Understanding Zoysia Grass Dormancy
Zoysia grass is a warm-season species that goes fully dormant when soil temperatures drop below 55 degrees F. The lawn turns tan or straw-colored, which is completely normal. Dormancy is the grass's natural survival mechanism for cold weather.
Final Mowing of the Season
Make your last mow slightly shorter than usual, at about 1.5 inches. This reduces the amount of dead leaf tissue that can harbor disease over winter. Bag the clippings rather than leaving them on the lawn to prevent matting.
Winter Watering Needs
Dormant zoysia still needs occasional moisture. If your area experiences extended dry periods in winter, water deeply once every 3-4 weeks. This prevents the root system from desiccating, which can cause winterkill. Focus watering during warm spells when the ground isn't frozen.
Avoid Winter Foot Traffic
Frozen zoysia grass blades are brittle and break easily. Minimize foot traffic on dormant lawns, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. Repeated damage to dormant crowns creates bare patches that weeds exploit in spring.
Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in late winter (February in most zoysia zones) before weed seeds germinate. Products containing prodiamine or pendimethalin prevent annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass from establishing.
Watch for Brown Patch Disease
Although zoysia is disease-resistant, prolonged leaf wetness in mild winter weather can trigger brown patch. Look for circular patches of dead grass. Improve drainage and avoid late-afternoon watering to reduce risk.
Spring Green-Up Expectations
Zoysia is one of the last warm-season grasses to green up in spring, often waiting until soil temperatures consistently reach 70 degrees F. Don't rush fertilization too early. Wait until you see active green growth before applying nitrogen.
