or mid-spring, so the grass has enough time to establish itself before winter.

Start with a clean slate

Before a zoysia grass lawn can grow and thrive, it needs a clear space to do so. Remove debris like thatch, sticks, old leaves or dead grass before you get started. It’s also important to clear away any living vegetation like weeds, so they don’t compete with the new zoysia grass for space and nutrients.

Prep & fertilize

Like with all lawn grasses, zoysia grass will thrive with the right amount and type of fertilizer. One great way to prepare your zoysia lawn for success is to treat the soil with a complete lawn fertilizer or fresh compost before planting.

Spread, sow & water

Once the soil is prepared, use a seed spreader to distribute the zoysia seed evenly throughout the space. Then, cover the seeds with a small layer of sand or soil, no larger than ¼ inch. This will help insulate the seeds and improve germination success.

Zoysia grass seed needs plenty of water to get started. Water regularly so the seeds stay moist for the first 14 days. Adjust your watering habits based on weather conditions: in hot temperatures, water more often to help the grass seed flourish into a beautiful lawn. However, be sure to follow local watering laws and recommendations.

By following these basic steps for growing zoysia grass from seed, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy lawn.

About the Author
Author

Michael Bell

In twenty five years of real estate sales and marketing experience, I have sold hundreds of properties, while developing detailed knowledge of Sonoma & Napa area communities. I am a life-long resident in the North Bay and after a full day at work, I enjoy spending time with my four children, and participating in their many school and recreational activities. 

Over the years, my clients have expressed diverse plans and dreams. I seek to truly understand and appreciate my clients' goals, focusing my efforts on realizing them. It has been fun learning more about the unique opportunities that attract people to the area such as the culinary community, the viticulture and wine industry as well as outdoor adventure tourism. It is important to me to listen to my clients, do what it takes to serve their needs and I am dedicated to treating everyone involved in a transaction both in a personal and professional manner. I work hard to anticipate and respond to the routine tasks at hand as well as the complex challenges that come up during real estate transactions while ensuring my goal to deliver you the outcome you desire.