If you’re looking for a beautiful lawn that can stand up to wear and tear all year long, look no further than Cavalier Zoysia grass.
This tough hybrid turf grass is known for its versatility and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, the toughest foot traffic, and more. Even better, it’s relatively low maintenance and grows best in full sun.
If you’re considering switching to this beautiful grass for your lawn, here’s everything you need to know about Cavalier Zoysia.
What is Cavalier Zoysia Grass, and Where Does It Come From?
Cavalier Zoysia grass is a hybrid turf grass developed in the early 1900s by Dr. Milt Engelke and Texas A&M University. It’s a cross between the Meyer and common Zoysia species native to Asia.
Cavalier Zoysia was originally developed as a pasture grass for cattle, but it quickly became popular for home lawns because of its beauty and durability. Today, it’s widely available across the US and is considered one of the best available options for lawns.
How Does Cavalier Zoysia Grass Differ from Other Types of Grass?
Cavalier Zoysia grass is highly versatile and can withstand various conditions, including extreme heat, drought, heavy foot traffic, and more. It’s also a slower-growing grass, requiring less mowing and maintenance than other types of turf grass. Some other key differences between Cavalier Zoysia and other types of grass include:
- Cavalier Zoysia grass grows best in full sun, while most other types of grass prefer partial shade.
- Cavalier Zoysia is resistant to disease and pests, whereas many other types of grass are susceptible to disease and infestation.
- Cavalier Zoysia is best suited for areas with a lot of foot traffic, while other grasses perform better in less-used areas.
- Cavalier Zoysia has a higher heat tolerance than other types of grass, making it ideal for hot, sunny climates.
- Unlike other zoysia grass, Cavalier Zoysia has fine texture, long, narrow leaves, with low rhizome but high-density stolon production.
How to Plant and Care for Cavalier Zoysia Grass
If you’re looking to plant and care for Cavalier Zoysia grass, there are steps that you should follow to ensure successful growth. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to do:
#1. Choose the right location: Cavalier Zoysia grows best in full sun and preferably in areas with a lot of foot traffic. You should avoid planting it in shaded areas or under trees, as the grass will not thrive.
Additionally, you should ensure the area has proper drainage and is free of any large rocks or tree roots.
#2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, you should till the soil to a depth of six inches to allow the roots to take hold and grow deep into the soil. Additionally, you should add a good layer of compost to the soil for additional nutrition and improved drainage.
#3. Plant the grass: Cavalier Zoysia spreads quickly via its stolons, so you’ll need to plant one grass plug per square foot.
You can plant the plugs anytime from early spring to late fall, as long as the soil temperature is at least 55°F. Ideally, it’s advisable to irrigate the newly planted grass plugs every day for a few weeks to help them take hold and grow deep roots.
Once planted, Cavalier Zoysia requires very little maintenance and watering. Mow it once per week with a standard lawnmower, and only water the grass when it shows signs of stress.
What Are The Advantages Of Having Cavalier Zoysia Grass On Your Lawn?
There are many benefits to having Cavalier Zoysia grass on your lawn, including:
It provides a thick carpet of beautiful green grass resistant to disease, pests, and extreme weather conditions.
It offers a low-maintenance lawn, which requires less mowing and watering than other grass types.
It’s a versatile grass that can be used for different purposes, including playing field turf, golf course turf, and home lawns.
What Kind of Maintenance Is Required For Cavalier Zoysia Grass?
Cavalier Zoysia grass is a low-maintenance grass that doesn’t require much care and maintenance. However, there’re things you should do to keep your lawn looking its best:
Mow the grass regularly: Cavalier Zoysia grass should be mowed with a standard lawnmower once per week.
Water the grass regularly: Watered Cavalier Zoysia grass regularly to prevent it from going dormant during periods of drought.
Fertilize the grass: Cavalier Zoysia grass needs a steady supply of nutrients to remain healthy, so you should fertilize it at least twice per year using an appropriate fertilizer.
Common Problems with Cavalier Zoysia Grass and Solution
While Cavalier Zoysia grass is tough and versatile, it’s not immune to problems. Some of the most common issues with this type of grass include:
Weed infestation: Weeds can be difficult to control on any lawn, and Cavalier Zoysia grass is no exception. To prevent weeds from taking over your lawn, you should use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from sprouting.
Brown patches: Brown patches can be caused by various factors, including nutrient deficiencies, drought stress, and diseases. To prevent brown patches from forming, you should fertilize the grass regularly and water it deeply during periods of drought.
Pests: Pests such as moles, grubs, and other insects can be nuisances. To deal with these pests, you should consider using chemical or natural pest control methods to get rid of them. Additionally, you should keep your lawn free of debris and overgrown grass to prevent pests from taking up residence.
Final thoughts
Cavalier Zoysia grass is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, versatile lawn. With proper care and maintenance, your Cavalier Zoysia lawn will look beautiful and healthy for many years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about this grass type and how to take care of it, talk to a professional landscaper in your area.
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